Dr. Anchal Bhatnagar vs H.N.B. Uttarakhand Medical Education

examination in two shifts. First, that the number of candidates who would appear in the said examination are too large, making it difficult for the examining body to identify sufficient number of secure centres to hold the examination in one shift, and the second is that, if the examination is held in one shift, unscrupulous elements may get involved and there could be malpractices.

7. Further, another contention vehemently urged on behalf of the respondents is that even if the examining body makes an effort to identify more secure centres, it would take time which may result in delaying the holding of the examination as per schedule and the consequent process of counselling and admissions, etc., would also be delayed, which would not be in keeping with the timeline fixed by this Court for completion of the admission process.

8. This contention also deserves to be rejected as there is still enough time for the examining body to identify sufficient number of secure centres so as to hold the examination in one shift.

9. We find that the total number of candidates who have applied this year the NEET-PG examination is 2,42,678. The examination will be held all over the country and not in one State. We are not ready to accept that in the entire country, considering the technological advancements we have achieved, the 5 examining body cannot find sufficient number of centres to hold the examination in one shift. In this regard, we may also note that the examining body has collected hefty examination fees of ₹ ₹ 3,500/- from each general category candidate and 2,500 from each SC/ST/PWD category candidate and is, therefore, possessed of more than enough funds to commission sufficient number of centres so as to smoothly hold the examination in one shift.

10. Holding the examination in two shifts would invariably enable arbitrariness and would not entail at- par evaluation of the comparative merit of candidates who take the examinations. No two question papers can ever be said to be at an identical level of difficulty or ease. There is bound to be a variation. Normalization may be applied and adopted exceptional circumstances but not in a routine manner year after year, especially when the number of candidates is not unduly large, as is the case presently.

11. The examination for this year is scheduled to be held on 15th June, 2025. Two weeks’ time is still there for the examining body to identify more centres so as to hold the examination in one shift.

12. We, accordingly, direct the respondents to make necessary arrangements for holding the NEET-PG, 2025, examination in one shift, duly ensuring that complete transparency is maintained and secure centres are identified and commissioned.

13. The second issue raised in these petitions can be considered after the examination is held.

15. List on 14th July, 2025. It would be open to the respondents to apply for extension of time in case they find that they are unable to identify the required number of secure centres.”

7. Later on by the subsequent order dated

06.06.2025, the following order was passed: 6 “IA No. 142418/2025

1. The present application has been preferred by the respondent No.1-National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences seeking reschedulement of NEET PG 2025 examination on 3rd August, 2025, which according to the respondent No.1 is the earliest possible available date given by its technical partner i.e., M/s. Tata Consultancy Services Limited(for short, ‘TCS’)

2. A reference is made to various communications between the respondent No.1 and the TCS highlighting the preparatory paraphernalia needed for the conduct of examination.

3. Having gone through the papers annexed with the Interlocutory Application, we are satisfied that the prayer for extension of time to hold the examination by re- scheduling the date on 3rd August, 2025 is bona fide.

4. Accordingly, the time allowed by our order dated

30.05.2025 for holding the NEET PG 2025 examination is extended and the respondent No.1 is permitted to hold the examination on 3rd August, 2025.

5. However, is made clear that no further extension shall be granted.

6. The present application is, accordingly, allowed.”

8. In pursuance to the aforesaid orders passed by the Hon’ble Apex Court, the examinations were held and vide Public Circular dated 22.08.2025, the Dental Council of India has clarified that the last date of admission in MDS in Dental Institutions is 08.09.2025 and accordingly letters were sent to all Principals of MDS Colleges via email on 02.09.2025.

9. In view of the above, were are of the 7 considered view that the prayer made by the petitioners for admission in MDS Course and to conduct one more stray around after the cutoff date, i.e., after 08.09.2025 cannot be granted.

10. The Writ Petitions fails and are hereby dismissed. (G.NARENDAR, C.J.) (SUBHASH UPADHYAY, J.) Dated: 04.11.2025 Kaushal 8