On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition challenging the postponement of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Super Speciality (NEET SS) Examination for 2024. The court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, upheld the decision by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to delay the exam, but directed the NMC to schedule the test as soon as possible to provide clarity for students.
The petition was filed by 13 doctors, including Rahul Balwan, who argued that postponing the NEET SS 2024 was arbitrary and unfair. They requested the court to mandate that the examination be conducted in July or August 2024, reversing the NMC’s decision made on February 21, which indefinitely postponed the test.
The NMC decided to postpone the NEET SS 2024 due to complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic delayed the MD/MS and DNB courses for 2021, causing a knock-on effect on the eligibility of candidates for the NEET SS 2024. The NMC explained that because the NEET-PG 2021 courses were held later than usual, candidates from that batch would not be eligible for the 2024 super specialty exams.
The petitioners, who are doctors at different stages in their careers, expressed frustration over the delay. They argued that the postponement disrupted their career plans and caused significant stress. Many of these doctors had quit their jobs or turned down new positions to focus on preparing for the NEET SS 2024. They claimed that the postponement violated their right to a predictable and fair examination schedule.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the concerns but found that the NMC’s decision to postpone the examination was not arbitrary. The court emphasized the need for the NMC to set a new date for the exam promptly. This decision aims to restore some certainty for the affected candidates.
The petitioners highlighted that postponing the NEET SS 2024 not only impacts their professional lives but also affects the broader healthcare system. They argued that delaying the exam could lead to a shortage of qualified doctors and negatively impact patient care.
The court has directed the NMC to expedite the scheduling of the NEET SS 2024. The doctors involved in the petition hope that this will bring clarity and prevent further disruptions to the academic and professional calendar. They also urged the NMC to address any irregularities caused by the pandemic to avoid future delays.
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