The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has officially announced that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses (NEET PG) 2025 will take place on June 15, 2025. This year's exam will be conducted in a computer-based format across two shifts, a decision that has sparked considerable debate among prospective candidates.
The notification for NEET PG 2025 is set to be released on April 17, 2025, at 3 PM, with the online application window opening at the same time. Candidates will have until May 7, 2025, at 11:55 PM to submit their applications. Results for the exam are expected to be announced on July 15, 2025.
Each year, nearly two lakh MBBS graduates compete for approximately 52,000 postgraduate medical seats available across India. The NEET PG exam has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the introduction of the two-shift format last year. In 2024, the exam was held on August 11, with the first shift running from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and the second from 3:30 PM to 7 PM.
Despite the NBEMS's insistence on maintaining the two-shift format, many candidates have voiced their concerns. They argue that the current system leads to inconsistencies in question paper difficulty and raises questions about the fairness of the score normalization process. The two-shift system was adopted to accommodate the growing number of candidates, but it has not been without its controversies.
The normalization method implemented by NBEMS aims to ensure parity across shifts, but it has faced criticism, especially after issues arose during the state counseling process and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) NEET PG counseling last year. Aspirants have urged the NBEMS and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to reconsider their decision to conduct the exam in multiple shifts, citing concerns over the integrity of the merit list.
Additionally, a recent viral tweet falsely claimed that NEET PG 2025 had been postponed to August 17. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) quickly dispelled these rumors, confirming that the exam would proceed as scheduled on June 15.
For the upcoming NEET PG 2025, candidates from the general, OBC, and EWS categories will be required to pay an application fee of Rs 3,500, while those from SC and ST categories will need to pay Rs 2,500. Eligibility for the exam requires candidates to have completed their MBBS degree and the compulsory internship from a medical college recognized by the NMC, along with registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or a State Medical Council (SMC).
As part of the information bulletin set to be released on April 17, candidates will find detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and syllabus. The bulletin will be available on the official NBEMS website, natboard.edu.in, where candidates can also find the application link once it is activated.
The announcement of the NEET PG 2025 exam date has elicited mixed reactions from aspirants and medical associations. Many have expressed a desire to revert to the traditional single-shift format, which they believe would be more manageable and equitable. However, the NBEMS has reiterated its commitment to conducting the examination in two shifts, as seen in the previous year.
In response to the ongoing concerns surrounding the two-shift examination format, the NBEMS has yet to provide any official commentary or adjustments to the process. As candidates prepare for the upcoming exam, they are advised to stay updated through the official channels to ensure they do not miss any critical information.
As NEET PG 2025 approaches, the landscape of postgraduate medical education in India continues to evolve. The increase in available seats—from 31,185 before 2014 to 74,306 today—reflects the growing demand for medical education in the country. However, with this growth comes the challenge of ensuring a fair and transparent examination process.
For many aspiring doctors, the NEET PG exam represents a significant milestone in their medical careers. As they navigate the application process and prepare for the exam, the importance of maintaining a level playing field cannot be overstated. The NBEMS's decisions in the coming weeks will be closely watched by candidates and medical professionals alike.
In summary, the NEET PG 2025 examination is set for June 15, with applications opening on April 17. While the two-shift format remains in place, the ongoing discussions surrounding its fairness and efficacy highlight the complexities of administering such a critical examination in a rapidly growing field. As candidates gear up for the challenge, they must remain vigilant and informed, ensuring that they are fully prepared for what lies ahead.
