While hundreds of MBBS graduates across Chhattisgarh have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to conduct the NEET-PG in a single shift, the postponement of the exam from June 15 to August 3 has caused stress and anxiety among many aspirants. Most graduates believe that the 45-day delay will not only impact the exam results but also affect the admission process and the start of postgraduate courses (MD, MS, and diploma programs) in various medical colleges. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) recently confirmed that NEET-PG 2025 will be held on August 3 in a single shift.

 

However, this delay is expected to push back the counseling rounds and academic sessions in medical institutions both at the national and state levels. Richa Sharma, a first-time PG aspirant who completed her MBBS last year, said, “It’s a relief that the exam will now be held in a single shift, which makes it fair for everyone. But the delay of over 45 days is stressful and will affect the admission process too.” Yusuf, a second-time aspirant from Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur, shared a similar concern.

 

“Last year, I appeared in the second shift, which was tougher than the first. A single shift is better, but this long delay adds to the pressure, especially for those appearing for the third or fourth time,” he said. Typically, NEET-PG admissions are finalized through three to four rounds of counseling. Due to the delay, many medical colleges may not be able to start PG classes before November, potentially disrupting the academic year. Dr. Vivek Choudhari, Dean of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College and Research Centre, explained that holding the exam in a single shift requires more preparation time. “That’s why the National Medical Commission has postponed the exam. While admissions will be affected, the impact may not be too severe,” he said.