09 August 2024: The Supreme Court of India is set to hear petitions today regarding the postponement of the NEET-PG 2024 examination, which is scheduled for August 11, 2024. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will address the concerns raised by the petitioners, who argue that the allocation of exam cities has created significant logistical challenges for candidates.
Key Points from the Hearing
- Petition Details: The petitions, filed by Vishal Soren and others against the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences, highlight that many candidates have been assigned cities that are inconvenient for travel. The cities were allocated on July 31, with specific exam centers announced only on August 8, leaving candidates with little time to arrange transportation.
- Travel Difficulties: Petitioners have noted that the short notice has resulted in limited availability of train tickets and high airfare costs, complicating travel plans for over two lakh students. They argue that while the allocation of cities was intended to prevent malpractice, it has instead caused undue hardship.
- Request for Transparency: In addition to postponing the exam, the petitioners are seeking disclosure of the normalization formula used for the four sets of question papers to ensure fairness in the evaluation process.
- Government’s Position: The President of the National Board of Examinations, Abhijat Sheth, has stated that 90% of students have been assigned centers within their home states, with only a small percentage allocated to nearby states due to a shortage of testing seats.
Context of the Exam
The NEET-PG 2024 exam was initially scheduled for July 23 but was postponed due to concerns over irregularities in the NEET UG examination. The current situation has raised alarms among candidates, especially with recent allegations of a potential paper leak circulating on social media.
Expectations from the Hearing
The Supreme Court’s decision will be closely watched, as it may lead to a reassignment of test centers or a postponement of the exam if the court finds the petitioners’ concerns valid. The outcome could significantly impact the candidates’ preparation and travel arrangements for the upcoming examination. As the hearing unfolds, further updates will be provided regarding the court’s ruling and any subsequent actions taken by the National Board of Examinations.
