The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the postponement of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) Examination, initially scheduled for Sunday, June 23rd. The decision to reschedule the exam was made as a precautionary measure, with a new date to be announced soon. The ministry’s official release cited concerns about the integrity and sensitivity of the examination.
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, National President of the United Doctors Front Association, strongly criticized the cancellation, calling it a “scam” and “playing with the emotions of doctors”. He expressed deep concern about the state of India’s medical education system, arguing that it has been severely undermined by the recent controversies.
PG candidates, who had travelled from across the country, condemned the last-minute notice and described the decision as “unserious.” MBBS students at PGMIS Rohtak expressed solidarity with NEET-UG aspirants, who had also faced exam postponements, emphasizing the shared journey of hard work and dedication. They conveyed their empathy, stating that witnessing the efforts of aspiring doctors go to waste is “heartbreaking.” They raised concerns about the potential consequences of undeserving candidates becoming doctors, stating that it could harm everyone.
Social media users echoed the anger and frustration. One user expressed concern over the sudden postponement’s impact on students, noting that it will leave them “traumatised.” They questioned the lack of consideration for the emotional toll on students facing the abrupt delay of crucial exams. Another user highlighted the financial burden incurred by candidates who had travelled long distances for the exam, emphasizing that the government should reimburse their expenses.
Candidates shared their experiences of travelling long distances, often with family members, only to be informed of the postponement hours before the exam. One user described the emotional and logistical challenges faced by a candidate who had travelled from Qatar specifically for the exam, only to be met with the news of its cancellation.
The postponement has sparked widespread calls for accountability and action. Users expressed disappointment with the government’s handling of the situation, questioning their sensitivity to the problems of the common man. They demanded an explanation for the repeated discrepancies in exam conduct and called for the government to take responsibility for the financial and mental troubles caused by the postponement.
The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG exam, which involved allegations of paper leak and irregularities, has put the National Testing Agency (NTA) under intense scrutiny. In response to the criticism, the Centre removed Subodh Singh, the Director General of the NTA, and appointed Pradeep Singh Kharola, the current Chairman and Managing Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), as the interim head.
However, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Centre’s approach of “shuffling bureaucrats,” stating that it does not address the fundamental issues plaguing the education system. He asserted that the NTA was projected to be an autonomous body but had been used to serve the interests of the BJP/RSS. The Ministry of Education has formed a high-level committee of experts tasked with proposing reforms to enhance the examination process, strengthen data security protocols, and improve the NTA’s operational efficiency.
The postponement of the NEET PG exam has ignited a debate about the state of India’s medical education system and the need for greater transparency and accountability in examination processes. It highlights the concerns of aspiring doctors, who are facing increasing uncertainty and challenges in their pursuit of a medical career.
