Apex court slams government of India on changes over NEET post-graduation super-specialty examination

The top court questioned the centre why these changes to the NEET post-graduation super speciality examination cannot be initiated next year and not right now this year.

Considering a writ petition filed by 41 PG doctors challenging the "last minute" and "abrupt" changes, a bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and BV Nagarathna asked the authorities why the changes can't be enforced next year.

In 2018, NEET SS involved 40 per cent of the questions from general medicine and 60 per cent from the super speciality. This time, however, all questions are to be from general medicine.

“Young doctors cannot be left to the mercy of insensitive bureaucrats and cannot be treated like football,” Justice D.Y. Chandrachud lashed out at the National Board of Examination (NBE) and the National Medical Commission (NMC), besides the Centre.

"Don't treat these young doctors as footballs in the game of power. Hold the meeting and put your house in order.

Justice B.V. Nagarathna, on the Bench, observed that students’ study patterns would be according to the pattern of the exam. A sudden change in the exam pattern at the last minute would leave them floundering.

Justice Chandrachud asked the government why it was in such a hurry to change the pattern this year itself, that too after the exam was notified.

“Students prepare for months for such exams... Just because you have the power you are wielding power like this. Please speak to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to look at this,” Justice Chandrachud said.