Thousands of medical graduates nationwide are awaiting clarity on postgraduate seat allotments, months after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) results were declared on August 19 . The ongoing delay in counseling dates has sparked widespread frustration among doctors, who accuse exam authorities of poor planning.
NEET PG Counseling Halted Amid Supreme Court Case
The NEET PG exam, initially expected in June-July , was eventually held in August . Despite the results being released, the critical counseling process, which allocates seats, has not yet begun. This stagnation is due to a case currently pending in the Supreme Court, preventing the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the National Board of Examinations (NBE) from announcing a schedule.
For affected doctors, each day of delay translates into financial strain, prolonged uncertainty over future placements, and growing anxiety about their academic year. Many are without income while awaiting the next steps in their careers.
Doctors Voice Frustration Over Systemic Delays
The issue gained significant attention after Dr. Nachiket Bhatia highlighted the ongoing problems on social media, stating the system ‘tests doctors’ patience instead of their merit.’ He described the delays as a ‘yearly ritual,’ criticizing the lack of timelines and accountability from the responsible bodies.
Other medical professionals have echoed these concerns. Dr. Sonu SM noted that doctors ‘are mocked like puppets in this distressful journey,’ while Dr. Shreyansh Goyal questioned the effectiveness of recurrent legal challenges. Dr. Aditya Gautam pointed to a ‘multifactorial mess,’ exacerbated by the silence of medical organizations and the distractions of court hearings.
Adding to these concerns was an alleged data leak last week, reportedly exposing details of over 1.3 lakh candidates online. Many aspirants believe this incident further slowed down an already delayed process, intensifying their uncertainty.
Demand for Fixed Timelines and Accountability
The prolonged uncertainty has prompted doctors to demand a standardized, non-negotiable timeline for the entire NEET PG cycle, from examination to final admission. This proposed calendar aims to prevent future delays from disrupting academic and professional progress for new batches of medical graduates.
Currently, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBESM) has not issued an official update regarding the counseling schedule. Aspirants assert that a predictable system is the minimum they deserve after years dedicated to medical education. The call to ‘Respect our time’ has become a central rallying cry for those advocating for systemic reform within postgraduate medical admissions.