NEET-PG 2025: Counselling registration begins, controversy continues
NEET-PG 2025: Counselling registration begins, controversy continues
The most significant recent update regarding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET-PG) is that the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has begun the registration process for counselling for the 2025 session. However, this comes after months of delay and amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the exam’s integrity.
Registration and Counselling
- Registration started: The registration process for Round 1 of NEET-PG 2025 counselling began on October 17, 2025, on the official MCC website, mcc.nic.in.
- Information bulletin released: An information bulletin is available, but the detailed counselling schedule is still pending.
- All India Quota seats: The counselling is for admission to MD, MS, and Diploma programmes under the 50% All India Quota (AIQ).
Key controversies and issues
The 2025 admission cycle has been plagued with issues, including exam delays, alleged misconduct, and legal challenges.
- Supreme Court intervention:
- The Supreme Court intervened, ordering the exam to be held in a single shift on August 3, 2025, after a planned two-shift format drew criticism.
- The court also issued a notice to the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) and the Centre regarding transparency in the exam’s evaluation process.
- Data leak: A major data breach was reported, in which personal details of approximately 1.38 lakh aspirants were allegedly leaked and sold online.
- Malpractice and annulled results: NBEMS cancelled the results of 22 candidates over allegations of using unfair means during exams conducted between 2021 and 2025.
- Transparency plea: Aspirants have expressed dissatisfaction with the answer key format, which displayed only question IDs instead of full questions. A plea demanding more transparency is pending before the Supreme Court.
- Delayed counselling: The start of counselling was delayed primarily due to pending court cases and the National Medical Commission (NMC) needing to approve seats in some medical colleges.
Background on the NEET-PG 2025 exam
- The exam was conducted on August 3, 2025, with approximately 2.4 lakh candidates appearing nationwide.
- The results were declared by early September.
- The qualifying cut-off scores for NEET-PG 2025 were lowered for all categories.
✅ Important Updates & Timeline
1. Exam Date & Format
- The exam was originally scheduled for June 15, 2025. The Economic Times+2NBEMS+2
- Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India that it should be held in a single shift, it was postponed. www.ndtv.com+2The Times of India+2
- The revised date for NEET PG 2025 is August 3, 2025, in a single‐shift format. India Today Best Colleges+2www.ndtv.com+2
- The exam was conducted through the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) in computer‐based mode. More than ~2.42 lakh candidates appeared. The Indian Express+1
2. Application Process
- Application opened on April 17, 2025 and closed on May 7, 2025. Shiksha+2NBEMS+2
- Candidates were given a correction window. NBEMS+1
3. Result, Cut‐Offs, and Counselling
- The result and cut‐offs were released after the exam. Shiksha+1
- The counselling process for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats via the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) began registration on October 17, 2025. The Indian Express
⚠️ Key Issues & Alerts
• Data Breach
There was a data leak involving aspirant personal details ahead of counselling, with the data reportedly being circulated and sold. The New Indian Express
• Results Annulled for Malpractice
The NBEMS cancelled results of 22 candidates across various years (13 of these from 2025 session) due to malpractice investigations. The Indian Express
• Delays in Admission/Counselling
Post‐exam admissions have been subject to delays due to:
- Ongoing court cases seeking transparency (e.g., full release of question papers) involving the Supreme Court. The Indian Express+1
- Approval of new seats/medical colleges and related regulatory steps are yet to be finalised, which is impacting seat allotment. The Times of India
• Advisory against Scams
NBEMS issued advisories cautioning candidates about fake SMS, emails, social‐media posts claiming to offer exam leaks, guaranteed seats etc. The Economic Times+1
📌 Why These Matter for Aspirants
- The single‐shift format aims at fairness (all candidates see same paper) which could affect difficulty norms.
- The postponement gives slightly more prep time—but also adds uncertainty.
- Seat allocation delays mean candidates need to plan for potential waiting and manage expectations.
- Data leaks & scams emphasise the importance of verifying information from official portals only.
- Malpractice actions reinforce the high‐stakes environment and the need to maintain integrity.