Supreme Court Rejects NEET PG Re-Test Plea, Imposes Rs 25,000 Fine On Petitioner

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a re-test of the NEET PG 2026 examination for all candidates. The court also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on the petitioner while strongly criticising the advocate who filed the plea.

A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe heard the matter. During the hearing, the court questioned the lawyer about the reason for filing the petition and his involvement in examination-related cases. The bench also expressed concern over the alleged misuse of writ jurisdiction.

“It appears this person has become a full-time PIL litigant. Wherever exams are conducted, you go on to file petitions. Why did you file a petition earlier to stay? Is it at your instance or the petitioner really interested in filing it? We will ask the Bar Council of India to take serious action against you,” the top court told the lawyer.

Justice Narasimha also questioned the lawyer over his alleged practice of approaching students through social media and taking up cases concerning examinations. He said, “We will ask the Bar Council of India to take action against you. Just because of getting two more extra briefs, you are seeking cases on social media. How are you concerned about so many students calling you and informing you? Do you realise the kind of harm you are causing this country?”

What Was The NEET PG Re-Test Plea About?

The PIL sought a fresh NEET PG examination for all candidates. The petitioner argued that the examination should be conducted again, referring to a Supreme Court order passed in May 2025 that directed NEET PG to be held in a single shift.

The plea came in the backdrop of disruption faced by candidates at two examination centres in Jaipur. 2,445 candidates were reportedly unable to complete their examination because of an internal power outage at the centres.

Following the incident, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) announced a separate examination for the candidates who were affected by the disruption. The re-examination is scheduled to take place on September 5.

However, the PIL sought a re-test for all NEET PG candidates instead of restricting the examination to those who faced the disruption in Jaipur.

During the hearing, the counsel representing NBEMS told the Supreme Court that the problem was limited to two examination centres in Jaipur. The court was also informed that the NEET PG examination had been conducted at 1,111 centres across the country.

The bench also noted that the petitioners were from Noida and Punjab and were not among the candidates affected by the incident in Jaipur. Justice Alok Aradhe asked the counsel whether the petitioners themselves intended to appear for the NEET PG examination. The counsel replied in the negative.

Supreme Court Dismisses NEET PG Re-Test Plea

After hearing the submissions, the Supreme Court dismissed the PIL seeking a fresh NEET PG examination for all candidates. The court also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on the petitioner.

The bench’s observations were primarily directed at the advocate’s conduct and the manner in which the petition had been filed. The court indicated that it would ask the Bar Council of India to consider taking action against the lawyer.

The court also expressed concern over the impact that repeated examination-related petitions can have on students. NEET PG is a major medical entrance examination, and uncertainty over its conduct can affect thousands of medical graduates preparing for postgraduate admissions.