New Delhi – As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, members of the medical fraternity have called on the government to postpone upcoming postgraduate medical entrance exams, citing safety, logistical challenges, and growing mental stress among candidates.
Leading the appeal are prominent voices from medical student bodies, including Dr. Dhruv Chauhan, National Spokesperson of the Indian Medical Association – Junior Doctors Network (IMA-JDN), and Dr. Lakshya Mittal, President of the United Doctors Front (UDF). Both have urged authorities to delay the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduates (NEET PG) and the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET), currently scheduled for June 15 and May 17 respectively.
“IPL cancelled, CA exams cancelled, and many universities have called off their exams over security concerns. When flights are being grounded and states are on high alert, how can we expect doctors to sit for high-stakes exams in such an environment?” Dr. Chauhan said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
According to him, several exam centres fall in “high-alert” zones such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi. He cited disruptions including cancelled flights, movement restrictions, blackouts, and siren alerts as serious impediments to both mental readiness and physical access to examination venues.
Dr. Mittal, in a formal letter to the Director of AIIMS Delhi, echoed similar concerns. He called for the postponement of the INI CET (May 17) and INISS (May 24), emphasizing that “national emergency measures” and “curfews in border regions” are making it nearly impossible for students to travel safely or concentrate on preparations.
“Holding a national exam at this time may overstretch already burdened infrastructure,” the letter stated, adding that widespread anxiety, poor connectivity, and blocked roads are disrupting access to admit cards and real-time exam updates.
Many doctors on social media have also joined the chorus for rescheduling. Dr. Nawazish Khan posted on X:
“The safety and well-being of students must come first. Postponing NEET PG and INICET is a reasonable step under current circumstances.”
The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has yet to respond officially. As of now, NEET PG 2025 remains scheduled for June 15, and the AIIMS-administered INICET and INISS exams are slated for May 17 and May 24 respectively.
With growing voices calling for intervention, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NBE for a decision in the coming days.
