New Delhi, June 3 (Reporter) The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has approached the Supreme Court with a fresh application, requesting permission to conduct the NEET-PG 2025 examination on August 3, in a single shift from 9 am to 12:30 pm. The move comes after the Supreme Court, in an order dated May 30, criticised NBE’s earlier decision to conduct the exam in two shifts, calling it unfair and unsuitable for a national-level medical entrance exam. In light of this, the NBE postponed the previously scheduled exam date of June 15, and has now sought judicial approval for the revised schedule. In its application, the NBE cited operational constraints and stated that August 3 is the earliest feasible date offered by its technology partner, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), to administer the examination in a single shift across India. TCS reportedly informed the NBE that the logistical turnaround time between May 30 and June 15 was too short to transition from a two-shift to a one-shift model. This is primarily due to the need for a significantly larger number of test centres across more cities, as well as the challenge of sourcing adequate computer infrastructure and technical equipment. The application notes that accommodating approximately 2.42 lakh candidates (with buffer) in a single sitting would necessitate securing over 1,000 centres nationwide, and would require a major overhaul of infrastructure and manpower, including, three-tier power backup systems, network infrastructure and surveillance software, anti-cheating mechanisms, trained invigilators, security personnel, and technical staff and multiple dry runs and mock exercises. Furthermore, the NBE has requested to reopen the application window to allow candidates to reselect their preferred test cities, as a new allocation process would be necessary. This reallocation, followed by the issuance of city intimation slips and admit cards, would also need a minimum lead time of two weeks before the exam and four days before the final centre assignment. The NBE underscored that NEET-PG is a high-stakes, sensitive examination, and any mismanagement could lead to malpractice. Therefore, they emphasised the need for robust coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure security and integrity. The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter shortly for consideration...////...