Doctors Call for AIIMS INI CET Exam Postponement Amid Blackouts, Flight suspensions

New Delhi: Even though India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, the tension between these two neighbouring countries is yet to end. Amid this, doctors have urged the authorities to postpone the INICET July 2025 examination, which is scheduled for May 17, 2025. They pointed out that considering the current situation in Srinagar, nationwide disruptions, including the widespread blackouts and flight suspensions, appearing in the exam could be potentially risky for the candidates.

Dr. Lakshya Mittal, the National President of the United Doctors' Front (UDF), who recently wrote to the Director of AIIMS urging to postpone the upcoming INI-CET PG and INI-SS scheduled on 17th and 24th May respectively, expressed his disappointment over the fact that instead of addressing the concerns of the candidates, the authorities have now released the admit card.

Addressing the AIIMS New Delhi Director, Dr. Mittal mentioned in an X (formerly Twitter) post, "Respected Director @aiims_newdelhi, Aspirants have been sincerely requesting the postponement of INICET, and instead of addressing their concerns, you chose to release the admit cards yesterday? Is this the idea of democracy at @aiims_newdelhi— (तानाशाह)? Silent administration, autocratic decisions? Why is the official media handle of such a prestigious institute completely silent? Students are asking — Are we just roll numbers to you?"

Recently, in his letter addressed to the AIIMS Director, Dr. Mittal had mentioned, "Given the unprecedented escalation of hostilities at the Indo-Pak border and the resultant national emergency measures, candidates across multiple states are facing grave challenges that are directly affecting their ability to safely appear for the exam."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Dr. Mittal had pointed out in the letter that the aspirants would face security and travel restrictions, psychological distress, transport and communication disruptions, etc. According to him, many regions near the border and sensitive zones are already under curfew or restricted movement orders, making it unsafe and nearly impossible for candidates to commute to the exam centers.

He pointed out that the key concerns that the aspirants would face include security and travel restrictions, psychological distress, transport and communication disruptions, etc. 

According to him, many regions near the border and sensitive zones are already under curfew or restricted movement orders, making it unsafe and nearly impossible for candidates to commute to the exam centers.

Further, he stressed how the war-like situation has triggered widespread anxiety, especially among students with family in affected zones. He also pointed out that reports of suspended transport, lockdown, blocked roads and intermittent internet or network blackouts are affecting last-mile connectivity, digital access to admit cards, and exam-related updates.

An X user named Dr. Nawazish Khan, who had recently urged the authorities to postpone NEET PG and INICET exams, has now urgently appealed to the Union Health Ministry to postpone the INICET July session.

"Considering the recent ceasefire violations and the current situation in Srinagar & The nationwide disruptions, including widespread blackouts & flight suspensions, it's imperative to prioritize candidates safety. Requesting postpone of the INICET exam until stability is restored. Candidates' well-being is paramount during this national crisis," Dr. Khan mentioned in an X post.

"Students may face difficulties traveling to exam centers due to the current situation. The ongoing ceasefire violation and explosions can cause significant stress and anxiety for students, making it hard for them to perform well in the exam," he further added.

The X handle of All India Doctors has also urged the Union Health Ministry and the Health Minister Shri J P Nadda to postpone the upcoming PG entrance tests. They have requested the authorities to defer the INICET exam for a month and NEET PG exam for two months. From the current date, INICET 2025 should be rescheduled to be held on 15th June and NEET PG should be held on 10th August, they opined.

"We are requesting @MoHFW_INDIA Mr. @JPNadda ji, to #postpone the #INICET for a month and #NEETPG for two months. Kindly convey it to the @aiims_newdelhi and #NBEMS, to notify ASAP. Postpone #INICET2025 to 15th June and #NEETPG2025 to 10th August and conduct it in a Single Shift," read the X post.

An X user named Dr. Shubh mentioned, "Ceasefire doesn't mean Operation Sindoor is over. The govt has clearly stated it's still active. Blackouts continue near borders. It is still an emergency situation. How can INICET be held under such conditions. Think of the young doctors living in these zones. Postpone INICET!"

The screenshot of an email sent to the AIIMS Director is also doing rounds on the internet. It states, "As an aspirant for the INICET 2025 July Session, I am writing to highlight the significant challenges posed by the current war-like situation, particularly for students from border states. The uncertainty and instability have disrupted our preparation, with frequent blackouts and safety concerns hindering our ability to study effectively."

"Given the extraordinary circumstances, we kindly request a postponement of the exam by a reasonable duration. This would enable the situation to stabilize, allowing all candidates a fair opportunity to prepare and perform their best," the email further read.

"Humble request to govt of India to postpone INICET Exam on 17 may 2025 due to ongoing India -Pakistan war like crisis in border states ! Mostly students are in pressure about travel & exam centers," read the X post by another doctor.

Also Read: Doctors demand postponement of NEET PG 2025, INI CET exams amid India-Pakistan Conflict