Board Thread:Episode Discussions/@comment-1251315-20150219132354/@comment-7292165-20150222043451

It had nothing to do with the Chunin Exams being interrupted that the others who did complete their battle couldn't have been promoted. Naruto might have won but he didn't show Chūnin skills, also I'm assuming using tailed beast powers is cheating. Sasuke and Gaara's battle didn't officially end. Even so Sasuke may have been promoted had he a chance to go on with the battle since the invasion and had he not left the village. Neji though was good, and ultimately lost, he could've still been promoted for even going against a chakra coated Naruto too but nope. Shikamaru should've lost to Temari period and not be promoted but hey. Shino never battled Kankurō I'm the arena so. Basically you should win while demonstrating Chūnin skills and if you lose there is a small chance you could still be promoted as long as you fit the qualities.