The National Medical Commission (NMC) has relaxed the eligibility criteria for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) exam. Students who have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology along with English as additional subjects after passing Class 12 from duly recognized boards will now be eligible to appear in the NEET UG test.
This decision has been taken considering the National Education Policy (NEP) which permits flexibility in the study of subjects in Class 12. Earlier, the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) required candidates to have undergone two years of regular or continuous study of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology in Class 11 and 12 with practical, along with English. The two years study was required to be completed from regular schools and not from open schools or as private candidates.
The decision to allow Biology and Biotechnology as additional subjects after Class 12 is a welcome move, as it will give more flexibility to students who wish to pursue a career in medicine. It will also benefit students who may have had to change their academic plans due to unforeseen circumstances.
The NMC has also stated that the present decision will be applicable retrospectively also on candidates whose applications for grant of eligibility certificate have been rejected on the grounds contemplated in the present public notice. However, for the purpose of appearing in NEET-UG, candidates who become eligible after the date of the present public notice, shall be permitted to appear in NEET-UG-2024.
Key points to note about the revised NEET UG eligibility criteria:
- Students who have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology along with English as additional subjects after passing Class 12 from duly recognized boards will be eligible to appear in the NEET UG test.
- The two years study of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology need not be completed from regular schools. Open schools and private candidates are also eligible.
- The present decision will be applicable retrospectively also on candidates whose applications for grant of eligibility certificate have been rejected on the grounds contemplated in the present public notice.
- However, for the purpose of appearing in NEET-UG, candidates who become eligible after the date of the present public notice, shall be permitted to appear in NEET-UG-2024.
- Download the official notice here.
Conclusion
The revised NEET UG eligibility criteria is a positive development for students who wish to pursue a career in medicine. It will give them more flexibility and benefit students who may have had to change their academic plans.
