Revised NEET UG Eligibility Criteria: Candidates who have completed class 12 with physics, chemistry, biology, or biotechnology, along with English as an additional subject from duly recognized boards, are now eligible to participate in the examination
Eligibility criteria for NEET UG have been revised to include students who have pursued physics, chemistry, biology, or biotechnology, along with English as an additional subject, even after completing class 12 from duly recognized boards. In a recent public notice issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) on Wednesday, it was stated that this decision applies to students whose applications were previously rejected. The earlier Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997, administered by the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI), were challenged and quashed by the Delhi High Court on May 11, 2018, impacting candidates seeking admission to medical courses.
The NMC, considering the New Education Policy and aiming for flexibility in Class 12 subject choices, conducted detailed deliberations in a meeting on June 14, 2023. It decided to revisit the previous approach of the MCI and permit candidates to study the required subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, along with English) even as additional subjects after passing Class 12 from duly recognized boards. Such candidates are now eligible to appear in the NEET-UG Test and can receive eligibility certificates.
This decision applies retrospectively to candidates whose eligibility certificate applications were rejected based on the earlier criteria. However, candidates becoming eligible after the date of this public notice will be permitted to appear in NEET-UG 2024. The NMC also plans to withdraw court cases filed by MCI/NMC in this regard and provide clarification in all pending litigations filed by candidates against MCI or NMC, ensuring swift resolution.
