NEET UG Rule for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Delayed to 2027
What the New Decision Means
As per the commission, students seeking admission in 2026 will not need to write the NEET UG exam. Colleges will shortlist applicants based on Class 12 science marks. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology will remain compulsory subjects. Moreover, students must meet the minimum score set by their respective institutions.
By moving the entrance exam requirement to 2027, the commission aims to give colleges and state admission bodies more time to adjust. This decision also offers breathing space to students who had already begun preparing for admissions under the previous rules.
Why the Rule Was Postponed
The plan to introduce NEET UG for these allied health courses from 2026 raised concerns among educators and parents. Reportedly, students were left with too little time to prepare for a competitive national exam. Colleges also sought clarity on how the new system would align with existing state counselling procedures.
The commission reviewed these concerns and decided that a one-year extension would help maintain stability in the upcoming admission cycle while ensuring that the long-term plan for standardised entry remains intact.
What Students Should Do Now
Students seeking admission to physiotherapy or occupational therapy in 2026 to 2027 can now plan with certainty. The commission’s decision confirms that Class 12 PCB scores will remain the gateway for one more year, and no additional instructions have been issued beyond this.
Applicants should keep an eye on official notices from the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions and their state admission authorities, as any future updates will be released through those channels.
