The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) will now be required for admission to many undergraduate Allied and Healthcare programs across India. This new rule will begin from the **2026-27 academic year**. The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (**NCAHP**) made this announcement. Students planning to join courses such as Physiotherapy or Optometry will need to pass the NEET exam after finishing Class 12. This change aims to bring a common standard for entry into these healthcare fields.
What are Allied and Healthcare Programs?
Allied and Healthcare programs prepare students for important jobs that support doctors and nurses in the healthcare system. These professionals work in different areas, helping with diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. For example, a Physiotherapist helps people regain movement after injury, while a Dietitian advises on healthy eating. These roles are essential for the overall health services in the country.
Why is NEET Becoming Mandatory?
The **NCAHP Act, 2021**, was set up to create clear and standard rules for all Allied and Healthcare courses. Before this, different colleges and universities had their own separate admission tests or criteria. By making NEET compulsory, NCAHP wants to ensure that all students entering these programs have a strong foundation in science. The NEET exam tests knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, which are key subjects for a career in healthcare. This change helps maintain high educational standards across all institutions and improves the quality of future healthcare professionals.
Affected Courses
The new rule will affect admissions to several undergraduate Allied and Healthcare courses. Students applying for these programs from the **2026-27 academic year** onwards must appear for NEET. The following courses are among those for which NEET will be mandatory:
| Physiotherapy (BPT) | Nutrition & Dietetics |
| Optometry | Dialysis Technology |
| Medical Laboratory and Life Sciences | Medical Radiology, Imaging and Therapeutic Technology |
What This Means for Students
Students who are currently in **Class 10** or **Class 11** and wish to pursue a career in these Allied and Healthcare fields must start preparing for the NEET exam. They need to focus on their Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects thoroughly. This announcement gives students ample time to plan their studies and prepare for the national-level entrance test. Understanding the requirements early will help them achieve their career goals in the healthcare sector.
Next Steps from NCAHP
The **NCAHP** has already released 13 different course structures (curricula) for undergraduate and postgraduate Allied and Healthcare programs. The commission is working to release more such course structures soon. These curricula outline the entry criteria, including the mandatory NEET exam for undergraduate courses. The revised admission process, based on these new criteria, will officially start with the **2026-27 academic year** admissions.
