The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently made a significant announcement regarding the eligibility criteria for the NEET-UG exam.
In a public notice issued on November 22, 2023, the NMC stated that students who did not have biology in their 10+2 (12th class) can now pursue their dream of becoming doctors.
Prior to this decision, students were required to study physics, chemistry, and biology/biotechnology, along with English, in order to appear for the NEET-UG exam. However, with the new directive in place, students who have studied physics, chemistry, and mathematics or computer science, or any other subjects apart from biology, will also be eligible to take the exam.
This development opens up new possibilities for students who may have chosen a different stream in their 10+2 education but still aspire to pursue a career in medicine. It eliminates the need for them to study biology or biotechnology specifically for the purpose of appearing in the NEET-UG exam.
It is important to note that the NEET-UG exam serves as the entrance examination for undergraduate medical colleges like MBBS or BDS. This change in eligibility criteria will allow students from regular schools, rather than being limited to open school or private students, to pursue their medical studies.
Moreover, the NMC has clarified that the subject of biology or biotechnology cannot be completed as an extra or additional subject. It should be included in the 11th-grade curriculum for students aspiring to take the NEET-UG exam.
This progressive decision by the NMC aims to provide equal opportunities to students from diverse educational backgrounds and encourage a wider pool of talent in the field of medicine. It reflects a recognition of the evolving needs of the medical profession and the importance of inclusivity in the selection process.