India's National Medical Commission mandates NEET for all allied and healthcare undergraduate courses from 2026, standardizing admissions across B.Sc Nursing, physiotherapy, radiology, and paramedics. This ensures merit-based selection, quality control, and single-window access amid rising demand for 2.5M+ healthcare jobs by 2030.
Policy Shift
NMC's landmark directive expands NEET-UG scope beyond MBBS/BDS to 50+ allied health programs, addressing fragmented state exams and coaching rackets. Effective 2026, it creates unified merit lists via NTA, curbing malpractices exposed in recent scandals. States must align counseling within 90 days.
Impact & Rationale
Standardization boosts employability with recognized credentials, tackling 30% vacancy rates in paramedics. Critics fear urban bias; supporters highlight equity via reservations. Healthcare sector eyes 2.5M jobs; NEET aligns with Ayushman Bharat's skill ecosystem. Mock tests, syllabus tweaks promised for inclusivity.
Key Highlights
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Courses Covered: B.Sc Nursing, Physiotherapy, OT, Radiology, 50+ programs.
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Timeline: Mandatory from 2026 admissions.
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Authority: NMC directive; NTA conducts exam.
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Goals: Merit, quality, single-window access.
Sources: NMC Gazette, The Hindu, Indian Express