Big move by govt: Students without 'Biology' in 12th can now appear for NEET-UG exam

In a significant development, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced new guidelines expanding opportunities for individuals aspiring to become doctors. A recent public notice from the NMC outlines that candidates who have completed their 10+2 exams with physics, chemistry, and mathematics as core subjects can now pursue a career in medicine. The key requirement is to clear the biology/biotechnology examination as an additional subject at the 10+2 level from any recognized board.

Under the revised guidelines, candidates who have studied physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, along with English as additional subjects post Class XII, are now eligible to appear for the NEET-UG test. The NEET-UG serves as the entrance exam for MBBS and BDS courses in India. Additionally, these candidates will be considered for the grant of an eligibility certificate, a legal proof of their qualification to pursue undergraduate medical courses abroad.

Previously, strict requirements mandated two years of regular/continuous/co-terminus study of physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology in Class XI and XII, complete with practicals, along with English, to be eligible for MBBS or BDS. Furthermore, this study had to be completed at a regular school, excluding open school or 'private' candidates.

The recent decision by the NMC marks a departure from previous norms, creating a new opportunity for those aspiring to pursue a medical degree, even if biology/biotechnology was not their core subject in Classes XI-XII. Earlier rules specified that the study of biology/biotechnology or any other requisite subject could not be undertaken as an additional subject post passing Class XII. The NMC's new order reverses this restriction, offering a window of opportunity for individuals passionate about medicine.

The decision to relax criteria for NEET-UG and grant eligibility certificates for studying medicine abroad was made after deliberations on June 14. The NMC justified this move by citing the flexibility in studying various subjects in Class XII, as permitted by the National Education Policy (NEP). This change aligns with the evolving educational landscape, providing a more diverse group of individuals the chance to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors.