NEET Mandatory for Allied & Healthcare Courses Starting 2026–27 : NCAHP Update 2025
By Team Sartha
Last updated: December 12, 2025
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has released an important notice announcing that NEET will be mandatory for admission to many Allied and Healthcare undergraduate courses starting from the 2026–27 academic session. A total of 13 new curricula have already been notified for various programs, and more will be introduced soon. This update is meant to inform schools, boards and students that NEET qualification will now become a key eligibility requirement for entry into these professional courses.
New Eligibility Rules for Allied & Healthcare Admissions
As per the NCAHP Act, 2021, the eligibility criteria for each course are now included within the official curricula. Most programmes clearly state that appearing in the NEET exam is compulsory along with other academic requirements for students completing their Class 12 or equivalent exams. These rules will be implemented fully from the 2026–27 admission cycle.
Why NEET Is Now Required
NCAHP has made NEET compulsory to ensure uniform standards, fair selection and transparent admission processes across all Allied and Healthcare programs in India. This change aligns these courses more closely with MBBS and BDS admissions, where NEET is already the standard national entrance test.
Courses Covered Under NCAHP Curriculum (2026–27)
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has included the following undergraduate and professional programmes under the notified curricula, for which NEET will now be required as an eligibility criterion from the 2026–27 session:
| Course | Programme Type |
| Physiotherapy (BPT) | Bachelor of Physiotherapy |
| Optometry (B.Optom) | Bachelor of Optometry |
| Nutrition and Dietetics | B.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics |
| Dialysis Therapy Technology | Bachelor in Dialysis Technology |
| Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology (MRIT) | B.Sc. MRIT |
| Anesthesia & Operation Theatre Technology | Bachelor in OT & Anaesthesia Technology |
| Applied Psychology & Behavioural Health | Bachelor in Behavioural Health Sciences |
| Health Information Management | Bachelor in Health Information Systems |
| Radiotherapy Technology | B.Sc. Radiotherapy |
| Emergency Medical Technologist (Paramedic) | Paramedical Emergency Care Programme |
| Burn Care Technologist | Specialised Burn Care Technology Programme |
| Advance Care Paramedic | Advanced Paramedical Training Programme |
| Medical Laboratory & Life Sciences (MLSc) | B.Sc. MLSc |
Instructions for Schools, Boards & Students
All central, state and UT education boards have been advised to inform schools and students that NEET appearance is mandatory for eligibility in several Allied & Healthcare UG courses from 2026–27. Students planning to pursue these professional degrees after Class 12 must prepare to take NEET as a qualifying requirement.
The NCAHP advisory highlights that admissions for the 2026–27 session will follow the newly notified curricula, and NEET will function as the basic entry-level criterion for a large number of Allied & Healthcare courses. Schools and institutions should ensure timely communication of this rule so students can plan accordingly.