The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has announced an important update regarding admissions to allied healthcare courses in India. According to the latest decision, the NEET UG exam will not be mandatory for admission to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) courses until the 2027-28 academic year.
This update brings relief to many students who are planning to pursue careers in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Earlier, there were discussions that NEET would become compulsory for these courses starting from the 2026-27 academic session. However, the commission has now decided to delay this rule and give students and institutions more time to prepare for the change.
For the 2026-27 academic session, students who want to study BPT or BOT will not need to appear for NEET. Instead, admissions will be based mainly on Class 12 marks, especially in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) subjects. Many colleges and universities will continue to follow their usual admission process, which may include merit lists based on board exam results or their own entrance tests.
This means that students who have completed their 12th grade with science (PCB) can apply directly to colleges offering physiotherapy or occupational therapy courses without worrying about NEET scores for that year.
The NCAHP decided to postpone the NEET requirement after receiving feedback from educational institutions and students. Many colleges said they needed more time to adjust their admission process to the new rule. Students also requested additional time to prepare for NEET if it becomes mandatory for these courses in the future.
By delaying the requirement, the commission wants to make sure that the transition to a NEET-based system happens smoothly and does not create confusion or stress for students.
Starting from the 2027-28 academic session, NEET UG is expected to become mandatory for admission to BPT and BOT programs across India. This means that students who wish to pursue these courses after that year will need to appear for the NEET exam and qualify with the required score.
The goal behind introducing NEET for allied healthcare courses is to create a standard and transparent admission system, similar to what already exists for MBBS, BDS, and other medical programs.
Both physiotherapy and occupational therapy are important healthcare professions. Physiotherapists help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or physical disabilities through exercises and therapy techniques. Occupational therapists help people regain the ability to perform daily activities after illness, injury, or disability.
With the growing demand for rehabilitation and healthcare services, these fields are becoming increasingly popular among students interested in medical careers without pursuing MBBS.
This decision gives students an extra year of flexibility while preparing for their future careers in allied healthcare fields.
