NEET Admissions for Allied and Healthcare Courses from 2026 - Direct Entry Ends

A major step has been taken to bring paramedical and allied healthcare education in line with medical standards in India. The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has announced that starting from the 2026-27 academic session, admission to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and several major allied-healthcare courses will be through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Until now, these courses had a direct entry system, which was considered the weakest link in many states.

13 New Curriculums Released

According to the commission, 13 new curriculums have been released and others are being prepared. In all these curriculums, the NEET score will be the primary criterion for admission, ensuring a uniform, transparent, and controlled admission process across the country. Previous assessments revealed that the lax and uneven admission system had a direct impact on the quality of education in these courses. Therefore, both Central and State Boards have been instructed to provide information about the new system to students at the school level.

Which Courses Will Now Have NEET-Based Admission?

NEET-based admission will now apply to B.Sc. Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology, B.Sc. Radiotherapy Technology, Lab Technology, Anesthesia Technology, OT Technology, and most allied and healthcare courses. The Madhya Pradesh Paramedical Council approves about 52 courses every year, with around 50,000 students getting admission. With the new system in place, it will help standardize, improve quality, and prevent fraud in these courses.

The new admission process will be effective from the 2026-27 academic session, as confirmed by Rajendra Singh Sidhu, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.