In response to an RTI application, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially clarified that students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are eligible to appear for the NEET UG 2025 examination under the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER) 2023.
For years, there has been ongoing uncertainty regarding the eligibility of NIOS students for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate 2025. This clarification addresses the concerns arising from discrepancies between the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) NEET-UG Bulletin 2025 and the NMC’s regulatory framework.
NMC's Statement on NEET UG 2025 Eligibility for NIOS Students
Following an RTI inquiry regarding the eligibility of NIOS students for NEET UG 2025, the NMC stated that confusion stemmed from different interpretations of the Information Bulletin. In response to the RTI application dated February 11, 2025, the commission confirmed that students who have completed their 12th grade through NIOS, state open schools, or as private candidates are eligible to take the NEET UG exam.
Additionally, the notice specified that students studying an additional subject through NIOS must do so under an authorized institution to be considered eligible under GMER-23 norms. This clarification helps NIOS students and other private candidates confirm their eligibility before registering for the examination.
Can NIOS Students Apply for NEET UG 2025?
Yes, NIOS students can apply for NEET UG 2025, provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the NMC under GMER-23 regulations. However, students who are pursuing additional subjects must ensure that their studies are conducted through an authorized institution.
Key Takeaways for NIOS Students:
- Eligibility Confirmed: NIOS students are eligible
to apply for NEET UG 2025. - Additional Subject
Requirement:
Any additional subject must be studied under an authorized institution. - GMER-23 Compliance: The eligibility aligns
with the Graduate Medical Education Regulations 2023.
NEET UG 2025 Registration Process
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has commenced the online registration for NEET UG 2025 through its official website, neet.nta.nic.in. Candidates can submit their applications until March 7, 2025. Before applying, students are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria mentioned in the official notification to avoid any discrepancies.
NEET UG 2025 Exam Details
NEET UG is the only entrance examination for admission into various medical and paramedical courses, including:
- MBBS
- BDS
- BSc Nursing
- BAMS
- Veterinary Sciences
- Other Allied Medical Programs
The exam is conducted once a year in an offline, pen-and-paper format and has a duration of 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes).
NEET UG 2025 Exam Pattern
This year, the NEET UG exam pattern has undergone modifications. Notably, there will be no optional questions, and the test will comprise 200 questions from the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Final Thoughts
The NMC’s clarification is a significant relief for NIOS students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. With this announcement, students can confidently apply for NEET UG 2025 without concerns about their eligibility. As the registration deadline approaches, applicants must complete their forms on time and ensure they meet all the required criteria.
For further details and updates, candidates should regularly visit the official NEET UG website and stay informed about any new developments.
