The National Medical Commission (NMC) has made the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) examination compulsory for admissions to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) courses starting from the academic year 2026–27.
The move aims to bring uniformity, transparency and merit-based selection in allied health science education, on par with other medical and paramedical courses. Until now, admissions to BPT and BOT were largely conducted through state-level or institutional entrance tests.
According to officials, the decision will help standardise the quality of students entering these professional courses and ensure better academic and clinical outcomes. Detailed admission guidelines and implementation procedures are expected to be notified soon.
Students aspiring to pursue careers in physiotherapy and occupational therapy will now need to qualify NEET to secure admission in recognised institutions across the country.
