Students who have successfully completed their 10+2 examinations with a focus on physics, chemistry, and mathematics now have an opportunity to pursue a medical career. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced new guidelines outlining a pathway for such candidates. To qualify, they must pass a biology/biotechnology examination as an additional subject at the 10+2 level from any recognized board.
According to a public notice from the NMC, candidates who have included the necessary subjects – physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and English – even as additional subjects after passing Class 12 will be permitted to take the NEET-UG test for admission to MBBS and BDS courses in the country. Additionally, these candidates will be eligible to receive an eligibility certificate from the NMC, a legal document confirming their eligibility to pursue undergraduate medical courses abroad.
Previously, candidates were required to undergo two years of continuous study in physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and English, including practicals, during Classes 10 and 12 to be eligible for MBBS or BDS programs. This two-year study had to be completed in a regular school and not through an open school or as a ‘private’ candidate.
Under the previous regulations, after passing Class 12, students were not allowed to take additional subjects and had to complete their studies in biology, biotechnology, or any other required subject as part of the core curriculum. The new NMC order has lifted this restriction, providing a pathway to medical school for individuals who wish to pursue it, even if biology or biotechnology were not part of their curriculum in Classes 11 and 12.
The NMC, in a statement, mentioned that discussions on this matter took place on June 14, leading to a decision to relax the criteria for NEET-UG eligibility and the issuance of eligibility certificates for studying medicine abroad. This decision aligns with the flexibility introduced by the National Education Policy (NEP), allowing a more adaptable approach to studying various subjects in Class 12.