NEET UG Not Mandatory for BPT & BOT Admission 2026–27; Requirement Deferred to 2027–28

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has announced that NEET UG will not be mandatory for admission to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programmes for the academic year 2026–27. The requirement to qualify for NEET UG for these courses will now be implemented from the academic year 2027–28.

The decision was taken after the National Testing Agency (NTA) informed that the NEET UG 2026 examination process is already at an advanced stage. Adding BPT and BOT courses to the entrance exam this year could significantly increase the number of candidates and create logistical challenges during the examination.

BPT & BOT Admission 2026–27: NEET Requirement Deferred

Earlier, the commission had proposed that BPT and BOT admissions should be conducted through NEET UG starting from 2026–27. However, after reviewing the situation, the authorities have decided to delay the implementation by one academic year.

This means that students applying for BPT or BOT courses in 2026–27 will not need to appear for NEET UG.

BPT & BOT Admission 2026–27: Eligibility Criteria

For the 2026–27 academic session, Institutions offering Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy undergraduate programmes will prepare the merit list based on aggregate marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in the Class 12 examination.

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Botany & Zoology).
• English must be a passed subject for all applicants.
• Minimum 50% marks in PCB are required for General and EWS candidates.
• SC, ST, and OBC (NCL) candidates must have at least 40% marks in PCB.
• PwD/PwBD candidates must also have a minimum of 40% marks in PCB.

Also Read:- NEET 2026 Registration to Begin Soon; Check Important Documents List

Students planning to pursue careers in physiotherapy or occupational therapy can apply for admission in the 2026–27 session without appearing for NEET UG. However, from 2027–28 onwards, qualifying NEET UG will become mandatory for admission to these programmes.

Candidates are advised to check the official website of NCAHP (@ncahp.abdm.gov.in) and collegedunia.com for the latest updates.

Read More:-

• NEET Syllabus 2026 (Released): Check Weightage, Exam-Pattern & Preparation Strategy
• NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Category-Wise Eligibility, Total Attempts, and Age Limit

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