This significant decision applies retroactively, meaning it will also benefit students whose applications were previously rejected. The NMC's move marks a departure from the earlier regulations set by the Medical Council of India (MCI), which, under the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997, required candidates to undergo two years of regular or continuous study of physics, chemistry, biology or biotechnology, along with English, during Class 11 and 12, with practical components.
The Undergraduate Medical Education Board of the NMC emphasized the need for practical study in these subjects. The decision reflects a broader recognition of diverse academic paths leading to the NEET-UG test. Aspiring medical students and stakeholders in the education sector welcome this change, as it paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible approach to medical education. The NMC's commitment to evolving admission criteria acknowledges the dynamic nature of education and strives to create opportunities for a wider pool of enthusiastic candidates seeking a career in medicine.