No NEET for BPT & BOT Until 2027–28: Eligibility Criteria, 12th PCB Marks, Age Limit, Admission Process & NCAHP New Rule
NEET not required for BPT and BOT admission 2026–27: Check eligibility criteria, Class 12 PCB marks requirement, minimum percentage for General, OBC, SC, ST categories, age limit, admission process through state counselling or college merit list and latest allied health course admission updates. NCAHP postpones NEET UG requirement for Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) courses until 2027–28.
NEET Not Required for BPT & BOT Admissions Until 2027-28
In an important update for students planning careers in allied health sciences, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has officially announced that NEET UG will not be mandatory for admission to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) courses until the academic year 2027-28.
This means that for the 2026-27 academic session, students can secure admission to BPT and BOT programs primarily based on their Class 12 marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) without qualifying the NEET examination. The decision provides major relief to thousands of students who were concerned about the sudden integration of these allied health programs into the NEET system.
Why NEET UG Requirement for BPT & BOT Was Postponed Until 2027-28
Initially, NCAHP proposed in 2023 that NEET-UG should become the common entrance exam for allied health programs like BPT and BOT starting from the 2026-27 academic year. This proposal aimed to create a standardized admission system similar to MBBS and BDS courses.
However, the plan faced strong feedback from educational institutions, students and professional bodies such as the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP). Many stakeholders argued that the NEET syllabus is primarily designed for medical science programs and does not fully align with the practical and rehabilitation-focused curriculum of physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
After consultations with the National Medical Commission (NMC), state health departments and professional associations, NCAHP decided to postpone the NEET requirement until 2027-28. The official notification was released on 5 February 2026.
Admission Eligibility Criteria for BPT & BOT (2026-27 Session)
Since NEET is not mandatory for the upcoming session, admissions will be based mainly on Class 12 PCB performance. Some states may also conduct counselling through state portals.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English |
| Minimum Marks (General Category) | 50% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST/OBC) | 40% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum Age | 17 years by 31 December 2026 |
| Entrance Exam Requirement | NEET UG not required until 2027-28 |
NEET UG 2026 Notification/Updates
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Admissions may be conducted through state counselling processes, institutional merit lists or other criteria such as interviews depending on the state or university.
The postponement of NEET for BPT and BOT programs gives students significant flexibility. Many aspirants interested in physiotherapy or occupational therapy previously faced the challenge of preparing for a medical entrance exam that was not specifically designed for their field.
By delaying the NEET requirement, NCAHP allows students to focus on their Class 12 PCB subjects and apply for allied health programs without additional exam pressure.
This decision is particularly beneficial for students from rural or economically weaker backgrounds who may not have access to expensive NEET coaching.
