NIOS Candidates Are Eligible to Apply for NEET UG 2025 - Clarifies NMC

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a necessary clarification, confirming that NIOS Candidates are eligible to apply for NEET UG 2025 under the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER) 2023. This announcement resolves confusion regarding students' eligibility from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and similar institutions.

NMC Addresses Concerns Over NEET UG 2025 Eligibility

Following discrepancies in the National Testing Agency's (NTA) NEET UG 2025 Bulletin, concerns were raised about whether NIOS Candidates could appear for the exam. In response to an RTI filed on February 11, 2025, the NMC clarified that NIOS Candidates studying under open schooling systems, state open schools, or as private candidates remain eligible to take the NEET UG 2025 examination.

This clarification brings relief to thousands of NIOS Candidates aspiring to pursue medical education in India. The NMC has affirmed that these students meet the eligibility criteria as per GMER-23, provided they fulfill subject requirements and study at an authorized institution if they choose an additional subject.

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Eligibility Criteria for NIOS Candidates in NEET UG 2025

The NMC's statement explicitly mentions that NIOS Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Minimum Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 17 by December 31 of the admission year.
2. Subject Requirements: Students must have passed Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as individual subjects.
3. Minimum Aggregate Marks: General Category: 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. SC/ST/OBC-NCL Candidates: 40% aggregate. PwBD Candidates: 45% aggregate.
4. Additional Subject Requirement: NIOS Candidates studying an additional subject must ensure that they take it at an NMC-authorized institution.
   
   

These guidelines align NIOS Candidates with their counterparts from regular schools, ensuring fair opportunities in NEET UG 2025.

NEET UG 2025 Registration Details for NIOS Candidates

The NTA has already commenced online registration for NEET UG 2025 on February 7, 2025. Eligible NIOS Candidates can apply through the official website until March 7, 2025. Aspiring students must carefully review their eligibility and required documents before completing the application form.

The NTA has outlined seven qualifying examination codes for NIOS candidates, which applicants must refer to when submitting their forms. These codes help determine the category under which an applicant qualifies for the medical entrance examination.

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Significance of the NMC’s Clarification for NIOS Candidates

The NMC’s clarification provides much-needed relief to NIOS Candidates aspiring to careers in medicine. By affirming their eligibility under GMER-23, the commission ensures inclusivity in NEET UG 2025, enabling students from diverse educational backgrounds to compete fairly. With the registration deadline fast approaching, NIOS Candidates must seize this opportunity and complete their applications as soon as possible.

The NMC's confirmation is a significant update for NIOS Candidates, as it eradicates uncertainty and prevents misinterpretation of the NEET UG 2025 eligibility criteria. Earlier, students from open schools faced ambiguity regarding their qualifications, creating doubts about their chances of pursuing medical education in India. With this clarification, NIOS Candidates can now confidently prepare for NEET UG 2025, knowing their qualifications are recognized.

Applicants should regularly check the NEET UG 2025 portal and NMC notifications for further details and official updates. This latest announcement reaffirms that NIOS Candidates have equal opportunities to achieve their medical aspirations in India.

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