The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a public notice to clarify confusion arising from a recent RTI response regarding the eligibility of students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). This notice was issued on February 26, 2025.
The NMC addressed concerns that the National Testing Agency (NTA) had issued a NEET-UG Bulletin 2025 that contradicted NMC regulations. The notice clarifies that the RTI response was specifically addressing queries related to students studying through NIOS, State Open Schools, or as private candidates.
NIOS Validity for NEET-UG
As per the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (GMER-23), studying through NIOS is permitted for appearing in NEET-UG examinations.
Students are allowed to study an additional subject from NIOS, provided the study is carried out from authorized institutions.
Clarification on Additional Biology Subject
The RTI response addressed questions related to students taking only Biology as an additional subject from NIOS, or students who had taken Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in 10+2, and then additional Biology from NIOS. The response clarified that they are eligible based on the GMER-23 regulations.
Validity of NIOS Mark Sheets
The NMC clarified that questions regarding the general validity of NIOS mark sheets for further studies and employment fall outside the purview of the RTI Act, 2005, as they are query-based.
The NMC emphasized that the NTA is following the regulations notified by the NMC from time to time.
The NMC issued this clarification to dispel any misconceptions and reassure students that the NTA’s conduct of NEET-UG is in accordance with NMC regulations.
