New Delhi: Breaking barriers in the medical education sector, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has on November, 22 issued groundbreaking guidelines, opening up new possibilities for students dreaming of a career in medicine.
The latest announcement reveals that individuals who have successfully cleared their 10+2 examinations with physics, chemistry, and mathematics as core subjects can now take up the journey to become doctors.
The public notice released by the NMC outlines that candidates who have completed the study of essential subjects—physics, chemistry, and biology/biotechnology, along with English—either as core subjects or additional subjects after passing Class XII, will now be deemed eligible to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG). This test serves as a crucial gateway for admission to prestigious MBBS and BDS courses in India.
However, to avail themselves of this opportunity, aspiring doctors must fulfill a crucial requirement. They need to pass a biology/biotechnology examination as an additional subject at the 10+2 level from any recognized board. This pivotal step ensures that candidates possess the foundational knowledge required for medical studies.
Moreover, these candidates will also be entitled to receive an eligibility certificate from the NMC, providing legal proof of their eligibility to pursue undergraduate medical courses abroad.
This monumental shift in policy marks a departure from the previous requirement, where candidates had to undergo two years of regular study in physics, chemistry, and biology/biotechnology during Classes XI and XII, complete with practicals and English. The stipulation was that this study must be undertaken in a regular school, excluding open schools or ‘private’ candidates.
Notably, the earlier regulations dictated that the study of biology/biotechnology or any other necessary subject could not be pursued as an additional subject after completing Class XII.
However, the recent NMC order has not only dismantled this restriction but has also created a valuable opportunity for individuals passionate about pursuing a medical degree, even if biology/biotechnology was not their primary focus in Classes XI-XII.
The decision to revise these criteria was the outcome of deliberations held by the NMC on June 14. This change is not only a response to the evolving landscape of education but also aligns with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasizes flexibility in the study of various subjects in Class XII.
This forward-looking move is expected to democratize access to medical education, making it more inclusive and accessible to a diverse cohort of aspiring doctors. As the medical education landscape undergoes transformation, these revised guidelines stand as a beacon of hope for those eager to contribute to the healthcare sector, breaking down traditional barriers and paving the way for a more diverse and dynamic medical community.
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