NEW DELHI: The National Medical Council (NMC) has confirmed that students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), State Open Schools, and private institutions are eligible to appear for the NEET UG 2025 exam. The clarification came in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query, where the NMC emphasized that students can pursue an additional subject through NIOS at an authorized institution.

This statement followed the release of the NEET UG 2025 information bulletin by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NMC addressed confusion among students, stating that the bulletin issued by the NTA does not fully align with NMC’s regulations. The council reiterated, “Students can study through NIOS and still appear for NEET UG under GMER-23 regulations.”

Earlier, the Supreme Court criticized the NMC's requirement for candidates to have both hands intact for medical education. The court condemned this rule as an act of “ableism,” highlighting that it contradicts the constitutional principles of fairness and inclusivity.

The NTA opened NEET UG 2025 registrations on February 7. Eligible candidates can submit their applications on the official website, neet.nta.nic.in, until March 7, 2025. The NEET UG 2025 exam is scheduled for May 4, with results expected on June 14.