Gujarat Students in Limbo as NEET May Replace Merit for Allied Health Admissions
A wave of uncertainty has swept through thousands of Class 12 science students in Gujarat, as the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) deliberate on a significant shift in admission criteria. Starting this academic year, bachelor of physiotherapy (BPT) and bachelor of occupational therapy (BOT) courses could be brought under the umbrella of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Proposed Change Sparks Resistance from Educational Stakeholders
While NEET is already mandatory for MBBS, dental, ayurveda, and homeopathy programs, BPT and BOT admissions in Gujarat have traditionally been granted based on Class 12 merit. The proposed change would end direct admissions, making it compulsory for aspirants to qualify for the entrance test regardless of their board results. This move has met with stiff resistance from educational stakeholders within the state.
Critics argue that Gujarat already struggles with a high number of vacant seats in allied health sciences each year. "Even with the current merit-based system, many seats in private colleges across the state go unfilled," said a local education expert. "Imposing NEET as an additional barrier could worsen the vacancy crisis and discourage students from rural areas who rely on their board performance for admission."
Confusion Mounts as NTA Notification Omits Key Details
Adding to the confusion, the NTA's latest registration notification for medical courses notably omitted any mention of physiotherapy or occupational therapy. This omission has left students in a state of limbo as they prepare for their upcoming board exams and competitive tests, unsure of the admission requirements they will face.
The potential shift raises concerns about accessibility and equity in education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may find it harder to prepare for a national-level entrance exam like NEET.
Final Decision Expected Soon, State Committees on Standby
A final decision from the NTA and the Union health ministry is expected within the next week. Until then, the state's admission committees remain on standby to see if the merit-based system will be scrapped in favor of the national standard. This period of waiting has created anxiety among students and parents alike, who are eager for clarity on the future of allied health education in Gujarat.
The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the healthcare sector in the state, affecting the pipeline of trained professionals in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Stakeholders are calling for a balanced approach that considers both academic standards and the practical realities of seat fill rates in Gujarat's colleges.
