The Karnataka High Court has allowed students who have passed the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination to gain admission into paramedical courses for the academic year 2026-27. This decision comes in response to a petition filed by the Karnataka Unaided Private Paramedical Institutions Association, which sought relaxation of the existing admission criteria.
Petition and Representation
The association had submitted a formal representation to the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professionals (NCAHP) on February 11, 2026. In the representation, they requested a temporary relaxation of the minimum educational qualification requirements for paramedical courses, citing a shortage of eligible candidates and the need to fill available seats. The High Court's order now allows SSLC pass outs to be considered for admission, overriding the previous requirement of higher secondary education.
Court's Decision
The bench, while passing the interim order, noted the urgent need to address the shortage of paramedical professionals in the state. The court directed that the relaxation be applicable only for the current academic year and instructed the NCAHP to consider the association's representation on its merits. The order is expected to benefit thousands of students who have completed their SSLC but lack the qualifications for standard paramedical programs.
Implications for Students and Institutions
This decision opens up new opportunities for SSLC pass outs to pursue careers in allied healthcare fields such as medical laboratory technology, radiography, and operation theatre technology. Private paramedical institutions, which had been struggling with low enrollment, are likely to see an increase in applications. However, stakeholders have emphasized that the quality of education must be maintained, and bridge courses may be introduced to ensure students meet the required competency levels.
The association has welcomed the court's intervention and hopes that the NCAHP will formalize the relaxation for the entire academic year. Further hearings in the case are scheduled for next month.
