The Central Sanskrit University (CSU), New Delhi, has announced the launch of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, Pre Ayurveda (NEET-PA), for the 2026-27 academic session. This new entrance examination will allow students who have completed Class 10 from Sanskrit and other recognised boards to pursue an integrated pathway leading to a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree.
Programme Structure and Approval
The programme, approved by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), will be offered through Ayurveda Gurukuls affiliated with the university. Students selected through NEET-PA will undergo a 7.5-year integrated programme comprising two years of Pre Ayurveda Gurukulam education, four-and-a-half years of BAMS studies, and one year of compulsory internship, preparing them to become qualified Ayurveda physicians.
Background and Vision
The announcement follows the launch of the Ayurveda Gurukul Affiliation Portal earlier this year by CSU and the NCISM to bring Gurukuls across the country under a common academic framework. Central Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Prof Srinivas Varkhedi said, “This programme has been designed in line with the vision of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and the National Education Policy (NEP). Students of Sanskrit naturally possess the ability to understand the original Ayurvedic texts and classical treatises in their original language. This Gurukul-based model will play a significant role in giving the classical authenticity of Ayurveda a new global identity.”
Examination Details and Registration
University Controller of Examinations Prof Pawan Kumar said, “Online registration for NEET-PA will begin in the third week of July 2026. The examination will be conducted across various centres in the country during the last week of August or the first week of September.” The offline OMR-based examination will last 150 minutes and comprise 120 multiple-choice questions carrying one mark each. There will be no negative marking, and the question paper will be available in Sanskrit, Hindi and English.
Eligibility Criteria
According to the notification, candidates must have passed Class 10 from a recognised board, State Sanskrit Board or an equivalent board. General category applicants must have secured at least 50 per cent marks, while SC, ST, OBC and PwD candidates require a minimum of 40 per cent marks. Applicants should be between 15 and 25 years of age as of December 31, 2026. No relaxation in the upper age limit will be available for any category.
Syllabus and Further Information
The university has also released the detailed syllabus for NEET-PA, which includes topics from Sanskrit literature, grammar, philosophy, Puranic history and the Indian Knowledge System. Detailed guidelines, model question papers and other updates will be published on the university's official website.
