Students without Biology in Class 12 can still become doctors: NMC guidelines

Great news for anyone dreaming of becoming a doctor but worried because they didn't take biology in Class 12! Now, thanks to the NMC guidelines, students without biology in Class 12 can still fulfill their dream of becoming doctors. The National Medical Commission changed the rules for the NEET-UG exam, which aspirants need to pass to get into medical or dental school. 

Before, if aspirants didn't take biology in Class 12, aspirants couldn't apply for NEET. But now applicants with the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) background in their 11th and 12th grades have the opportunity to pursue a medical career.

What were the Previous Guidelines for NEET-UG

Previously, the Medical Council of India (MCI) required candidates to have completed two years of consistent study in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology, along with English, in Class 11 and 12, including practical sessions, to be eligible for the exam. This study period had to be from regular schools, not open schools or private candidates.

The requirement that the study of Biology and Biotechnology, or any other necessary subject, couldn't be completed as an additional subject after passing Class 12 was also in place. However, these regulations were challenged before the Delhi High Court and were overturned on May 11, 2018.

This change affected candidates seeking admission to medical courses both domestically and abroad, as it impacted eligibility criteria outlined in regulations such as the Undergraduate Medical Course in a Foreign Medical Institution Regulations, 2002, and the Screening Test Regulation, 2002.

How to Become a Doctor Without Biology?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has opened up a new way for students who finished their 12th-grade exams with physics, chemistry, and mathematics to become doctors, even if they didn't study biology. Here's what aspirants need to do, following the NMC rules:

• Pass an extra biology/biotechnology test: aspirants will need to pass this test at the 12th-grade level from any recognized board. This is super important to be able to take the NEET-UG exam.

• The NMC changed the rule that was used to stop students from taking these subjects after 12th grade. So now, aspirants can study for this extra test.

Once aspirants pass the biology/biotechnology test, aspirants can take the NEET-UG exam. Here are some extra things to think about:

• Make sure aspirants understand the rules and any updates from the NMC. aspirants can check them on the official NMC website or trusted news sites.

• Getting a good score on the NEET-UG exam is key to getting into medical college for MBBS or BDS programs.

• It's competitive to get into medical school, so spend a lot of time and effort preparing for the NEET-UG exam.

Under the latest NMC regulation, students who have completed Class 12 from recognized boards, with subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, or biotechnology, including English, even as an extra subject, are now eligible to take the NEET-UG test.

Revised NEET-UG Eligibility Criteria

• The NMC announced a significant change on November 22, Wednesday, via a public notice.

• This change is aimed at benefiting students whose applications were previously rejected due to the old criteria.

• The decision to revise the eligibility criteria follows a thorough evaluation of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, discussed in a meeting held in June.

• Under the modified criteria, candidates are now allowed to study essential subjects alongside English.

• The previous requirement of a two-year regular study of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology with English, and practical exams in affiliated schools is no longer compulsory.

• Furthermore, the restriction on studying an additional subject like Biology or any other relevant subject after passing the 12th class has been lifted.

Students without Biology in Class 12 can still become doctors FAQs

Q1. Can students without Biology in Class 12 become doctors now?

Ans. Yes, recent changes in regulations allow students without Biology in Class 12 to pursue a medical career.

Q2. What prompted this change?

Ans. The National Medical Commission revised the eligibility criteria, considering the evolving educational landscape and the need for inclusivity.

Q3. What are the new requirements for aspiring doctors?

Ans. Students must pass an additional Biology or Biotechnology exam at the 10+2 level from a recognized board.

Q4. Were there previous restrictions for students without Biology?

Ans. Yes, earlier regulations required a two-year study of Biology/Biotechnology along with other core subjects for eligibility.

Q5. Can students study Biology after Class 12 now?

Ans. Yes, the restriction on studying additional subjects like Biology post-Class 12 has been lifted.