NEET UG 2025 Guidelines: Everything You Need to Know

NEET UG is now mandatory for Indian students wishing to study MBBS abroad. The Supreme Court of India today stamps on the rule that was brought by NMC (National Medical Commission) in 2018. As per the rule, passing NEET UG is compulsory for Indian students to study, even in countries abroad. The ruling from the SC of India comes after a petition challenging the validity of NMC’s (Formerly MCI) regulation introduced in 2018. This rule is applicable to those students who took admission in foreign countries after 2018 and are willing to take admission during the upcoming intakes. However, students can study abroad but cannot practice in India without qualifying NEET exam.

Let’s understand the ruling by the Supreme Court of India clearly.

What is the decision of the Supreme Court of India on NEET UG regulations?

The Supreme Court's decision came after a petition that challenged the legitimacy of the NMC's regulation, which was introduced in 2018. This rule requires Indian students who intend to study MBBS at foreign universities to pass the NEET-UG examination. Furthermore, students returning to India after completing their medical school overseas must complete additional requirements to practise as licensed medical professionals in the country.

While the petitioners claimed that this restriction created unnecessary difficulties for students, the Supreme Court dismissed the complaint, pronouncing the rule "fair and transparent" and legally legitimate. The Court underlined that the regulation does not contravene any statutory provisions, highlighting the necessity of uniform testing in maintaining the quality of medical education and professions.

What was the Supreme Court's Argument?

Justices B.R. Gavai and K. Vinod Chandran, who served on the bench, maintained that the NEET-UG requirement ensures a consistent standard of medical education for all Indian students, regardless of where they study. The Court emphasised that this policy helps to preserve consistency and quality among medical practitioners entering India's healthcare system.

The judgement emphasises the need of a common entrance test, such as NEET-UG, to preserve the integrity and standards of medical education in India and around the world.

From when new NEET UG regulations are applicable?

Students who opposed the rule said that the Indian Medical Council Act of 1956 wasn't amended before implementing NEET mandatory. However, the Supreme Court rejected the claim, noting that the MCI has the authority to implement the rule under Section 33 of the Act.

The court also rejected to grant a one-time exemption, emphasising that students who received admission overseas after 2018 must adhere to the NEET criterion.

What does the ruling mean for Indian Students?

NEET UG is only necessary for students who plan to study medicine abroad and after that practise in India.Students can still study and work abroad without taking the NEET, as long as they avoid seeking a medical licence in India.

What will happen to the students studying MBBS abroad without passing NEET UG after NMC’s new regulations?

1. Practice in the country where they studied: Some countries allow foreign medical graduates to practice if they meet the licensing requirements in that country.
2. Pursue non-clinical careers in India: There are various opportunities in the healthcare sector that do not require a medical license, such as research, public health, or healthcare management.
3. Seek alternative career options: Students can explore other fields that align with their interests and skills, even outside the healthcare sector.
4. Or they might qualify the upcoming NEET exam. (This point is yet to be confirmed)

To summarise, the Supreme Court's decision sustains the regulatory framework created by the NMC in 2018, emphasising the vital role of NEET-UG in ensuring that medical practitioners across the country maintain high educational and professional standards.