NEET cloud over admissions to physiotherapy, occupational therapy courses in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: A wave of uncertainty has hit thousands of Class 12 science students in Gujarat as the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) weigh a major shift in admission criteria. Starting this academic year, bachelor of physiotherapy (BPT) and bachelor of occupational therapy (BOT) courses may be brought under the umbrella of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).While NEET is already mandatory for MBBS, dental, ayurveda, and homeopathy, 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.
The proposal 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."Adding to the confusion, the NTA's latest registration notification for medical courses notably omitted any mention of physiotherapy or occupational therapy. This has left students in a state of limbo as they prepare for their upcoming board exams and competitive tests.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.