Karnataka Universities Must Now Use NEET Scores for Physiotherapy UG Admissions
NEET Mandatory for Physiotherapy UG Courses in Karnataka

The landscape of physiotherapy education in Karnataka has undergone a significant change. Undergraduate admissions for these courses will now rely on National Eligibility cum Entrance Test scores. This shift comes as a direct result of new regulatory requirements.

Council Issues Formal Directive to Universities

The Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council has taken decisive action. They have sent official communication to all higher education institutions across the state. Public universities received these instructions. Private state universities also got the same directive. Deemed-to-be universities must follow the new admission protocol as well.

National Commission Drives the Policy Change

A recent communication from the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professionals triggered this development. The national body established clear guidelines for professional education standards. State councils must implement these standards to ensure uniformity across India.

Karnataka's council moved quickly to comply with the national directive. Their instructions leave no room for alternative admission methods. Universities cannot use their own entrance exams or merit lists for these programs anymore. NEET scores become the sole determining factor for student selection.

What This Means for Aspiring Physiotherapists

Prospective students must now prepare differently for their career paths. Those aiming for undergraduate physiotherapy degrees in Karnataka face a revised admission process. They need to focus their preparation efforts on the NEET examination specifically.

The change standardizes admission criteria across all institutions offering these programs. Students can expect a more transparent and uniform selection system. This alignment with national standards potentially improves professional recognition for graduates.

University administrators must adjust their admission procedures immediately. They need to update their prospectuses and admission portals. Counseling sessions for prospective students will emphasize NEET score requirements. The academic year beginning in 2026 will see this new system fully implemented.

This policy shift represents a broader trend in healthcare education standardization. Regulators aim to ensure consistent quality across all allied health professions. Physiotherapy joins other medical fields that already use NEET for undergraduate admissions.