Nursing Admissions Based on NEET Exam – CM Chandrababu Naidu Approves New Policy for 2026-27

In a major decision affecting thousands of students, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced that Nursing Admissions Based on NEET Exam will be implemented from the academic year 2026-27. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has approved the proposal submitted by the Medical and Health Department, making NEET UG mandatory for admission into four-year B.Sc Nursing courses across the state.

This move replaces the earlier admission process that was based on Intermediate marks and EAMCET examination.

📌 What Has Changed in Nursing Admissions?

• From 2026-27, students must qualify in National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) for B.Sc Nursing admissions.
• Earlier admissions were based on Intermediate (BiPC) marks and EAMCET.
• In 2026-26, the state conducted admissions through AP Nursing Common Entrance Test (APNSET).
• Nearly 4,000 nursing seats remain vacant in Andhra Pradesh.

The government reviewed the current admission policy after the APNSET experiment did not produce the expected results.

🏥 Why the Shift to NEET?

For the first time in 2026-26, nursing admissions were conducted through APNSET, and the trial was implemented only in Vijayawada. However, the response was not satisfactory, and thousands of seats remained unfilled.

Medical and Health Minister Satya Kumar held discussions with senior officials to evaluate the best admission route. Officials recommended NEET as the most transparent and nationally recognized entrance exam for medical and allied health courses.

Following consultations, the proposal was approved by CM Chandrababu Naidu on February 13. Nursing colleges across the state reportedly supported the NEET-based admission model.

🎯 What This Means for Students

Students aspiring for B.Sc Nursing admission in Andhra Pradesh from 2026-27 must:

• Appear for NEET UG exam.
• Secure qualifying marks as per category.
• Participate in the state-level counselling process.

This decision aligns nursing admissions with other medical and paramedical courses that already use NEET as the qualifying examination.

📊 Impact on Nursing Aspirants

The introduction of NEET-based nursing admissions is expected to:

• Standardize admission process.
• Improve merit-based selection.
• Ensure transparency.
• Increase competition among students.
• Reduce vacant seats in nursing colleges.

However, it also means students must prepare seriously for NEET, which includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology syllabus at the 11th and 12th level.

🔍 Student Concerns & Public Reaction

Many students preparing for nursing courses have raised concerns about:

• Increased competition due to NEET.
• Additional coaching requirements.
• Cut-off marks and eligibility clarity.

At the same time, education experts believe that NEET-based admissions will improve academic quality and bring Andhra Pradesh in line with national standards.

Academic Year 2026-27 Admissions

• Admission Mode: Based on NEET UG score
• Course: 4-Year B.Sc Nursing
• Applicable From: Academic Year 2026-27
• Government Approval Date: February 13

Official detailed guidelines and counselling schedule are expected to be released soon by the Medical and Health Department.

🔎 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is NEET compulsory for B.Sc Nursing in AP from 2026?
Yes. From 2026-27 academic year, NEET UG is mandatory.

Q2. What about students applying for 2026-26?
Admissions for 2026-26 were conducted through APNSET.

Q3. Why was APNSET discontinued?
The response was not satisfactory, and around 4,000 seats remained vacant.

Q4. Will there be state counselling?
Yes, counselling will likely be conducted based on NEET ranks.

Conclusion

The decision to conduct Nursing Admissions Based on NEET Exam marks a significant policy shift in Andhra Pradesh. With CM Chandrababu Naidu approving the proposal, NEET UG will now become the gateway for B.Sc Nursing admissions from 2026-27. Students planning to pursue nursing must now align their preparation strategy with the NEET syllabus and competition level.

Further official notifications regarding counselling and seat allocation are expected soon.

Published by GovtJobOnline Editorial Team
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