Andhra Pradesh Will Use NEET Exam for Nursing School

Andhra Pradesh has decided to use the NEET-UG exam for students who want to study B.Sc. Nursing. This new rule is to help fill many empty seats in nursing schools and make sure the education follows national rules.
By Newsroom | Education, Andhra Pradesh |

A recent shift in Andhra Pradesh's approach to nursing education signifies a move towards national-level standardization. The state government has decided to use the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) - Under Graduate for admissions to Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing courses. This decision comes amidst a context where a significant number of nursing seats in the state have remained vacant, prompting a re-evaluation of the admission process.

Shift in Admission Framework

For many years, admissions to B.Sc. Nursing programs in Andhra Pradesh have relied on the intermediate examination marks and the rank obtained in the state's Eamcet examination. However, the government has now approved a proposal to align these admissions with the NEET-UG examination. This change is expected to streamline the process and ensure that admissions are based on a common national standard.

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AP To Apply NEET-UG For B. Sc. Nursing Admissions - 1

  • Previous Method: Merit in Intermediate marks and AP Eamcet rank.

  • New Method: NEET-UG scores.

This change in policy was confirmed following a meeting with health and family welfare minister, Satya Kumar Yadav, and senior officials. The Chief Minister's approval marks a significant step in implementing this new admission criterion.

Addressing Vacant Seats and National Alignment

The move to adopt NEET-UG is also seen as a strategy to address the issue of unfilled seats in B.Sc. Nursing programs. Reports indicate that out of approximately 16,000 seats, around 4,000 have been vacant. By utilizing a widely recognized national entrance exam, the state aims to attract a broader pool of qualified candidates, thereby potentially filling these vacant positions.

AP To Apply NEET-UG For B. Sc. Nursing Admissions - 2

"The government has decided to conduct nursing admissions in the state based on the NEET-UG examination. This decision will be crucial for conducting the admission process for nursing students in the state in accordance with the central standards." - NTV Telugu

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This transition aims to bring the state's nursing education admission process in sync with national norms, potentially enhancing the overall quality and competitiveness of nursing graduates.

Diverse Perspectives on NEET for Nursing

While Andhra Pradesh is moving towards NEET-UG for B.Sc. Nursing, it's important to note that the mandatory nature of NEET for nursing admissions varies across different states and institutions.

AP To Apply NEET-UG For B. Sc. Nursing Admissions - 3

  • State-Specific Admissions: In many regions, separate entrance examinations like the Andhra Pradesh Nursing Common Entrance Test (APNCET) have historically been used. For instance, as of October 2025, admissions in Andhra Pradesh were reportedly conducted based on the APNCET examination.

  • NEET as an Option: Some sources indicate that while NEET is not universally compulsory for B.Sc. Nursing, several institutions have started considering NEET-UG scores for admissions.

  • Previous Admission Process in AP: Until recently, the APNCET exam was the primary criterion for B.Sc. Nursing admissions in Andhra Pradesh, with Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences managing the counselling process.

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The current development in Andhra Pradesh represents a deliberate move to shift away from a state-specific examination towards a national one for nursing admissions, a departure from past practices.

Expert and Official Signals

The Andhra Pradesh government's decision to adopt NEET-UG for B.Sc. Nursing admissions is a clear signal of its intent to standardize higher education entry criteria.

  • Official Mandate: The approval from Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu underscores the government's commitment to this policy.

  • Alignment with National Bodies: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET-UG, serving as an independent body for conducting tests for admission to higher education institutions. This aligns with the state's decision to utilize NEET.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The decision by Andhra Pradesh to implement NEET-UG for B.Sc. Nursing admissions marks a significant alteration in the state's educational policy. This move is driven by the objective of filling vacant seats and aligning with national educational standards. While the exact timeline for full implementation and its impact on seat occupancy and candidate demographics remain to be observed, the directive represents a clear step towards a unified admission process for nursing education in the state. Future admissions will likely necessitate candidates to prepare for and appear in the NEET-UG examination.

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  • Key Change: NEET-UG will be the basis for B.Sc. Nursing admissions.

  • Stated Goal: To fill vacant seats and standardize admissions.

  • Previous Process: AP Eamcet and Intermediate marks were used.

  • Broader Context: NEET's role in nursing admissions varies across India.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Andhra Pradesh changing how students get into nursing school?
The state wants to fill many empty seats in nursing programs and make the admission process the same as in other parts of India.
Q: What exam will students need to take now?
Students will need to take the NEET-UG exam, which is a national test.
Q: What was the old way of getting into nursing school in Andhra Pradesh?
Before, students used their intermediate exam marks and the AP Eamcet exam rank.
Q: Will this help fill the empty nursing seats?
The government hopes that using a national exam will bring in more qualified students and fill the around 4,000 empty seats.