BAMS Admission 2025: NCISM Drops 50% PCB Mark Rule in Class 12, NEET UG

Today, July 18, 2025, a significant update from NCISM will bring relief to medical aspirants eyeing BAMS admission 2025. The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine has officially removed the 50% PCB mark requirement for Class 12, making BAMS education more accessible. While Class 12 marks are relaxed, NEET UG 2025 remains mandatory for Ayurveda admissions. Discover how this change benefits thousands of students and the steps ahead for securing your academic future in top medical colleges with insights from Only Education News.

In a landmark decision set to redefine eligibility criteria for BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) admission 2025, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has officially removed the long-standing requirement of a minimum 50% aggregate score in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in Class 12. This significant update, applicable from the academic year 2025-26 onwards, aims to broaden the pool of medical aspirants eligible for Ayurveda education across India. While the Class 12 marks barrier has been eased, NEET UG 2025 remains the compulsory entrance examination for all BAMS admissions, ensuring a standardized gateway to medical colleges offering AYUSH courses. This move is expected to benefit thousands of students who might have performed well in NEET UG but struggled to meet the previous rigid percentage cut-offs in their intermediate examinations, thereby shaping their academic future.

Key Revisions in BAMS Eligibility Criteria 2025

The NCISM's revised eligibility criteria for BAMS admission 2025 introduces crucial changes that medical aspirants must be aware of. This aims to simplify the entry process while maintaining quality through the national entrance exam.

• Relaxation of Class 12 PCB Marks: The most significant change is the removal of the minimum 50% aggregate marks requirement in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) for the General category, and 40% for SC, ST, and OBC candidates, in Class 12. Medical aspirants now only need a passing grade in Class 12 with these subjects. This progressive step is poised to open doors for many students aspiring to pursue Ayurveda education.
• Inclusion of Biotechnology: Further expanding the eligibility, Biotechnology has been officially recognized as a qualifying subject alongside Biology. This means that medical aspirants who have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology in Class 12 are now fully eligible for BAMS admission, provided they meet other criteria. This change reflects a more inclusive approach to diverse academic backgrounds.
• NEET UG Remains Mandatory: It is critical for all medical aspirants to understand that despite the relaxation in Class 12 marks, qualifying NEET UG 2025 is still an absolute mandatory requirement for BAMS admission. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) serves as the sole gateway for entry into BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and BSMS courses across the country. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentile in NEET UG to be considered for counselling.
• Applicability from 2025 Academic Session: These revised eligibility criteria are effective immediately for BAMS admissions commencing from the academic year 2025-26. This ensures that the current batch of medical aspirants will benefit from the new norms. The decision reflects NCISM's commitment to streamlining admission processes.

This update simplifies the initial hurdle for medical aspirants, shifting greater emphasis onto their performance in the NEET UG examination as the primary determinant for BAMS admission.

Impact on Medical Aspirants and Future of Ayurveda Education

The NCISM's decision has far-reaching implications, promising to democratize access to Ayurveda education and bolster the ranks of future medical practitioners in this traditional field.

• Increased Accessibility for Thousands: This change is expected to provide a significant boost to thousands of students who previously found themselves ineligible for BAMS courses due to not meeting the stringent Class 12 percentage criteria, despite possessing strong aptitude for medical studies or performing well in NEET UG. It effectively lowers an academic barrier, encouraging more aspirants to consider Ayurveda as a viable career path.
• Focus on NEET UG Merit: By removing the Class 12 percentage mandate, the focus for BAMS admission shifts even more profoundly to NEET UG performance. This ensures that admissions are primarily merit-based, evaluated through a single, standardized national entrance examination. It provides a more equitable platform for all medical aspirants.
• Broadening the Talent Pool: Recognizing Biotechnology as a qualifying subject also broadens the academic pool from which BAMS aspirants can emerge. This inclusivity is vital for enriching the diverse perspectives within Ayurveda education and future medical research.
• Strengthening AYUSH Systems: This policy revision aligns with the broader goal of the Ministry of AYUSH to promote and strengthen traditional Indian medical systems. By making BAMS admission more accessible, it can lead to a greater number of qualified medical professionals in Ayurveda, contributing to the nation's healthcare ecosystem. The country currently offers over 40,000 BAMS seats across 598 Ayurveda medical colleges, presenting ample opportunities for aspirants.

The AYUSH Medical Association has expressed strong support for this move, anticipating substantial benefits for the entire community of medical aspirants and the future of Ayurveda in India.

What's Next for BAMS Aspirants: Counselling and Admission

With the eligibility criteria revised, medical aspirants must now focus on the subsequent stages of the BAMS admission process, particularly NEET UG counselling.

• NEET UG Counselling for AYUSH Courses: All BAMS admissions will continue to be conducted through the NEET UG counselling process, managed by the AYUSH Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC) for All India Quota (AIQ) seats, and by respective state counselling authorities for state quota seats. Aspirants should regularly check the official websites of AACCC (aaccc.gov.in) and their respective state AYUSH counselling bodies for updates on schedules, registration, and choice filling.
• Document Preparation: Despite the relaxed Class 12 percentage, medical aspirants must ensure they have all other required documents in order for counselling and admission. This includes the NEET UG 2025 Admit Card and Scorecard, Class 10th and 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates, Domicile Certificate, Category Certificate (if applicable), and other proofs of identity and eligibility. Proper document verification is a critical step in securing a seat.
• Choice Filling Strategy: During the counselling rounds, candidates will engage in online choice filling, where they list their preferred BAMS colleges and courses. A well-researched and strategic choice filling is crucial to maximize admission chances based on NEET rank and preferences. Aspirants should thoroughly explore the various medical colleges offering BAMS and their seat availability.
• Reporting to Allotted College: Upon seat allotment, qualified candidates must download their provisional allotment letter and report to the allotted college within the stipulated timeframe for final document verification and admission formalities. Timely action at this stage is essential to confirm the admission.

For comprehensive guidance and the latest updates on BAMS admission, medical aspirants can always refer to reliable educational portals like Only Education News, and explore resources such as the Medical & Nursing Exams List for broader insights into their academic future.

Conclusion:

Today, July 18, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for medical aspirants nationwide, as the NCISM's decision to remove the 50% PCB mark requirement in Class 12 for BAMS admission 2025 comes into effect. This progressive update significantly enhances accessibility to Ayurveda education, allowing thousands of students a clearer pathway to becoming medical practitioners in this traditional field. While Class 12 marks are now less restrictive, the unwavering importance of qualifying NEET UG 2025 cannot be overstated; it remains the sole gateway. Medical aspirants must now channel their efforts into preparing for NEET UG counselling, ensuring all required documents are ready, and strategically participating in choice filling to secure a coveted seat in top medical colleges offering BAMS courses. For ongoing updates and expert guidance throughout your admission process, rely on Only Education News to illuminate your academic future.