AP BSc Nursing Through NEET 2026

Is NEET Required for AP BSc Nursing Admission?

Yes, NEET UG will be required for admission to 4-year BSc Nursing courses in Andhra Pradesh from the academic year 2026-27. The state government has made NEET mandatory for BSc Nursing admissions in the state. Under the new curriculum, students seeking admission in top nursing colleges under competent and management quota seats will be required to qualify NEET with the required cut off marks.

AP BSc Nursing Through NEET 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking admission into BSc Nursing courses in Andhra Pradesh must meet the eligibility requirements as specified by the authority. The NEET eligibility criteria for AP BSc Nursing admission is mentioned below.

• Educational qualification: Students must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as compulsory subjects.

• Pass percentage: Candidates must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in the qualifying examination for general category candidates and 40% for reserved category students.

• Age limit: Aspirants should be 17 years as of December 31 of the year of admission.

• Entrance exam: Candidates must appear and qualify the NEET entrance examination by securing minimum NEET cutoff marks.

AP BSc Nursing Through NEET 2026: Admission Process

The AP BSc Nursing admission will be granted through NEET UG. Students seeking admission in the BSc Nursing programme in AP will have to register and fill the NEET application form. Such candidates need to download the admit card and appear in the national entrance test, which is scheduled for May 3, 2026. Medical aspirants who qualify the entrance exam with the required NEET cut off marks will be eligible for the counselling process. The detailed schedule for counselling and admission process will be released soon by the authority.

AP BSc Nursing admission: Why the Shift to NEET UG?

In a significant move, the AP government discontinued APNCET, which was held for the first-time in 2025 for admission to BSc Nursing courses. Prior to that, the admission was granted through AP EAMCET or on the basis of Intermediate marks. Under the new system, candidates who will qualify for the NEET 2026 will be eligible for AP BSc Nursing admission. With this new reform, the government is aiming to ensure transparency and uniformity with other courses such as MBBS and BDS.

Merit-based admission system: With new reform, the government is enhancing transparency by providing a merit-based selection process through NEET. Candidates will be required to prepare for the entrance test as per the NEET exam pattern.

Increase student turnout: In 2025, APNCET was held for the first time for admission to BSc Nursing courses in AP. But, the state level entrance test faced challenges with low student turnout. As per media reports, out of 16,000 nursing seats, 4000 remained vacant.

Streamline admission process: AP BSc Nursing admission schedule will be similar to that of NEET 2026. NTA will now be responsible for announcing schedules related to registration, correction window, admit card, exam date and results.

Scope and maintain national standard: NEET UG will be required to shortlist students for BSc Nursing admission in Andhra Pradesh. The aligning of nursing will other medical courses will provide equal opportunities to students and help in maintaining national standards and bring transparency.