Public interest notice asks students and parents to verify course recognition and regulatory approvals before admission
New Delhi: Students planning to enrol in Allied & Healthcare programmes for the 2026–27 academic year have been advised to conduct thorough checks on professional recognition, statutory registration eligibility and regulatory approvals before paying admission fees.
A public interest notice issued in reference to the NCAHP Act, 2021, and associated circulars has highlighted the difference between academic validity and professional recognition. According to the advisory, a degree being academically valid does not necessarily mean that graduates will be eligible for statutory registration or professional practice.
Dr. Rev. K.V.K. Rao, Founder and Chancellor of St. Mary’s Rehabilitation University, has highlighted three categories of programmes that prospective students should verify carefully.
The first includes three-year Allied & Healthcare degree programmes, as NCAHP has prescribed four-year competency-based courses for most professions in the sector. Students should confirm whether a three-year course fulfils the requirements for professional registration.
The second category covers four-year programmes run by Deemed-to-be Universities without the required regulatory clearance. Students should verify whether prior approval has been obtained from NCAHP or the relevant State Allied & Healthcare Council.
The third category involves Allied Health, Health Sciences and other professional programmes outside the approved academic scope of a Private University. Applicants should check the university’s Letter of Intent, First Ordinances and subsequent valid approvals to establish whether the programme is authorised.
The advisory urges students and parents not to make admission decisions solely on the basis of an institution’s reputation or affiliation. Written confirmation of course duration, regulatory approval and professional recognition should be obtained before paying fees.
The guidance comes ahead of the 2026–27 admission season and seeks to help students make informed choices while avoiding potential issues related to professional registration and career eligibility after graduation.
