The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a batch of Special Leave Petitions filed by Homeopathy medical colleges seeking a separate entrance examination for undergraduate Homeopathy courses. The Court affirmed that under the National Commission for Homeopathy Act, 2020, a uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory and the National Testing Agency (NTA) is a valid designated authority to conduct such tests.
Background
The batch of petitions, led by Rani Dullaiya Smriti Homeopathy Medical College and Hospital, challenged a judgment of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh. The primary issue concerned the interpretation of Section 14 of the National Commission for Homeopathy Act, 2020. The petitioners argued that while Section 14 mandates a uniform entrance test, the examination should be conducted specifically by the Homeopathy Commission based on the unique requirements of the Homeopathy course, rather than through the general NEET conducted by the NTA.
Arguments of the Parties
Counsel for the petitioners contended that the mandate of Section 14 requires the National Commission for Homeopathy (as defined under Section 2(d) of the Act) to conduct the test. They argued that the “rationale behind this submission is that the examinees will have to be examined based on the requirement of the Homeopathy course.”
Ms. Ankita Chaudhary, appearing for the National Commission for Homeopathy, countered these submissions by pointing to the statutory language of Section 14(2). She argued that the Commission is empowered to conduct the test “through such designated authority… as may be specified by regulations.” She clarified that the “designated authority” includes the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Furthermore, she highlighted that for NEET (UG), the syllabus remains uniform regardless of the branch of medicine (MBBS, BDS, Homeopathy, etc.) the student intends to pursue.
The Court’s Analysis
The Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan examined the provisions of the National Commission for Homeopathy Act, 2020.
The Court noted that Section 14(1) explicitly states:
“There shall be a uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, for admission to the undergraduate in Homoeopathy in all medical institutions governed under this Act.”
Referring to Sub-Section (2) of Section 14, the Court observed that the Commission is authorized to conduct the test through a designated authority. The Court accepted the Commission’s stance that the NTA falls within this definition.
Addressing the petitioners’ demand for a separate syllabus or exam, the Court noted:
“The most important aspect highlighted by Ms. Chaudhary is that insofar as NEET (UG) is concerned, the syllabus remains the same, irrespective of any branch of medicine. If that be so, then it is difficult for us to accept the submission canvassed on behalf of the petitioners that insofar as NEET (UG) for Homeopathy is concerned, there has to be a separate exam.”
Final Decision
In view of its analysis, the Supreme Court dismissed the Special Leave Petitions. In a separate SLP (C) No. 3449/2026, the Court allowed the petitioners to withdraw their plea with liberty to approach the High Court for appropriate relief. Another related matter, SLP (C) No. 9815/2026, was de-tagged and scheduled for a later hearing.
Case Details Block
- Case Title: Rani Dullaiya Smriti Homeopathy Medical College and Hospital v. Union of India & Ors.
- Case No.: Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s). 26816/2023 (and connected matters)
- Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan
- Date: April 29, 2026
