NEET - National Eligibility cum Entrance Test
Overview
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is India’s single national-level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate medical programs such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, and veterinary science courses. Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET serves as the primary gateway to medical colleges across India, including government, private, deemed universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and state-level institutions. The exam assesses a student’s understanding of core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the Class 11 and 12 level. NEET ensures a fair, transparent, and uniform admission process across the country, replacing all state and institutional-level medical entrance exams. With over 20 lakh applicants each year, NEET is known for its competitiveness and high academic standards.
Exam Pattern
- Duration of exam: 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes)
- No. of questions: 200 questions (180 to be attempted)
- Marks distribution: Total Marks: 720, Physics: 180 marks, Chemistry: 180 marks, Biology (Botany + Zoology): 360 marks
- Marking scheme: +4 for each correct answer, –1 for each incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted questions
Syllabus
- Physics: Kinematics, Thermodynamics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics
- Chemistry: Organic (Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules), Inorganic (Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds), Physical (Equilibrium, Thermodynamics)
- Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology, Ecology, Biotechnology
Exam Registration & Eligibility Details
- Registration: Candidates must register on the official NTA NEET portal by creating an account, filling personal and academic details, uploading documents, selecting exam cities, and paying the application fee. After successful submission, a confirmation page is generated, and the admit card is released online closer to the exam date.
- Eligibility: Must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, Minimum age: 17 years, No upper age limit (as per latest guidelines), Minimum qualifying marks in Class 12 may vary by category
- Documents Required: Passport-size photograph, Signature, Class 10 & 12 mark-sheets, Category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), Valid photo ID proof
- Exam fee: General: ₹1,700, OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹1,600, SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,000, Foreign Nationals: Higher fee slab applies
Selection Process
Selection is based entirely on performance in the NEET exam. After results are announced, candidates participate in centralized counseling conducted by MCC (for AIQ 15%, Deemed Universities, AIIMS & JIPMER) and State Counseling Authorities (for 85% state quota seats). Final seat allotment depends on NEET rank, category, reservation criteria, and availability of seats across participating colleges.
F.A.Q
Yes, NEET is mandatory for admission to all MBBS programs in India.
Yes, both AIIMS and JIPMER admissions are now through NEET only.
There is no limit on the number of attempts.
NEET is conducted offline in pen-and-paper mode.
A score above 600+ is generally competitive for government medical colleges.