NEET Exam: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Counseling Process, Top Medical Colleges Through NEET

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level medical entrance exam in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the gateway for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and AYUSH courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, etc.) in government and private medical institutions across India. NEET is also mandatory for those aiming to study MBBS abroad.

In this blog, we'll cover every aspect of the NEET exam, from eligibility criteria and syllabus to exam patterns, preparation tips, and more.

1. What is NEET?

NEET is a pen-and-paper (offline) exam conducted once a year for admission into MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical programs in India. The exam is crucial as it is the only entrance test for these courses after the abolishment of AIIMS and JIPMER entrance exams in 2020.

Key Highlights of NEET:

Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Level: National
Courses Offered: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, and Veterinary courses
Exam Mode: Pen-and-paper (Offline)
Frequency: Once a year
Languages: Available in 13 languages, including Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil, and others

2. NEET Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for NEET, candidates must check whether they meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility requirements are based on educational qualifications, age limit, and nationality.

Educational Qualification:

Minimum Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for the Class 12 (or equivalent) exam from a recognized board.
Subjects Required: Candidates should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in their 12th standard.
Minimum Marks:
- General category: 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- OBC/SC/ST category: 40% aggregate
- PwD category: 45% aggregate

Age Criteria:

Minimum Age: Candidates must be 17 years old as of 31st December of the admission year.
Maximum Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to apply for NEET.

Nationality:

Indian citizens, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), PIO (Persons of Indian Origin), OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), and foreign nationals are eligible to apply for NEET.

3. NEET Exam Pattern

The NEET exam tests a candidate's knowledge and understanding in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology). Understanding the exam pattern is essential for strategic preparation.

Key Features of NEET Exam Pattern:

Mode of Exam: Pen-and-paper (Offline)
Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Number of Questions: 200 questions, out of which candidates need to attempt 180
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks: 720 marks
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology)

Marking Scheme:

Correct Answer: +4 marks for each correct answer
Incorrect Answer: -1 mark for each wrong answer
Unanswered Question: No deduction for unanswered questions

Subject-wise Question Distribution:

Subject	Total Questions	Total Marks
Physics	50 (45 to attempt)	180
Chemistry	50 (45 to attempt)	180
Biology (Botany)	50 (45 to attempt)	180
Biology (Zoology)	50 (45 to attempt)	180
Total	200 (180 to attempt)	720

4. NEET Syllabus

The NEET syllabus is based on the Class 11 and 12 curricula of NCERT/CBSE, covering important topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Physics:

Physical world and measurement
Kinematics, Laws of Motion
Work, Energy, and Power
Thermodynamics
Electrostatics
Current Electricity
Electromagnetic Induction
Optics
Nuclear Physics
Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation

Chemistry:

Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
Structure of Atom
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
States of Matter
Thermodynamics
Equilibrium
Redox Reactions
Organic Chemistry
Hydrocarbons
Biomolecules
Polymers

Biology (Botany & Zoology):

Diversity of Living Organisms
Structural Organization in Animals and Plants
Cell Structure and Function
Plant Physiology
Human Physiology
Reproduction
Genetics and Evolution
Ecology and Environment
Biotechnology and Its Applications

5. NEET Application Process

The application process for NEET is conducted online through the official NTA NEET website. Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for the exam:

Steps to Apply:

Registration: Visit the official NTA NEET website and register using your email ID, phone number, and basic details.
Fill Application Form: Enter personal details, academic qualifications, and select exam centers.
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of passport-sized photographs, signature, left thumb impression, and category certificate (if applicable).
Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee through online methods such as debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Application Fee:

General Category: ₹1600
OBC/SC/ST/PwD Category: ₹900
EWS Category: ₹1500

6. NEET Admit Card

Once the application process is completed, candidates can download the NEET admit card from the official NTA website. The admit card is an essential document that must be carried to the exam center.

How to Download Admit Card:

Visit the official NTA NEET website.
Log in using your application number and password.
Download the admit card and take multiple printouts.
Ensure all the details on the admit card are correct.

7. NEET Preparation Tips

NEET is highly competitive, with over 16 lakh candidates appearing for the exam annually. Strategic preparation is the key to success. Here are some tips to help you prepare for NEET:

1. Know the Syllabus Thoroughly:

Be thorough with the NEET syllabus, which is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. Make sure you cover all the topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

2. Create a Study Plan:

Create a study schedule that covers all subjects and topics, allowing ample time for revision. Allocate more time to weaker areas.

3. Focus on NCERT Books:

NCERT textbooks are the foundation of NEET preparation. Read them thoroughly and ensure a strong understanding of basic concepts.

4. Solve Previous Year Papers:

Practice previous years' NEET question papers to understand the type of questions asked, the difficulty level, and the important topics.

5. Take Mock Tests:

Regularly take online NEET mock tests to assess your preparation and improve time management. Analyze your performance after each test.

6. Time Management:

During the exam, time management is crucial. Divide your time wisely between Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

8. NEET Results and Cutoff

After the exam, NTA releases the NEET result on its official website. Along with the result, NTA announces the NEET cutoff scores for various categories.

NEET Cutoff (Expected):

General Category: 50th percentile (Marks range: 720-138)
OBC/SC/ST Category: 40th percentile (Marks range: 137-108)
PwD Category: 45th percentile (Marks range: 137-122)

Candidates who score above the cutoff are eligible to participate in the NEET counseling process for seat allotment in medical and dental colleges.

9. NEET Counseling Process

The NEET counseling is conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and by respective state authorities for State Quota seats. The counseling process is held in multiple rounds, and seat allotment is based on merit and preferences.

Steps in NEET Counseling:

Registration: Candidates must register online for the counseling process.
Choice Filling: Candidates can fill in their preferred colleges and courses.
Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted based on NEET rank and preferences.
Reporting to College: After seat allotment, candidates must report to the allotted college to complete the admission process.

10. Top Medical Colleges Through NEET

NEET is the gateway to some of India's most prestigious medical colleges. Here are some of the top medical institutions that accept NEET scores:

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi
King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate) offers admission to a variety of medical, dental, and allied healthcare undergraduate courses. Here are the courses that students can pursue after qualifying for the NEET UG exam:

1. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship)
Description: The most sought-after course through NEET UG, MBBS trains students to become medical doctors. It covers various aspects of medicine, surgery, and clinical practices.

2. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

Duration: 5 years (including 1 year of internship)
Description: This course focuses on dental health and surgery. It prepares students to become dentists, covering topics like oral surgery, dental anatomy, and oral medicine.

3. BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)

Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship)
Description: BAMS focuses on Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian system of medicine. Students learn traditional treatments along with modern medical science.

4. BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)

Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship)
Description: BHMS focuses on homeopathic medicine, a system based on natural treatments. It combines knowledge of homeopathy with modern medical practices.

5. BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)

Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship)
Description: This course teaches Unani medicine, an ancient system rooted in Greco-Arabic traditions. It includes the study of herbal and alternative treatments along with surgery.

6. BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery)

Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship)
Description: This course focuses on Siddha medicine, one of the oldest systems of medicine practiced in South India. Students learn traditional healing techniques, natural remedies, and surgery.

7. BVSc & AH (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry)

Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship)
Description: This course focuses on the medical treatment and healthcare of animals. Students learn about animal physiology, surgery, and disease treatment.

8. BNYS (Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences)

Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship)
Description: BNYS combines naturopathy, a system of alternative medicine, with yogic practices for overall well-being. It focuses on drugless therapies and natural healing.

9. BSc Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Duration: 4 years
Description: Though BSc Nursing admissions aren't entirely through NEET in all states, some institutes may use NEET scores for admission. This course trains students in patient care, nursing practices, and healthcare management.

10. BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy)

Duration: 4.5 years (including 6 months of internship)
Description: Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that helps patients regain physical mobility after injury or illness. It covers musculoskeletal treatment, therapeutic exercises, and rehabilitation.

11. BSc (Bachelor of Science) Courses in Allied Health Sciences

Several BSc courses in allied health sciences can be pursued through NEET UG. These include:

BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
BSc in Radiology and Imaging Technology
BSc in Optometry
BSc in Cardiac Technology
BSc in Dialysis Technology
BSc in Anesthesia Technology
BSc in Respiratory Therapy

Admission Process for NEET UG Courses

Entrance Exam: NEET UG is the single entrance exam for most of these courses.
Counseling: After NEET UG results, counseling is conducted at both national and state levels for seat allocation.
- All India Quota (AIQ): 15% of seats in government medical and dental colleges are filled through AIQ counseling.
- State Quota: 85% of seats are filled through state-level counseling.
Private Colleges and Deemed Universities: These institutions also admit students through NEET UG for the aforementioned courses.
Conclusion
The NEET exam is a crucial milestone for aspiring doctors in India. With thorough preparation, strategic planning, and consistent efforts, candidates can crack the exam and secure admission into their dream medical colleges. Focus on understanding concepts, practicing extensively, and managing time effectively to ace NEET.

Be Smart LYF

Group 1 Recruitment in Telangana