Medical and dental students in India take the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). In 2013, the National Testing Agency (NTA) introduced NEET to replace the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) and other state-level medical admission exams. Since then, it has become India’s largest medical entrance exam, with over 15 lakh candidates taking it annually.
Physics, chemistry, and biology are covered in the annual offline NEET. 180 multiple-choice questions with 720 marks make up the three-hour exam. All medical and dental colleges in India, public and private, accept the NEET score.
NEET’s exam pattern, eligibility requirements, and preparation advice will be covered in this blog. This article will help you understand NEET, whether you’re a medical student or a parent guiding your child through the medical admission exam process.
NEET: An Overview
NEET, short for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, is an Indian national test for undergraduate medical and dental students in government or private medical institutes. The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers India’s toughest admission exam.
NEET superseded AIPMT and state-level medical admission exams in India. NEET standardized and standardized evaluation, making medical college applications easy across India. 180 physics, chemistry, and biology multiple-choice questions make up the annual NEET exam, usually given in May.
Three-hour, 11-language exams are given. AIIMS and JIPMER require strong NEET scores for admission. To succeed, the exam takes considerable preparation and perseverance.
History: When NEET Started?
NEET began in 2006 when the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Dental Council of India (DCI) recommended a unified entrance exam for all medical and dental institutes in India. The goal was to standardize admissions and remove several entry tests.
After years of controversy, the NEET was ultimately implemented in 2013. All state-level and institution-level medical entrance tests were replaced by the CBSE’s first NEET exam.
Since then, lakhs of Indian students take NEET, the most popular medical entrance exam. NEET has expedited medical college admissions and maintained education quality nationwide.
National Testing Agency – The Organizing Body of NEET
The National Testing Agency (NTA) organizes NEET, India’s national medical admission exam for medical and dental college undergraduates. NTA is an autonomous institution within India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development.
The NTA’s principal goal is to efficiently and transparently administer college entrance tests. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) administered NEET before NTA. The responsibility was passed to NTA after its creation.
NTA administers NEET in pen-and-paper format at several test centers in India. It manages the entire test process, including candidate registration, admission card release, exam administration, and result announcement. To ensure a smooth test process, NTA offers applicants different services.
Why NEET Plays an Important Role in the Medical World?
India’s most important entrance test is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). It’s for medical students who desire to study in India.
- NEET is the sole exam that grants admission to medical institutes for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, etc. India’s medical education system relies on NEET to maintain standards. It assures medical colleges admit only competent and skilled people. It also simplifies and eliminates admissions fraud.
- Additionally, NEET gives students from throughout the country equitable access to medical school. Many states had their medical entrance exams before NEET, which caused uncertainty and led to discrepancies in education and admittance.
- NEET ensures fair and equal chances for students from around the nation.
- NEET also helps enhance the country’s healthcare sector by guaranteeing that only competent medical professionals work in the area. Only the top medical students are trained and given the chance to serve the nation.
Eligibility Criteria of NEET
The NTA just issued NEET 2023 qualifying requirements. Find out those eligibility criteria below:
- As on December 31, 2023, NEET 2023 applicants must be 17 years old. Candidates over 25 years old can now apply.
- NEET 2023 eligibility criteria include qualifying test, pass percentage, nationality, age limit, and number of attempts.
- Medical graduates must have a minimum of 50% in Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). Reserved category candidates need 40% in the qualifying exam. B.Sc
- Nursing applicants must also have at least 45% in PCB and English in Class 12. Biologists can also apply.
- NEET 2023 is open to NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals.
- Candidates must present original papers meeting minimal eligibility conditions during NEET counseling.
Understanding the Reservation Criteria for NEET
The NEET reservation criteria ensure that students from all backgrounds and groups can study medicine. The government reserves candidates in many categories. SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PH are the conventional categories in most entrance exams.
The EWS category was introduced in 2019 to reserve seats for economically disadvantaged candidates. SC and ST applicants receive 15% and 7.5% of NEET seats, respectively. 27% of seats are reserved for OBC-NCL applicants and 3% for PH candidates.
10% of seats are reserved for EWS applicants. Candidates must grasp NEET reservation criteria to organize their preparation. To get into medical school, reserved category candidates must pass NEET.
Exam Pattern of NEET
The National Testing Agency (NTA) issued the NEET 2023 exam pattern. To understand the grading structure, amount of questions, and sections, aspirants should review the exam pattern before the exam.
- Candidates must answer 180 of 200 questions on the exam.
- Pen-and-paper exams will be held in 500+ Indian cities and 14 international cities.
- The exam is available in 13 languages, including Hindi, English, and 11 regional languages.
- Each subject will have 50 questions in Section A and Section B of the exam’s four sections. 35 Section A questions and 10 Section B questions must be answered.
- Each question is worth 4 marks, and each erroneous answer deducts 1 mark. No points are deducted for not answering a question. The paper will have 720 marks.
- The exam will last 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes) with no sectional time limit. NEET 2023 test pattern helps applicants prepare.
Tips and Tricks to Crack NEET
Lakhs of hopefuls take India’s most demanding entrance exam, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Preparation is key to exam success. To pass NEET 2023, follow these recommendations.
- Before studying, candidates should know the exam format and syllabus. This will help them determine which topics to address and their weighting.
- Candidates should then construct a revision-based study strategy and stick to it.
- Mastering the basics and understanding concepts requires class 11 and 12 NCERT books.
- Understanding concepts and recognizing development opportunities requires regular question practice.
- Mock tests help applicants practice and manage their time. Candidates should study previous year’s question papers and prioritize high-weight themes. This will boost exam scores.
- Online study materials from study groups and coaching institutes can supplement conventional study. However, they should verify sources.
- Balance study and other hobbies. Breaks, hobbies, and exercise can help candidates stay motivated.
Final Word!
In conclusion, NEET is a difficult and vital exam for Indian medical and dentistry school applicants. NTA administers the annual exam. NEET’s exam pattern and syllabus test students’ physics, chemistry, and biology knowledge.
The exam standardizes the admission process and eliminates the need for different entrance exams. Students can pass the NEET exam and become doctors or dentists with help and preparation. To feel confident on exam day, students should know the NEET exam’s eligibility requirements, application process, exam format, and syllabus.
