About NEET
NEET (National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test)
The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam is a critical gateway for students in India who aspire to pursue undergraduate medical and dental courses. Here’s an in-depth look at various aspects of the NEET exam
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the medical entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, BAMS, Veterinary, and other medical/paramedical courses in India. The exam is conducted in 13 languages. Over 20 lakh candidates appear for the NEET exam. MBBS is the most preferred medical course followed by BDS and BSc Nursing. Last year, the number of NEET aspirants surpassed the previous years' records.
1. Detailed Exam Pattern
Structure
Physics
50 Questions
Focus on concepts from mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, waves, and electromagnetism.
Chemistry
50 Questions
Covers physical chemistry (molecular structure, thermodynamics), organic chemistry (hydrocarbons, biomolecules), and inorganic chemistry (periodic table, coordination compounds).
Biology
100 Questions
Divided into Botany and Zoology, focusing on plant and animal physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
Question Types
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Each question has four options with only one correct answer.
Marking Scheme
For every correct answer, (+4) four marks will be awarded.
For every incorrect/ wrong answer, (-1) one mark will be deducted from the total.
No marks will be deducted for unanswered/ unattempted questions.
If a candidate has marked two or more options on the OMR sheet, then the answer will be considered wrong, and (-1) one mark is deducted.
In case, if more than one option is found correct, (+4) four marks will be awarded only to those candidates who marked any of the correct options.
In case, if all four options are found correct, (+4) four marks will be awarded only to those candidates who attempted the question.
For section A, if none of the options is found to be correct or if a question is found to be incorrect, or a question is dropped, all candidates who have appeared will be given four marks (+4) regardless of whether the question was attempted or not.
For section B, If a question is found to be incorrect, or a question is dropped, all individuals who have attempted the question will receive four marks (+4).
Medium of exam :
The medium or language for NEET 2025 completely depends on the candidates, as the exam is conducted in 13 languages i.e. English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, at different exam centres.
The medium and language of the question should be chosen at the time of filling out the NEET registration form. Once picked, the option cannot be modified.
Candidates who choose English will be given a Test Booklet in English only.
Candidates who choose Hindi or any other language, will be given a Bilingual Test Booklet in English and their chosen other language.
In the event of an ambiguity in the translation of any questions, the English version of the NEET question paper will be considered final.
Duration
The exam is conducted in a single session lasting 3 hours.
2. Eligibility Criteria in Detail
Age Limit
General Category: Must be 17 years old on or before December 31 of the year of admission and should not be older than 25 years.
Reserved Categories: The age limit is relaxed by 5 years, making the upper age limit 30 years.
There is no limit on the number of attempts to apply for NEET.
Educational Qualification
Qualifying Exam: Students should have passed the 12th level or its equivalent from a recognized board or university.
Qualifying Subjects : Students should have passed with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Biotechnology, and English as mandatory subjects in the 12th level.
Minimum Aggregate Marks:
General Category: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
OBC/SC/ST: 40% in the same subjects.
PwD: 45% in the same subjects.
3. Application Process in Depth
Registration
Online Application: Register on the official NEET website to create an account.
Required Documents: Personal details, educational qualifications, scanned photographs, and signatures.
Filling the Form
Personal Information: Name, date of birth, nationality, etc.
Academic Details: Marks obtained in 10+2 or equivalent.
Contact Information: Email address and phone number.
Payment
Application Fee: Varies by category (e.g., General/OBC candidates typically pay more than SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Payment Methods: Online through credit/debit cards or net banking.
Admit Card
Release: Issued a few weeks before the exam date.
Contents: Includes exam centre details, date and time, and personal information.
4. Syllabus Overview
Physics | Chemistry | Biology |
5. Results and Counselling
Results
Declaration: Usually within a month or so after the exam.
Scorecard: Contains the total score, subject-wise marks, and All India Rank (AIR).
Counselling Process
Registration: Register for counselling on the relevant counselling authority’s website.
Choice Filling: Select preferred colleges and courses based on rank and score.
Seat Allotment: Based on merit and availability of seats.
Document Verification: Originals and photocopies of necessary documents are verified.
6. Preparation Strategies
Study Plan
Create a Timetable: Allocate time for each subject based on strengths and weaknesses.
Balanced Study: Include theory and problem-solving sessions.
Resources
Textbooks: NCERT books are crucial. Supplement with reference books for deeper understanding.
Online Resources: Utilize online mock tests, video lectures, and study materials.
Practice
Mock Tests: Regularly practice to improve speed and accuracy.
Previous Years’ Papers: Helps in understanding the pattern and difficulty level of questions.
Health and Well-being
Routine: Maintain a balanced study schedule with breaks.
Nutrition: Eat healthy and stay hydrated.
Sleep: Ensure adequate rest to avoid burnout.
7. Important Dates and Updates
Exam Schedule: Check the official NEET website for updates on exam dates.
Admit Card Release: Typically a few weeks before the exam.
Result Declaration: Announced a few weeks after the exam.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official NEET website and notifications from NTA. If you have more specific questions or need further elaboration on any aspect, just let me know!