National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses across India. NEET serves as the gateway for students who wish to pursue degrees like MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in government and private medical colleges.
This exam is crucial for aspiring medical students, as it offers admission to various medical colleges, including those under the All India Quota (AIQ), State Quota, and Private Institutions.
In this guide, we will provide you with all the essential details about NEET, including its eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, application process, and fee structure, to help you prepare effectively and secure a place in your desired medical college.
What is NEET?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the sole entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical undergraduate courses in India. NEET is conducted in offline mode (pen-paper based) and is the only exam recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and Dental Council of India (DCI) for medical admissions.
NEET Exam Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen-paper based test) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany and Zoology) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 200 (Physics: 50, Chemistry: 50, Biology: 100) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers, 0 for unanswered questions |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Completion of class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects; minimum 50% aggregate marks for general category (40% for reserved categories) |
| Age Limit | 17 to 25 years (5 years relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Application Mode | Online |
Syllabus Overview
NEET’s syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for classes 11 and 12 and covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology).
Physics:
- Mechanics (Motion, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, Power)
- Thermodynamics
- Optics
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Current Electricity
- Electrostatics
Chemistry:
- Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Functional Groups, Alcohols, Ethers)
- Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds)
- Physical Chemistry (Mole Concept, Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics)
Biology:
- Cell Structure and Function
- Genetics and Evolution
- Human Physiology
- Plant Physiology
- Reproduction in Organisms
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NEET, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects.
- The minimum aggregate marks required in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are:
- 50% for general category candidates.
- 40% for SC/ST/OBC category candidates.
- 45% for general category candidates with benchmark disabilities.
- Age Limit:
- Candidates must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission (on or before December 31st of the year of admission).
- The upper age limit is 25 years for general category candidates and 30 years for reserved category candidates.
- Nationality:
- Indian citizens, NRIs, OCI, and PIO candidates are eligible to apply.
- Appearing Candidates:
- Candidates who are appearing for class 12 exams in the current year can also apply.
Application Process
The NEET application process is done online through the official NTA website. Below is a typical step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Visit the official NTA NEET website and register for the exam.
- Step 2: Fill out the online application form with necessary details (personal, academic, and contact information).
- Step 3: Upload scanned documents (photograph, signature, class 12 marksheet, etc.).
- Step 4: Pay the application fee through online payment methods (credit card, debit card, net banking).
- Step 5: Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
NEET Fee Structure
The application fee for NEET varies based on the candidate’s category:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹1,700 |
| SC/ST/PWD | ₹1,100 |
| NRI/Foreign Candidates | ₹2,500 |
| Mode of Payment | Credit/Debit Cards, Net Banking, UPI |
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The NEET exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The pattern is as follows:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 50 | +4 | 200 |
| Chemistry | 50 | +4 | 200 |
| Biology | 100 | +4 | 400 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Marking Scheme:
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect answer: -1 mark
- Unanswered question: 0 marks
Preparation Tips for NEET
- Understand the Syllabus: NEET syllabus is vast, so begin by breaking down the topics and focusing on key areas.
- Revise Regularly: Regular revision is crucial for retaining the concepts you’ve learned.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to evaluate your preparation and improve your time management skills.
- Focus on NCERT Textbooks: Since the syllabus is based on NCERT, ensure thorough study of all subjects from the NCERT textbooks.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on any updates related to NEET, such as exam date announcements, admit card release, and result announcements.
Conclusion
The NEET exam is a crucial step for students aspiring to pursue MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India. With the right preparation and strategy, you can perform well in the exam and secure admission to a top medical college.
If you need guidance for NEET preparation, personalized counseling, or help with the admission process, feel free to contact us. Our college consulting services are designed to help you every step of the way, from exam preparation to college selection, ensuring a successful career in the medical field.
