⚕️ NEET (UG): The Ultimate Gateway to Medical Careers in India
Your essential guide to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)
🎯 Paper Objective: Ensuring Medical Excellence
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) or NEET (UG) is the single, most critical entrance examination for millions of aspirants seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS) courses in India. Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this highly competitive exam establishes a merit-based, uniform standard for entry into all medical, dental, and select allied health science colleges across the nation. It was introduced with a clear mandate to replace multiple state and private medical entrance exams.
Key Goals of NEET UG Admission:
- Standardization of Assessment: Guarantees uniform quality and competence among future medical professionals.
- Merit-Driven Admissions: The process is transparent, relying solely on the All India Rank (AIR) secured.
- Curriculum Focus: Rigorously tests conceptual clarity in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum.
📝 Comprehensive Examination Pattern & Marking System
Key Exam Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper Test) |
| Total Duration | 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes) |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 200 (180 to be attempted) |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Medium | 13 languages (including English & Hindi) |
Structure and Latest Changes: Section A & B
| Subject | Section A (Mandatory) | Section B (Choice-based) | Attempt | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 Qs | 15 Qs | 45 Qs | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 Qs | 15 Qs | 45 Qs | 180 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 70 Qs | 30 Qs | 90 Qs | 360 |
| Grand Total | 140 | 60 | 180 | 720 |
Critical Marking Scheme (Negative Marking)
- Correct Answer: +4 Marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark (Deducted from the total score)
- Unattempted/Multiple Marked: 0 Marks
📚 Updated Syllabus: Focus on NCERT Rationalization
The NEET (UG) Syllabus is rigorously based on the curriculum of Classes 11 and 12. Recent rationalization efforts by the National Medical Commission (NMC) have led to specific deletions of topics/chapters from the previous syllabus, aligning it closely with the revised NCERT rationalized content. Aspirants must ensure they use the most up-to-date curriculum outlines released by the NTA.
Key Subject Focus Areas:
- Biology: The highest weightage section (50% of total marks). Focus intensely on Human Physiology, Genetics, Ecology, and Cell Structure. Read the NCERT textbooks repeatedly.
- Physics: Requires mastering fundamentals, regular numerical problem-solving, and application of theory. Core areas include Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electrostatics.
- Chemistry: Covers Physical (Numerical-heavy), Inorganic (Memorization/Exceptions), and Organic (Reaction Mechanisms). Be aware of the deleted chapters like 'States of Matter' and 'Chemistry in Everyday Life'.
👩🎓 Eligibility Criteria: Who is Eligible for NEET (UG)?
Meeting the following criteria is mandatory for all aspirants. Ensure your documentation matches these requirements during registration.
Age and Attempts
- Minimum Age: 17 years completed on or before December 31 of the admission year.
- Maximum Age: No upper age limit for appearing in the exam.
- Attempts: No limit on the number of attempts.
Educational Qualification & Marks
- Qualifying Exam: 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
- Minimum Marks (PCB/Biotech Aggregate):
- - General (UR)/EWS: 50%
- - OBC/SC/ST: 40%
- - PwD (Unreserved): 45%
🏛️ Counselling & Seat Allocation: AIQ vs. State Quota
The NEET (UG) rank is the sole basis for seat allotment through a centralized counselling process. Candidates can participate in both counselling rounds.
| Quota Name | Seats % | Conducting Body | Scope/Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| All India Quota (AIQ) | 15% | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) | Open to all Indian candidates. Includes AIIMS, JIPMER, and Central/Deemed Universities. |
| State Quota (SQ) | 85% | Respective State Authorities | Reserved for candidates who meet the domicile criteria of that specific state. |
Video: NEET UG Counselling 2026: AIQ & State Quota Explained | NEET Admission Process Simplified
🩺 Scope Beyond MBBS: The Power of a NEET Score
A qualified NEET (UG) score is your passport to a wide and diverse range of healthcare careers, not just MBBS and BDS. The score is mandatory for admission to the following:
- AYUSH Courses: BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and BSMS. These traditional medicine systems are growing rapidly.
- Veterinary Science: Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH).
- Nursing: Many premier B.Sc. Nursing colleges now mandate a qualified NEET score.
- Studying Abroad: Crucially, an Indian student must qualify for NEET (UG) to be eligible to pursue MBBS/BDS studies in any foreign medical institution and subsequently practice in India.
Disclaimer: Information based on the latest NTA/NMC notifications. Always refer to the official NEET website (neet.nta.nic.in) for the most current updates.