The pan full expand for NEET is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. It is an extremely important examination in India for those aspiring to become doctors or dentists, or any other profession allied to health. NEET is considered to be the single entrance examination for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary courses in both government and private colleges across India.
What is NEET?
These are the unique characteristics and historical significance of NEET. That means nowadays, students completing Class 12 before pursuing a career in medicine in India, need to sit through just one exam-the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)-to get into their careers. As per the latest reports released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET has become more powerful. The new entrants, however, need to catch up with the long history of various medical entrance tests that have been replaced by the NEET in a short period of one year.
Courses Through NEET
You can apply for the following courses by clearing NEET:
- MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- BDS – Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
- BHMS – Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery
- BUMS – Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
- BSMS – Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery
- BVSc & AH – Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry
Who Conducts NEET?
The NEET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This testing organization is set up by the Ministry of Education to handle national entrance tests like NEET, JEE, and CUET. It puts the schedule, syllabus, and results on its website.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET
Age Requirement
- You must be at least 17 years old when applying.
- There is currently no upper age limit.
Educational Qualification
- You should have passed Class 12 or equivalent with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
- You must score at least:
- 50% marks in PCB subjects if you belong to the General category.
- 40% marks if you are from SC/ST/OBC categories.
- 45% marks for General-PwD candidates.
Number of Attempts
There is no limit to the number of times you can take NEET.
NEET Exam Pattern
NEET is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper). Here’s a summary of the exam format:
- Total Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Total Questions: 200 (only 180 need to be answered)
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany + Zoology)
- Maximum Marks: 720
Subject-Wise Breakdown
| Subject | Total Questions (Attempted) | Total Marks |
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology | 90 | 360 |
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 mark
- Unanswered: 0 marks
NEET Syllabus Overview
The NEET syllabus is based on the NCERT books for Classes 11 and 12. Students must cover all key topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Physics Topics
- Class 11: Motion, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, Waves, Thermodynamics
- Class 12: Electromagnetism, Optics, Current Electricity, Semiconductors
Chemistry Topics
- Class 11: Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Equilibrium, Hydrocarbons
- Class 12: Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds, Biomolecules, Polymers
Biology Topics
- Class 11: Cell Biology, Plant and Human Physiology
- Class 12: Genetics, Reproduction, Evolution, Ecology, Biotechnology
NEET Application Process
Students need to apply online through the official NTA NEET website. Here’s how the process works:
- Register online with a valid email and mobile number.
- Fill in your personal and academic details.
- Upload documents – recent photo, signature, and certificates if required.
- Pay the application fee using a debit/credit card or net banking.
- Download the confirmation page after successful submission.
NEET Admit Card and Exam Day Rules
The admit card usually available before the exam date at the official NTA website, which contains the address of the examination center, timings, and important guidelines.
Important Exam Day Tips
- Carry your admit card and a valid photo ID.
- Follow the dress code (no metal items, belts, or fancy clothes).
- Reach the center at least 1 hour early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Do not carry electronic gadgets or stationery items other than the allowed ones.
NEET Result and Counselling
The NTA website has the NEET result, where you can see your score, percentile, and AIR (All India Rank). After getting the results, students prepare for the counselling process, which will help them obtain a seat in a medical college.
Types of Counselling
- 15% All India Quota (AIQ) – handled by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee)
- 85% State Quota – managed by respective state counselling bodies
- Private and Deemed Universities – participate through their counselling process.
- AFMC, ESIC, and Central Universities have their own criteria
NEET Cut-Off and Qualifying Marks
The cut-off is the minimum score required to qualify. It changes every year based on how difficult the exam is and how many students appear.
Expected Cut-Off (May Change Yearly)
| Category | Percentile | Cut-off Score Range |
| General | 50th | 720 – 137 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th | 136 – 107 |
| General-PwD | 45th | 136 – 121 |
| SC/ST/OBC-PwD | 40th | 120 – 107 |
Top Colleges That Accept NEET Scores
Here are some of the top medical colleges in India where NEET scores are accepted:
- AIIMS, New Delhi
- CMC, Vellore
- MAMC, Delhi
- AFMC, Pune
- KGMU, Lucknow
- JIPMER, Puducherry
Preparation Tips to Succeed in NEET
- Start Early – Begin your preparation from Class 11.
- Stick to NCERT Books – These are the most important books for NEET.
- Practice Daily – Solve MCQs, mock tests, and previous year papers.
- Time Management – Learn how to divide time among all subjects.
- Revise Regularly – Make short notes and revise them weekly.
- Stay Positive and Healthy – Eat well, sleep enough, and take breaks.
Conclusion
NEET is one of those examinations that bear significance to anyone aspiring to become a physician or otherwise step into the field of health care. If a dedicated student plans their schedule properly, works hard on their studies, and seeks guidance, they will be able to soar through NEET and get into their dream college. Keeping focus, remaining positive, and having foresight of goals are essential. NEET is not just an examination but also the first step towards a noble, glorified profession.
Also Read: IBPS Recruitment – The Complete Guide
