The NEET exam, which stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and other allied courses like AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) programs across India. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is the only medical entrance examination recognized for admissions into government and private medical colleges in India.
This guide will provide an in-depth look into what is NEET exam, its purpose, eligibility criteria, exam format, syllabus, and much more. Whether you’re preparing to take the exam or simply looking to understand it, this blog will offer everything you need to know about the NEET exam.
Purpose of the NEET exam
If you’re wondering, “What is NEET exam for?”, the primary purpose of the NEET exam is to streamline the process of medical admissions in India. Before NEET, students had to appear in multiple state-level and private medical entrance exams. The NEET exam has replaced all these and provides a common platform for all aspirants, ensuring a fair and transparent admission process.
Some key objectives of the NEET exam are:
- Single entrance test: NEET serves as the sole entrance exam for medical admissions, ensuring uniformity in the selection process.
- Standardized testing: It ensures that all students are judged based on a common standard, making the competition fairer.
- Reducing pressure: With only one entrance exam to prepare for, students no longer need to focus on several exams simultaneously.
|
Course |
Purpose of NEET exam |
| MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) | Admission to undergraduate medical courses |
| BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) | Admission to dental courses |
| AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) | Admission to various traditional medicine programs |
| Other Allied Medical Fields | Admission to paramedical and veterinary courses |
NEET exam eligibility criteria
Understanding the eligibility criteria for NEET is critical for candidates looking to appear for the exam. Below is a breakdown of the main requirements:
Educational qualifications
- Candidates must have completed or be appearing in their 12th-grade examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as mandatory subjects.
- Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined. For reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC), the minimum percentage is 40%.
Age limit
- Minimum age: 17 years as of December 31st of the admission year.
- Maximum age: 25 years for general category candidates and 30 years for reserved categories.
|
Criteria |
General category |
Reserved category |
| Minimum Age | 17 years | 17 years |
| Maximum Age | 25 years | 30 years |
| Educational Qualification | 50% aggregate in PCB | 40% aggregate in PCB |
Exam pattern for NEET
The NEET exam is structured to test candidates’ understanding and knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. It is an offline, pen-and-paper exam that consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Here’s the pattern:
- Total Marks: 720
- Duration: 3 hours
- Number of questions: 180
- Physics: 45 questions
- Chemistry: 45 questions
- Biology: 90 questions (Botany and Zoology)
Each correct answer is awarded 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
|
Subject |
Number of questions |
Marks |
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Syllabus of NEET exam
The NEET exam syllabus is based on the curriculum of Class 11 and 12. It covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Here’s a brief outline of the syllabus:
Physics syllabus for NEET
- Kinematics
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Thermodynamics
- Gravitation
- Properties of Bulk Matter
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
Chemistry syllabus for NEET
- Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Atomic Structure
- States of Matter: Gases and Liquids
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Electrochemistry
- Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Phenols)
Biology syllabus for NEET
- Diversity in Living World
- Structural Organization in Animals and Plants
- Cell Structure and Function
- Plant Physiology
- Human Physiology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Ecology and Environment
- Biology and Human Welfare
What is NEET exam in India?
For students in India, the NEET exam holds a significant position. It is the primary entrance exam for those aspiring to join medical colleges, dental schools, and AYUSH programs across India. Unlike other competitive exams that focus on engineering, business, or other fields, the NEET exam in India is solely for medical and healthcare-related education.
Since 2019, NEET has also been the entrance exam for admission into AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) and JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research), two of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country.
| Aspect | NEET exam in India |
| Conducting authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Courses available through NEET | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other allied medical programs |
| Eligibility | Indian nationals and NRIs with required educational criteria |
| Exam mode | Pen-and-paper (offline) |
What is NEET exam in Hindi?
For Hindi-speaking candidates or those who prefer Hindi as their medium of instruction, the NEET exam is also available in Hindi. The question papers for NEET are provided in multiple languages, including Hindi, ensuring that students from diverse linguistic backgrounds can take the exam comfortably.
For those asking, “What is NEET exam in Hindi?”, the exam structure and syllabus remain the same as in English. The only difference is the language of the question paper.
What is NEET exam for?
Many students might wonder, “What is NEET exam for?” Simply put, the NEET exam is primarily conducted for the following purposes:
- Medical Admissions: The NEET exam is the gateway to MBBS and BDS courses in medical and dental colleges across India.
- AYUSH Courses: Admissions to various traditional medicine courses, including Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha, also take place through NEET.
- Veterinary Courses: Some states also use NEET scores for admission to veterinary sciences programs.
- Private and Deemed Universities: NEET scores are accepted by private and deemed universities for admission to medical and dental courses.
|
Field |
NEET exam purpose |
| MBBS | Admission to undergraduate medical courses |
| BDS | Admission to dental surgery courses |
| AYUSH Programs | Admission to Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy programs |
| Veterinary | Some states use NEET for veterinary course admissions |
NEET exam preparation tips
To excel in the NEET exam, students need a well-planned preparation strategy. Here are some preparation tips:
- Understand the syllabus: Thoroughly go through the syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, focusing on high-weightage topics.
- NCERT books: Most of the NEET questions are based on NCERT textbooks, especially in Biology. Make sure to study and revise NCERT concepts thoroughly.
- Mock tests and past papers: Regularly practice mock tests and solve previous years’ NEET papers to get a feel of the exam and manage time efficiently.
- Consistent revision: Dedicate sufficient time for revision. Periodic revision helps in retaining important concepts and formulas.
- Time management: Allocate specific time slots for each subject, ensuring that difficult topics get more attention.
Conclusion
The NEET exam is a crucial gateway for students in India aspiring to become doctors or dentists. Understanding what is NEET exam and its purpose is the first step towards effective preparation. With a comprehensive syllabus covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, students need a strong foundation in science subjects to crack the exam. Given its competitive nature, proper planning, consistent practice, and time management are essential for success. Whether you’re aiming for an MBBS or BDS degree, the NEET exam will determine your path to medical education in India.
FAQs on what is NEET exam
Q1: What is NEET exam for?
A: The NEET exam is primarily for admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary programs across medical colleges in India.
Q2: What is NEET exam in Hindi?
A: The NEET exam can be taken in Hindi for students who prefer the language. The structure and syllabus remain the same, with Hindi as the medium of instruction.
Q3: What is the eligibility for NEET exam?
A: Candidates must have passed 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, with a minimum of 50% in aggregate for the general category.
Q4: Can NEET be used for admissions to AIIMS?
A: Yes, from 2019 onwards, NEET is the entrance exam for AIIMSA: Yes, from 2019 onwards, NEET is the entrance exam for AIIMS and JIPMER admissions for MBBS programs.
Q5: Is NEET required for BDS admissions?
A: Yes, the NEET exam is mandatory for admission to Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programs in both government and private dental colleges across India.
Q6: How many times can I attempt NEET?
A: There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the NEET exam as long as you meet the age and other eligibility criteria.
Q7: What is the duration of the NEET exam?
A: The NEET exam lasts for 3 hours, during which candidates must answer 180 multiple-choice questions across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Q8: Can foreign nationals appear for the NEET exam?
A: Yes, foreign nationals are eligible to appear for the NEET exam provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q9: What is the mode of NEET exam?
A: The NEET exam is conducted offline in a pen-and-paper format, where students mark their answers on an OMR sheet.
Q10: What is the marking scheme for NEET?
A: In NEET, candidates earn 4 marks for each correct answer, while 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.