NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a crucial medical entrance examination conducted in India. Established by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET serves as a gateway for aspiring medical and dental students to secure admission to various undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical courses in India. This standardized test has replaced multiple individual state-level medical entrance exams, bringing uniformity and transparency to the admission process. In this article, we will explore the significance of NEET, its format, eligibility criteria, and its impact on the medical education landscape in India.
NEET 2024 – National Eligibility cum Entrance Test
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a nationwide medical entrance examination conducted in India. It serves as the gateway for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical and dental courses (MBBS and BDS) in government and private colleges across the country. NEET is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
NEET aims to establish a single standardized platform for medical and dental admissions, replacing various state-level entrance tests. It ensures fair and merit-based selection of candidates, streamlining the process and reducing the burden of multiple entrance exams.
The NEET exam assesses students’ knowledge in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is held in pen-and-paper mode. NEET scores are used by various medical and dental colleges to offer admission to qualified candidates.
The NEET has become a significant milestone in the academic journey of aspiring doctors and dentists, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of medical education in India.
NEET 2024: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Exam | National Eligibility cum Entrance test |
| Exam conducting body | National Testing Agency |
| Minimum eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Total no of questions | 200 |
| Minimum age to apply | 17 years age |
| Official website | neet.nta.nic.in |
NEET 2024 Eligibility Criteria
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a prestigious gateway to the realm of medical education in India. To embark on this journey, aspirants must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. These criteria serve as a benchmark to ensure that only deserving candidates are considered for the highly sought-after medical and dental courses.
Basic Eligibility Requirements: The Foundation
- Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission or will attain that age on or before December 31 of the year of admission. There is no upper age limit for NEET.
- Nationality: Indian nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and foreign nationals are eligible to apply for NEET.
Educational Qualifications: The Academic Pathway
- Qualifying Examination: Candidates must have completed their Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. The qualifying examination should be from a recognized board or authority.
- Minimum Marks: General category candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the minimum aggregate required is 40%, while for PwD candidates, it is 45%.
Documents Required to Fill NEET Application Form
To successfully complete the NEET application process, you will need the following documents:
- Scanned Passport-Size Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format, with a file size between 10 kb to 200 kb.
- Scanned Postcard-Size Photograph: A postcard-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format (4″X6″), with a file size ranging from 10 kb to 200 kb.
- Clear Signature: Your signature scanned in JPG/JPEG format, with a file size between 4 kb to 30 kb.
- Fingerprints and Thumb Impressions: Scanned images of your left and right hand fingerprints and thumb impressions.
- Address Proof: Proof of your present and permanent address, with a file size between 50 kb to 300 kb.
- Class 10 Passing Certificate: A PDF format of your Class 10 passing certificate, with a file size ranging from 50 kb to 300 kb.
- Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets: Scanned copies of your Class 10 and 12 mark sheets or equivalent, for providing education details.
- Category Certificate (If Applicable): If eligible, a PDF format of your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS etc.), with a file size between 50 kb to 300 kb.
- Citizenship Certificate (If Required): If necessary, a PDF document containing your citizenship certificate, embassy certificate, or documentary proof of citizenship, with a file size between 50 kb to 300 kb.
- Online Fee Payment Details: Ensure you have your credit card, debit card, or net banking details ready for online fee payment.
NEET 2024 Application Fee
Given below is the application fee for NEET :
| Category of Applicant | In India (Fee in ₹) | Outside India (Fee in ₹) |
|---|---|---|
| General | ₹ 1700/- | ₹ 9500/- |
| General-EWS/ OBC-NCL | ₹ 1600/- | |
| SC/ ST/ PwD/ Transgender | ₹ 1000/- |
NEET 2024 Exam Dates
Candidates are advised to refer to the table below to stay informed about the NEET UG exam date and avoid missing any important events.
| Events | Dates (Tentative) |
| Release of application form | 1st week of March 2024 |
| Last date to submit the application | 1st week of April 2024 |
| Last date for application fee payment | 1st week of April 2024 |
| Correction window | April 2024 |
| Issue of admit card | Last week of April 2024 |
| Exam date | 1st week of May 2024 |
| Answer key available | Within one week after the exam |
| Answer key objection window | May 2024 |
| Result announcement | June 2024 |
| Counselling begin | July 2024 |
NEET 2024 Syllabus
The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) syllabus is vast and comprehensive, covering three main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The syllabus is based on the topics taught in the 11th and 12th standards of the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum, as well as the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks. Below is an overview of the NEET syllabus for each subject:
Physics:
- Physical World and Measurement
- Kinematics
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Motion of Systems of Particles and Rigid Body
- Gravitation
- Properties of Bulk Matter
- Thermodynamics
- Behavior of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory
- Oscillations and Waves
- Electrostatics
- Current Electricity
- Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Optics
- Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
- Atoms and Nuclei
- Electronic Devices
Chemistry:
- Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Structure of Atom
- Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- States of Matter: Gases and Liquids
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Redox Reactions
- Hydrogen
- s-Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals)
- p-Block Elements
- Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques
- Hydrocarbons
- Environmental Chemistry
- Solid State
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
- General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
- d and f Block Elements
- Coordination Compounds
- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
- Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
- Amines
- Biomolecules
- Polymers
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
Biology:
- Diversity in Living World
- Structural Organization in Animals and Plants
- Cell Structure and Function
- Plant Physiology
- Human Physiology
- Reproduction
- Genetics and Evolution
- Biology and Human Welfare
- Biotechnology and its Applications
- Ecology and Environment
Candidates appearing for NEET must thoroughly study these topics and understand their concepts to perform well in the examination. As the NEET syllabus is extensive, dedicated preparation and focus on understanding the fundamentals are essential for success.
NEET 2024 exam pattern
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam pattern serves as a roadmap for aspiring medical professionals, guiding them through the terrain of this significant assessment. Understanding the NEET exam pattern is essential for effective preparation, allowing candidates to navigate the test with confidence and competence.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Mode | Pen-and-paper-based (Offline) |
| Total Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 180 |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Subjects |
|
| Language Options | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu (subject to availability) |
| Marking Scheme |
|
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Section-wise Division |
|
| Exam Centers | Nationwide across various cities |
| Exam Date | Usually conducted in the month of May |
Preparation tips for NEET 2024
Prioritizing crucial topics forms the cornerstone of effective preparation. Consider studying Biology alongside another subject simultaneously to maximize topic coverage in a shorter timeframe.
Engage in thorough reading of NCERT material, highlighting key facts while jotting down notes. After completing NCERT, delve into supplementary study materials such as books and online resources. Take note of any relevant references encountered.
Harness the power of diagrams, a pivotal aspect of NEET 2024 readiness. Commit every Biology diagram to memory to enhance topic comprehension, as visual aids aid information retention.
In Physics, extensive question-solving practice is imperative. Construct a comprehensive spreadsheet housing formulas and laws elucidated in each chapter for quick reference.
For Chemistry, mastering chemical equations and diagrams is paramount. Post the completion of each Chemistry chapter, compile a sheet comprising pertinent chemical equations and formulas. This proactive approach ensures comprehensive learning.
FAQs
Q1: What is NEET?
- NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a national-level medical entrance examination conducted in India for admission to various undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical courses.
Q2: Who conducts the NEET exam?
- NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Q3: What courses does NEET cover?
- NEET covers undergraduate courses like MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), and other medical-related courses.
Q4: What are the eligibility criteria for NEET UG?
- Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. They should also be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
Q5: How is NEET UG conducted?
- NEET UG is a pen-and-paper-based test with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). The duration of the exam is three hours.
Q6: What is NEET PG?
- NEET PG is the postgraduate level entrance examination for medical graduates seeking admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma courses in India.
Q7: How are NEET scores used for admissions?
- NEET scores form the basis for merit-based admissions to medical and dental colleges across India. Admission to prestigious medical institutions is determined by the NEET rank obtained by candidates.
Q8: When is the NEET result declared?
- The NEET result date is usually announced a few weeks after the exam is conducted. Aspiring candidates can check the official website neet.nta.nic.in for the latest updates on the result declaration.
Q9: Can I attempt NEET multiple times?
- Yes, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they are eligible.
Q10: Is there any reservation policy for NEET?
- Yes, NEET follows reservation policies as per the guidelines of the Indian government. Reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates have specific seats reserved for them in medical colleges.