What is the NEET Exam and its Procedure?

The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a nationwide exam in India for students who want to pursue medical courses like MBBS and BDS. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET tests students’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from their 12th-grade syllabus. The exam has a single paper consisting of multiple-choice questions, and the results determine admissions to medical colleges across India. This blog explains the NEET exam, its eligibility criteria, application procedure, exam structure, and tips for preparation in simple and easy-to-understand language.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, or NEET, is one of the most important exams for students in India who wish to pursue a career in medicine. It is a gateway to medical courses like MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), and other undergraduate medical programs. NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is the only exam for admission to medical colleges in India.

In this blog, we will take you through everything you need to know about the NEET exam, its procedure, and how you can prepare for it.

What is the NEET Exam? 

The NEET exam is a national-level entrance test for students who wish to pursue medical education in India. It is the most important examination for aspiring doctors and dentists. It assesses a student’s knowledge in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Before NEET was introduced, medical colleges in India conducted their own entrance exams. But since 2016, NEET has become the single entrance exam for all medical colleges, both government and private. This means that students no longer need to appear for multiple exams for different medical colleges. 

NEET Eligibility Criteria 

Before you decide to appear for the NEET exam, it’s essential to know if you are eligible. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen. However, Foreign Nationals, NRIs, and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are also eligible to apply.

Age Limit: You must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission. The upper age limit is 25 years for general category students and 30 years for reserved category students (SC/ST/OBC).

Educational Qualification: You should have passed your 12th standard (or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the main subjects. The minimum required marks are:

• 50% for General category students.
• 40% for SC/ST/OBC students.
• 45% for General-PWD candidates.

Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts, as long as you meet the age and qualification requirements. 

NEET Exam Structure 

The NEET exam is a paper-based test, and it lasts for three hours. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The total marks are 720, with each correct answer earning 4 marks and each incorrect answer resulting in a deduction of 1 mark.

Here’s the breakdown of the exam: 

• Section A: Consists of 35 questions, which are compulsory to attempt.
• Section B: Contains 15 questions, but you are required to attempt only 10.

The Biology section is further divided into two parts:

1. Botany
2. Zoology

The exam is designed to test a student's knowledge and understanding in these subjects, and it plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility for admission to medical colleges across India. 

How to Apply for NEET 

The process of applying for NEET is simple, but it’s important to follow all steps carefully. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Online Registration:

• Visit the official NEET website of NTA (National Testing Agency).
• Create an account by entering basic details such as name, email ID, and phone number.
• After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation message and login credentials.

Fill in the Application Form:

• Log in to your account and fill in your personal, academic, and contact details.
• Choose your preferred exam centers and upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and other required documents.

Payment of Application Fee:

• Once the application form is filled, you need to pay the application fee. The fee varies depending on your category:

• General category: ₹1,600
• OBC/SC/ST category: ₹1,200
• For candidates outside India, the fee is ₹8,500.

Submit the Form:

• Review all the details in your application form carefully before submitting it. After submission, take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference. 

NEET Exam Admit Card 

Once your application is processed successfully, you will receive an admit card. The admit card is an important document, as it allows you to appear for the exam. It includes details like:

• Your name
• Roll number
• Exam center address
• Exam date and time

Make sure to download and print your admit card before the exam date. Without the admit card, you won’t be allowed to enter the exam center. 

NEET Exam Day Procedure 

On the day of the exam, you should arrive at the exam center well in advance. The exam will be conducted in offline mode (pen and paper), and you will be provided with an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet to mark your answers.

Here are a few things to keep in mind on exam day:

Required Documents:

• Admit card
• A valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.)

Instructions:

• You will be given a question paper and an OMR sheet.
• Mark your answers using a blue or black ballpoint pen.
• Keep track of time to ensure you attempt all questions.

Prohibited Items:

• You cannot carry any electronic devices, including calculators, phones, or smartwatches. Only stationery like pens and pencils are allowed.

Exam Duration:

• The NEET exam lasts for 3 hours, so manage your time wisely. There is no break during the exam, so stay focused and keep a steady pace. 

NEET Results and Cutoff 

After the exam, the NTA will release the NEET results on their official website. The results will show your overall score, rank, and the percentile you scored. The cutoff marks for NEET vary each year depending on factors like the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of available seats.

The cutoff score is the minimum score required to qualify for admission. It is different for each category (General, OBC, SC, ST) and for each college. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting into a top medical college.

NEET Counselling Process 

Once the results are declared, the next step is counseling. The counseling process is conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC). It is done in multiple rounds, and you must register online for counseling.

Choice Filling and Locking:

• You will be required to select your preferred medical colleges and courses. Once you have made your choices, you can lock them.

Seat Allotment:

• Based on your rank and choices, you will be allotted a seat in one of the medical colleges. You can accept the seat or opt for the next round of counseling if you are not satisfied with your allocation.

Documents Verification and Admission:

• After seat allotment, you will need to verify your documents and complete the admission process by paying the college fees. 

Tips for NEET Preparation 

Preparing for NEET requires dedication and hard work. Here are some tips to help you in your preparation:

Understand the Syllabus:

• The NEET syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum of Class 11 and 12. Make sure you understand all the topics and chapters in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Time Management:

• Set a study schedule and stick to it. Allocate sufficient time to each subject and make sure you revise regularly.

Practice Mock Tests:

• Take regular mock tests to get used to the exam pattern and improve your speed and accuracy.

Stay Healthy:

• Eat healthy, sleep well, and take breaks to keep your mind fresh. Physical and mental well-being is crucial for success in the exam.

Seek Guidance:

• If you find certain topics difficult, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or coaching institutes.  

The NEET exam is the first step toward your dream of becoming a doctor. While the process may seem challenging, with proper planning and hard work, you can crack the exam and get into a good medical college. Make sure to follow the eligibility criteria, prepare diligently, and stay calm on exam day. Best of luck on your NEET journey!