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NEET Complete Guide

NEET or the medical entrance examination can become the turning point in your life. The highly competitive test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) offers around 1.5 lakhs seats for courses in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). A majority of the students, out of 15+ lakh, hope for MBBS courses at elite medical colleges.

The chances of gaining admission to the college of choice may turn dim if you fail to achieve one of the top ranks. Perseverance and dedication are the catalysts that can transform your dream into reality. Guidance and support of experienced NEET coaching centers play a pivotal role in making you a successful candidate.

NEET Exam Pattern

NTA has announced the latest NEET exam pattern. There will be a total of 200 questions of which candidates need to answer 180 questions carrying 4 marks each. Thus making a total score of 720. Each negative answer will cost a penalty of 1 mark. The 3-hour long exams will have multiple choice questions from Biology (Botany and Zoology), Physics, and Chemistry.

NEET can be attended in English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Kannada, or Urdu. You can choose the medium you want from these optional languages.

Detailed View of NEET exam Pattern

Awareness about the number of questions in each subject would help in preparation. Comprehensive coaching, learning, and practice will make you ready for the NEET. The number of questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as, the total marks are:

· Physics
o Section A – 35 questions – 140 marks
o Section B – 15 questions – 40 marks
· Chemistry
o Section A – 35 questions – 140 marks
o Section B – 15 questions – 40 marks
· Zoology
o Section A – 35 questions – 140 marks
o Section B – 15 questions – 40 marks
. Botany
o Section A – 35 questions – 140 marks
o Section B – 15 questions – 40 marks

NEET – Courses Offered

Scoring an excellent grade will open up the opportunity to select the course and institution of your choice. The possibility to get the course or college of one’s choice will reduce as the position in the rank list goes down.

NEET qualification makes you eligible for the following courses:

· Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
· Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
· Courses part of AYUSH
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)
Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS)
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS)

The growth probabilities and acceptance around the world make MBBS and BDS courses more preferable for students. Most of the candidates will be choosing renowned medical colleges around the country for pursuing the course. This leads to the number of candidates in top institutions exceeding the number of vacancies.

You might have understood why it is vital to score excellent grades and become one among the top lot.

NEET – Counselling Process

NEET counseling is the next stage post announcement of result and promulgation of rank list. The counseling will be done for National (Central), State, and AYUSH institutions.

Central Quota/ All India Quota (AIQ) – Central Quota or All India Quota counseling is done for 15% of the medical and BDS seats. Enrolment to elite institutions AIIMS, BHU, and AMU is also done through this counseling. Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is the authorized body for this. Students can choose to join any institution of their choice, depending on their rank.

State Counselling – Enrolment to the 85% of the seats that are left behind after AIQ is done through state counseling. One thing to note is that admission to the institutions in Jammu and Kashmir is also undertaken through state counseling. The seats from the colleges from J&K are not included for AIQ. The state authorities will be managing this process.

AYUSH Counselling – AYUSH Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) is the organization that carries out the counseling for AYUSH courses. The AYUSH ministry formulates action plans for the promotions of the subject medical sectors.

 

NEET Eligibility Criteria: A Comprehensive Guide

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level examination for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and other allied healthcare courses in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET serves as the gateway to top medical and dental colleges across the country. To help you understand the key requirements, we’ve compiled the detailed eligibility criteria for NEET 2024.

1. Nationality

Candidates must fulfill one of the following nationality requirements:

  • Indian Nationals: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
  • Overseas Citizens of India (OCI): Candidates with an OCI status can also apply.
  • Foreign Nationals: Foreign nationals may apply as per the guidelines of the respective institutions.
  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): NRIs are eligible to appear for NEET 2024.

2. Age Limit

The age limit for NEET 2024 is as follows:

  • Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2024.
  • Maximum Age: The upper age limit for NEET is 25 years as of the examination year for general category candidates. For reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL), the upper age limit is 30 years.

Note: There is no upper age limit for candidates from J&K applying under the All India Quota (AIQ) and some other categories, but individual medical colleges may set their own age restrictions.

3. Educational Qualifications

To be eligible for NEET 2024, candidates must meet the following educational requirements:

  • Class 12 (or equivalent) Qualifications:

    • Candidates must have passed the 12th standard (or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
    • The qualifying exam must be recognized by the respective education board.

  • Minimum Marks:

    • For General category candidates, at least 50% marks in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are required.
    • For OBC-NCL, SC, ST candidates, the minimum required marks are 40%.
    • For PwD (Persons with Disabilities) candidates, the minimum marks are 45% (for General) and 40% (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL).

  • Candidates Appearing in Class 12: Students who are in the final year of their 12th standard exams are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the subject and mark requirements at the time of the exam.

4. Subjects Required

The following subjects are mandatory for eligibility:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology/Biotechnology
  • English (as a compulsory subject in Class 12)

5. Number of Attempts

As per the latest guidelines, there is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can attempt the exam multiple times, as long as they meet the age and educational requirements for each session.

6. Reservation Criteria

NEET 2024 follows the reservation policy set by the Government of India:

  • SC (Scheduled Caste): 15% reservation
  • ST (Scheduled Tribe): 7.5% reservation
  • OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer): 27% reservation
  • PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5% reservation across all categories
  • EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10% reservation in all India and state-level medical admissions.

Candidates seeking reservation benefits must provide valid documents to claim the respective category during the application process.

7. Other Requirements

  • Medical Fitness: While NEET does not require a separate medical examination, candidates must meet the physical fitness criteria set by the institution they are applying to. Some medical colleges may require a medical fitness certificate.

  • Eligibility for Foreign Nationals: Foreign students can apply for NEET, but they may be subject to the eligibility criteria and guidelines specified by the individual universities or the Medical Council of India (MCI).

8. NEET Eligibility for NRIs

  • Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates must meet the age and educational requirements as mentioned above.
  • NRIs are eligible for 15% All India Quota seats and also for state-level seats depending on the respective state’s rules.

NEET 2024 Eligibility Summary

CriteriaEligibility Details
AgeMinimum 17 years; Maximum 25 years (30 for reserved)
NationalityIndian, OCI, NRI, Foreign Nationals
Educational QualificationClass 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech, English
Minimum MarksGeneral: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC)
SubjectsPhysics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech, English
AttemptsNo limit on the number of attempts
ReservationsSC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD, and state-specific quotas

Conclusion

Understanding the NEET eligibility criteria is the first step toward your medical career. Ensure you meet all the requirements before applying to avoid any last-minute surprises. Stay updated with official notifications from the NTA for any changes in the eligibility guidelines.

By following these eligibility guidelines, you can prepare for NEET with clarity and confidence, knowing that you meet the necessary academic and age requirements for a fair chance at success.

Total Number of Medical Colleges and Seats Filled Through NEET

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) serves as the primary gateway for admission to medical courses such as MBBS, BDS, and other allied healthcare courses in India. With more than 500 medical colleges across the country, NEET has become an essential part of the admissions process for aspiring medical students.

As of 2024, here’s a detailed summary of the total number of medical colleges and the seats filled with NEET scores, providing a clearer picture of the scope of NEET admissions.

1. Total Number of Medical Colleges in India

India has a large network of medical colleges that offer undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate (MD/MS) medical education. The number of medical colleges in India has steadily increased over the years, with the government continuing to open new colleges to meet the rising demand for medical professionals.

  • Total Number of Medical Colleges (MBBS):
    • Government Medical Colleges: Approximately 280
    • Private Medical Colleges: Around 150
    • Total Medical Colleges: Roughly 450-500 medical colleges in India (this includes both government and private institutions).

The total number of medical colleges may vary slightly each year, depending on new colleges being established or changes in existing institutions.

2. Total Number of NEET UG Seats

The total number of MBBS seats available through NEET 2024 is a combination of government and private medical colleges. NEET is the central entrance exam for admissions to these seats under various quotas.

  • Total MBBS Seats in India:
    • Total Government Seats: Around 40,000-45,000 seats.
    • Total Private Seats: Approximately 20,000-25,000 seats.
    • Total Seats (Government + Private): Roughly 65,000-70,000 seats for MBBS under NEET.

This number includes all the seats in government and private colleges across India and is subject to change each year based on the number of medical colleges and their capacity.

3. Seat Distribution and Quotas for NEET Admissions

The total seats for NEET are divided across various categories, with specific quotas for different groups of students. These quotas are designed to ensure equitable access to medical education.

Reservation Categories

  • All India Quota (AIQ):

    • 15% of total MBBS seats in government medical colleges are reserved for AIQ. These seats are available to candidates from any state, irrespective of their domicile.

  • State Quota:

    • 85% of total seats in government medical colleges are filled through the state quota, and they are reserved for candidates who are domiciled in that specific state.

  • Category-wise Reservations:

    • SC (Scheduled Castes): 15% reservation.
    • ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5% reservation.
    • OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer): 27% reservation.
    • EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10% reservation in AIQ and state-level admissions.
    • PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5% reservation across all categories.

These quotas are applicable only to government medical colleges, while private colleges may follow a different reservation pattern based on their policies.

4. Private Medical Colleges and Seats

Private medical colleges offer a significant number of MBBS seats under NEET. Although the number of private colleges and seats is smaller than government colleges, they play an important role in accommodating the growing demand for medical education.

  • Total Private MBBS Seats: Around 20,000-25,000 seats in private medical colleges across the country. These seats are also filled based on the NEET scores, and students must participate in the state-level or institutional counselling processes for admission.

  • Fees in Private Colleges:
    Private medical colleges generally have higher tuition fees compared to government colleges. While the fee structure varies significantly from one institution to another, the average fee for a private MBBS seat can range from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh per annum.

5. State-wise Distribution of Medical Colleges and Seats

Each state in India is allocated a certain number of medical colleges and seats, and the number varies depending on factors like population, healthcare needs, and state government policies. Here’s a general overview of how seats are distributed across the states:

  • Uttar Pradesh: Around 50+ medical colleges with approximately 7,000-8,000 MBBS seats.
  • Maharashtra: 40+ medical colleges, offering about 5,000+ MBBS seats.
  • Tamil Nadu: 30+ medical colleges with nearly 4,000 MBBS seats.
  • Karnataka: 30+ medical colleges with around 4,000 MBBS seats.
  • Andhra Pradesh: 20+ medical colleges, offering over 3,000 seats.
  • Delhi: 10+ medical colleges with around 2,500 seats.

Other states like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bihar also have a significant number of medical colleges and NEET seats.

6. Total Number of Seats Filled Through NEET

Since NEET is the sole entrance examination for admission to MBBS courses, nearly all of the seats in government and private medical colleges are filled based on NEET scores. The seat distribution process is handled through central and state-level counselling, which includes the following:

  • Central Counselling (AIQ): The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts counselling for 15% AIQ seats in government medical colleges, deemed universities, and central universities. These seats are available for students from all states.
  • State Counselling: Each state conducts its own counselling for the remaining 85% of the seats in government medical colleges and seats in private medical colleges within the state. Students must apply separately for state counselling.

Estimated Number of Seats Filled:

  • With over 70,000 seats (including both government and private colleges), the vast majority of these seats are filled through NEET. The number of seats actually filled depends on the number of eligible candidates and the choice filling during counselling.

  • Approximate Number of Seats Filled: Based on NEET trends, over 90% of the total MBBS seats are typically filled every year. This includes both government and private medical colleges.

7. Challenges in Seat Availability

Despite the large number of seats available, the demand for medical seats far exceeds the supply. In 2023, over 20 lakh students appeared for NEET UG, while only around 70,000 seats were available. This results in fierce competition, with only a fraction of candidates able to secure a seat in medical colleges.

Additionally, the rising tuition fees in private medical colleges make it challenging for many aspirants to secure admission in these institutions, further highlighting the need for more affordable medical education opportunities in India.

Conclusion

The number of medical colleges and seats available through NEET has grown over the years, but the demand for medical education continues to outstrip supply. In 2024, with approximately 70,000 seats available for MBBS courses through NEET, it is crucial for candidates to focus on securing high NEET scores to increase their chances of admission to both government and private medical colleges.

As the competition intensifies, prospective medical students must stay updated on the number of available seats, the reservation policies, and the state-specific admission processes to maximize their chances of success.