Medical
NEET
A complete guide to NEET: eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, and frequently asked questions.
About This Exam
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the single national-level entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and most other AYUSH programmes across India. Around 20 to 24 lakh students appear for NEET every year, competing for approximately 1 lakh MBBS seats across government and private medical colleges. NEET is conducted by NTA in pen-and-paper format and is widely considered one of the most important and competitive exams in India. The exam covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with 200 questions of which candidates must attempt 180. Biology carries the highest weight at 360 marks (out of 720), which is why students focused on NCERT Biology have a real advantage. Government medical colleges offer the most affordable medical education with fees as low as 50,000 rupees per year, while private colleges can charge 15 to 25 lakh rupees per year, making your NEET rank financially as well as academically critical. AIIMS Delhi, Maulana Azad Medical College, Grant Medical College Mumbai, and CMC Vellore are among the most sought-after institutions.
Conducting Body
National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology; minimum 50% aggregate (40% for reserved categories); age limit 17-25 years
Exam Pattern
NEET is a pen-and-paper based exam with 200 MCQs from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Candidates must attempt 180 questions (each section has 50 questions, of which 45 must be answered). Total marks are 720 with negative marking of -1 for each wrong answer.
Syllabus
Physics (Class 11 and 12 NCERT), Chemistry (Physical, Organic, Inorganic), Biology (Botany: Plant Physiology, Genetics; Zoology: Human Physiology, Evolution, Ecology)
Preparation Tips
- Read NCERT Biology Class 11 and 12 textbooks at least five times; they are the single most important resource
- Practice MCQs from MTG, Trueman, and Disha publications alongside NCERT for variety and difficulty
- Take a full-length mock test every Sunday from Class 12 onwards to build pacing and accuracy
- Maintain dedicated revision notebooks for Physics formulas, Chemistry reactions, and Biology diagrams
- Focus on accuracy over speed; negative marking can pull down well-prepared candidates
- Stay updated with the latest NEET notifications, exam pattern changes, and reservation policies through the NTA website
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum NEET score for MBBS admission?
Qualifying cutoffs are typically 50 percentile for general category (around 138 marks out of 720) and 40 percentile for SC/ST/OBC. However, actual admission cutoffs are much higher: government colleges typically require 550+ marks for general category, while top AIIMS require 650+ marks.
How many MBBS seats are available in India?
Approximately 1 lakh MBBS seats across India are filled through NEET, spread across government and private medical colleges. The All India Quota has 15 percent of government seats while 85 percent go through state quota counselling. Top government colleges like AIIMS, Maulana Azad, and Grant Medical College remain the most sought-after.
How many attempts are allowed for NEET?
There is no limit on the number of attempts, and NTA removed the previous cap. However, there is an upper age limit of typically 25 years for general category students, with relaxation up to 30 years for reserved categories. Age calculation is based on 31 December of the exam year.
What is the best strategy for NEET preparation?
Master NCERT Biology Class 11 and 12 first (read at least 5 times), solve MTG and Trueman's practice questions, maintain daily current affairs in biology, take 30+ full-length mocks in the final 6 months, and focus on accuracy over speed to avoid negative marking. Most toppers recommend 2 years of dedicated preparation.
Is NEET the only entrance exam for medical colleges?
Yes, NEET is the single unified entrance for all MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and most AYUSH programmes across government and private medical colleges in India. State-level exams were discontinued after NEET became mandatory. AIIMS and JIPMER previously held separate exams but now also use NEET for MBBS admissions.
Last updated: April 2026