The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for students aspiring to pursue medical and dental courses in India. The examination consists of a single entrance test conducted annually at the national level. NEET is recognized by various medical and dental colleges in India, providing students with an opportunity to study these courses at both government and private institutions. The examination is designed to assess the candidates’ knowledge and comprehension of various subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. The aspirants must clear the cut-off marks set by the NTA in order to secure a seat in medical or dental colleges.
Introduction
The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is a gateway for medical and dental aspirants in India. It is the single largest entrance examination for medical and dental courses in the country, and lakhs of students appear for this exam every year. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and usually takes place over a 3-4 month period. With an average of 700,000 candidates applying for the exam each year, the competition is fierce, and only a tiny percentage of students manage to secure a seat in a medical or dental college.
NEET Exam Schedule
The NEET exam is conducted twice a year in two phases – Phase 1 and Phase 2.
- Phase 1: The NEET Phase 1 exam is usually held on the second Sunday of May. This is the main NEET exam and the qualifying marks are used for admission to all medical and dental colleges in India.
- Phase 2: The NEET Phase 2 exam is held in the third week of July for candidates who have qualified for Phase 1 but could not secure a seat during the first round of counseling.
NEET Exam Pattern
The NEET exam pattern comprises three subjects: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Each subject has a weightage of 360 marks, and the duration of the exam is 180 minutes. The questions are objective in nature, with four options for each question.
NEET Syllabus
The NEET syllabus covers a blend of topics from Classes 11 and 12, with a heavy emphasis on the 12th standard syllabus. The topics covered in each subject are as follows:
- Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Waves and Optics, Electrostatics and Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, and Modern Physics (including Semiconductor devices)
- Chemistry: General topics including Atomic Structure, Periodic Properties, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, States of Matter, Solutions, Thermodynamics and Chemical Equilibrium, Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics and Surface Chemistry. Also includes chapters on Chemistry of Representative Elements, Organic Chemistry, and Biomolecules and Biotechnology
- Biology: Diversity in Living World, Structural Organization in Plants and Animals, Cell Structure and Function, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and its Applications, Ecology and Environment: and Human Physiology
NEET Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who wish to appear for the NEET exam must fulfill the following eligibility criteria.
- Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as subjects.
- At least 17 years of age as of December 31st of the year of appearing for the exam.
- Maximum age limit is 25 years as of December 31st of the year of appearing for the exam. * However, candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and PwD categories are eligible for 5 years of age relaxation.
NEET Results
NEET results are usually declared within a month after the completion of the exam. The results are available on the official website of NTA. Candidates who have qualified for NEET Phase 1 are eligible for admission to medical and dental colleges through the counseling process.
Conclusion
NEET is a highly competitive exam and only a small percentage of students secure seats in medical and dental colleges. However, with diligent preparation and a focused approach to the exam, candidates can increase their chances of success. Aim to score well in each subject by studying systematically and practicing mock tests to get an idea of the exam pattern and time management. Also, ensure to stay updated with the latest syllabus and exam pattern changes to avoid any surprises.
