NEET stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, which is a common entrance examination conducted in India for students who want to pursue undergraduate medical and dental courses (MBBS and BDS) in government or private medical colleges. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
NEET is a highly competitive exam and requires extensive preparation. The exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions from physics, chemistry, and biology (Botany and Zoology) and has a duration of 3 hours. The exam is conducted once a year in offline mode (pen and paper-based) and online mode (computer-based).
The eligibility criteria for appearing in NEET include completing 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in physics, chemistry, and biology (40% for reserved categories). Additionally, the minimum age limit for appearing in NEET is 17 years.
NEET is an important exam for medical aspirants in India and qualifying it enables students to secure admission in prestigious medical colleges in the country.
Syllabus: The NEET syllabus includes topics from Class 11 and 12 physics, chemistry, and biology. The detailed syllabus is available on the NTA website.
Exam Pattern: The exam consists of 180 objective-type questions, with 45 questions each from physics, chemistry, and biology. Each correct answer carries 4 marks, and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
Eligibility: In addition to the age and educational criteria, candidates must also be Indian citizens, NRIs, or foreign nationals. Candidates who have completed their 10+2 from open schools or private candidates are also eligible to appear for NEET.
Application Process: Candidates can apply for NEET online through the NTA website. The application process usually begins in December/January and the exam is conducted in May. The application fee varies for different categories and can be paid through various online modes.
Counselling: After the NEET results are declared, the counselling process begins for admission to medical and dental colleges. The counselling process is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for the All India Quota seats and by respective state authorities for the state quota seats.
NEET is a highly competitive exam, and the preparation required is rigorous. It is advisable for candidates to start their preparation early and make a study plan that covers the entire syllabus thoroughly. Regular practice of previous years' question papers and mock tests can help in increasing confidence and improving performance in the exam.