NEET UG: Entrance Exam Overview

• NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate) is a national level entrance exam in India
• It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
• It is for admissions to undergraduate medical courses (MBBS, BDS, AYUSH courses) in government and private institutions in India

Eligibility Criteria

• The candidate must be a citizen of India, or an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) or PIO (Person of Indian Origin)
• Minimum age of the candidate must be 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year
• Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English as core subjects
• General category candidates must secure a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) in the 12th board examination
• Reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) candidates require a minimum of 40% marks in PCB
• Persons with Disabilities (PWD) candidates require a minimum of 45% marks in PCB
• There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET UG
• Candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as additional subjects are also eligible
• Candidates appearing for their 12th board exams are also eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling other eligibility criteria

Exam Pattern

• It is a pen-and-paper-based test (offline)
• The question paper consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), out of which candidates have to answer 180 questions
• The subjects covered are Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology)
• Physics and Chemistry have 45 questions each, while Biology (Botany and Zoology) has 90 questions
• Each correct answer is awarded 4 marks
• There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer
• The total marks for the NEET UG exam are 720
• The duration of the exam is 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes)

Syllabus

• The NEET UG syllabus is based on the Class 11 and Class 12 syllabi of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology)
• The syllabus is prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC)
• Topics from Physics include Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics
• Topics from Chemistry include Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry
• Topics from Biology include Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and Its Applications, and Ecology and Environment

Application Process

• Candidates have to apply online through the official website of NTA NEET
• The application process involves registration, filling out the application form, uploading scanned documents (photograph, signature, and other required documents), and paying the application fee
• Application fees vary depending on the category of the candidate
• Documents required include a passport-size photograph, signature, Class 10 certificate, Class 12 certificate or marksheet, and category certificate (if applicable)
• It is important to ensure that all details provided in the application form are accurate

Admit Card

• The NTA releases the admit card online a few weeks before the examination
• Candidates can download the admit card from the official website using their application number and date of birth
• The admit card contains details such as the candidate's name, roll number, exam center, exam date, and time
• It is mandatory to carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination hall

Examination Day Guidelines

• Candidates must report to the exam center well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card
• Candidates are not allowed to carry any electronic devices, such as mobile phones, calculators, or smart watches, inside the examination hall
• Only permitted items such as the admit card, a valid photo ID, and a blue/black ballpoint pen are allowed
• Candidates must follow all instructions given by the invigilators
• OMR sheet must be filled carefully

Result and Cutoff

• The NTA declares the NEET UG results online
• The result includes the candidate's score, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR)
• Cutoff scores are announced along with the results
• Cutoff scores vary for different categories and institutions
• The cutoff is determined based on the availability of seats and the performance of candidates
• NEET UG score is valid for one year

Counselling

• NEET counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for 15% All India Quota seats and seats in Central Universities
• State counselling authorities conduct counselling for 85% State Quota seats
• Candidates who qualify NEET UG are eligible to participate in the counselling process
• Counselling involves registration, choice filling, and seat allotment
• Seat allotment is based on the candidate's rank, choices, and the availability of seats
• After seat allotment, candidates must report to the allotted college for document verification and admission

Tie-Breaking Criteria

• If two or more candidates obtain the same score, the tie is resolved using the following criteria, in order of priority:
  • Candidate with higher marks in Biology (Botany and Zoology) is given preference
  • If the tie persists, the candidate with higher marks in Chemistry is given preference
  • If the tie still persists, the candidate with fewer incorrect answers in the exam is given preference
  • If the tie remains unresolved, the older candidate is given preference

Exam Preparation Tips

• Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly
• Create a study plan and stick to it
• Focus on NCERT textbooks for building a strong foundation
• Solve previous year's question papers and mock tests
• Manage time effectively during the exam
• Stay calm and focused
• Regular revision is key to success
• Seek guidance from teachers or mentors
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep and diet