The primary full form of NEET is National Eligibility cum Entrance Test in Indian medical education. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is the nationwide single-window standardized entrance examination for admission into undergraduate medical courses (MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS) and postgraduate medical specializations (MD, MS, MDS) across government and private medical institutions in India.
Quick Answer: NEET = National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Medical Entrance Examination)
What is the full form of NEET?
| Short Form | Primary Full Form | Target Medical Programs |
|---|---|---|
| NEET UG | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, B.Sc. Nursing |
| NEET PG | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate) | MD, MS, and Postgraduate Medical Diplomas |
| NEET MDS | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Master of Dental Surgery) | Master of Dental Surgery (Postgraduate Dental) |
| NEET SS | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Super Specialty) | DM and M.Ch. Super-Specialty Fellowships |
Key facts about NEET UG
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test |
| Conducting body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Counselling authority | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and State Counselling Authorities |
| Replaced examinations | All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), state CPMTs, and AIIMS/JIPMER entrances |
| Total examination marks | 720 Marks |
| Total questions | 200 Questions (Candidates attempt 180 questions) |
| Subjects tested | Physics (45 Qs), Chemistry (45 Qs), Biology / Botany & Zoology (90 Qs) |
| Marking scheme | +4 Marks for correct answer; -1 Mark for incorrect answer |
| Mode of examination | Pen-and-Paper (OMR sheet offline test) |
| Languages offered | 13 languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu) |
NEET UG examination pattern and marks distribution
The NEET UG question paper is strictly structured into three core science disciplines:
| Subject | Section A (Mandatory) | Section B (Attempt any 10 of 15) | Total Questions Attempted | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 Questions (140 Marks) | 15 Questions (40 Marks) | 45 Questions | 180 Marks |
| Chemistry | 35 Questions (140 Marks) | 15 Questions (40 Marks) | 45 Questions | 180 Marks |
| Botany (Biology) | 35 Questions (140 Marks) | 15 Questions (40 Marks) | 45 Questions | 180 Marks |
| Zoology (Biology) | 35 Questions (140 Marks) | 15 Questions (40 Marks) | 45 Questions | 180 Marks |
| Total | 140 Questions | 60 Questions | 180 Questions | 720 Marks |
Eligibility criteria for NEET UG in India
1. Age limit requirements
Candidates must have completed a minimum of 17 years of age on or before 31 December of the year of admission. Under National Medical Commission (NMC) directives, there is no upper age limit to appear for NEET UG.
2. Mandatory subject combination
Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Biotechnology, and English from a recognized state or central board (CBSE, ICSE, NIOS).
3. Qualifying aggregate marks in 10+2
- General / EWS Category: Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
- OBC / SC / ST Category: Minimum 40% aggregate marks in PCB combined.
- PwD Category: Minimum 45% aggregate marks in PCB.
4. Admission and seat allotment via MCC
Upon qualifying NEET, seats are distributed through centralized counselling:
- 15% All India Quota (AIQ): Managed by the MCC across all government medical and dental colleges, central universities (BHU, AMU), and deemed institutions.
- 85% State Quota: Managed by respective state medical admission authorities for candidates holding state domicile certificates.