The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the gateway to a medical career in India. Every year, over 20 lakh students appear for NEET, competing for a limited number of government and private medical college seats. Here’s everything you need to know about NEET—from eligibility to cut-offs, syllabus, and strategy.
📌 What is NEET?
NEET (UG) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs—MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and other allied courses—in India. NEET ensures a single-window merit-based selection of candidates into government and private institutions.
🕰️ When Did NEET Start?
NEET replaced various state-level and private medical entrance exams.
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First introduced in 2013 by CBSE (later taken over by NTA).
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It became mandatory and the sole UG medical entrance test across India from 2017 onwards after Supreme Court intervention.
🎓 Qualifications Required to Attempt NEET
To be eligible for NEET-UG, a candidate must:
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Have passed or appeared in Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
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Have secured at least 50% marks (for UR), 40% (for SC/ST/OBC), 45% (for PwD) in PCB aggregate.
👤 Who Can Attempt NEET?
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Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals are eligible.
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Must be 17 years old as on 31st December of the admission year.
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There is no upper age limit as per latest Supreme Court ruling.
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There is no cap on the number of attempts.
❓ Why Should Students Attempt NEET?
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NEET is the only exam accepted for MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/BUMS admissions in India.
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It provides access to 660+ medical colleges including top government institutions like:
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AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)
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JIPMER
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AFMC Pune (with additional criteria)
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NEET score is also valid for foreign university MBBS admissions (as eligibility proof).
📚 NEET Syllabus – A Subject-Wise Breakdown
Based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 curriculum, the NEET syllabus includes:
🔬 Biology:
Class 11:
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Diversity of Living Organisms
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Structural Organisation in Animals & Plants
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Cell Structure & Function
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Plant Physiology
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Human Physiology
Class 12:
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Reproduction
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Genetics & Evolution
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Biology & Human Welfare
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Biotechnology
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Ecology & Environment
⚗️ Chemistry:
Class 11:
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Basic Concepts of Chemistry
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Structure of Atom
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Thermodynamics
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Equilibrium
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Hydrocarbons
Class 12:
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Solid State
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Solutions
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Electrochemistry
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Coordination Compounds
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Biomolecules
🧲 Physics:
Class 11:
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Kinematics
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Laws of Motion
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Gravitation
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Thermodynamics
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Oscillations & Waves
Class 12:
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Current Electricity
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Magnetism
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Ray & Wave Optics
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Modern Physics
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Semiconductors
🎯 Which Subjects Need Extra Focus?
👉 Biology is the highest weightage (50%) – crucial for cut-off.
👉 Physics is often a make-or-break section for high scorers.
👉 Organic Chemistry needs clarity and constant revision.
🎯 NEET Cut-Offs & Marks Required (Category-Wise, Last 5 Years)
| Year | UR Cutoff | OBC Cutoff | SC Cutoff | ST Cutoff | PwD Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 720–164 | 163–129 | 163–129 | 163–129 | 163–146 |
| 2023 | 720–137 | 136–107 | 136–107 | 136–107 | 120–108 |
| 2022 | 715–117 | 116–93 | 116–93 | 116–93 | 116–105 |
| 2021 | 720–138 | 137–108 | 137–108 | 137–108 | 137–122 |
| 2020 | 720–147 | 146–113 | 146–113 | 146–113 | 146–129 |
Govt. MBBS Colleges Selection Range:
- UR: 620+
- OBC: 600+
- SC/ST: 520–550+
- AIIMS-type: 680+
🧮 NEET Score Validity
A valid NEET score can be used for:
- MBBS, BDS (Govt. & Pvt. Medical Colleges)
- AYUSH courses – BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS
- Veterinary (BVSc & AH) – Some states use NEET scores
- Foreign MBBS Admissions – Mandatory NEET qualification certificate required
🏛️ Who Conducts NEET?
- National Testing Agency (NTA), under the Ministry of Education.
- Mode: Pen-and-paper (OMR based).
- Held once a year (usually in May).
- Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Total Questions: 200 (180 to be attempted)
- Scoring:
- Correct: +4
- Incorrect: -1
🔍 Final Word: NEET Is More Than a Test – It’s a Gateway
For any student dreaming of becoming a doctor, NEET is the first major milestone. It’s a tough but conquerable challenge with smart preparation, mentorship, and rigorous practice. Platforms like Helium offer AI-powered mock tests, expert-led courses, and daily practice routines to give you the edge you need.
💡 Ready to crack NEET?
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