The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET (UG) is a standardized entrance examination in India for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and serves as the primary entrance test for MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses offered by various medical institutions across the country, including those run by the government, private entities, and deemed universities.
History
NEET was introduced in 2013, replacing the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) and various other state-level entrance exams to create a uniform admission process for medical education. The exam was initially conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) until the NTA took over in 2019.
Exam Structure
The NEET (UG) exam consists of a single paper containing 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These questions are divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Each section comprises 45 questions. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours. The exam is conducted in various languages, including English, Hindi, and several regional languages.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NEET (UG), candidates must meet the following criteria:
Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission. The upper age limit is 25 years for general category candidates and 30 years for reserved category candidates.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 12th standard or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. They must secure a minimum aggregate score of 50% (40% for SC/ST/OBC and 45% for PwD candidates) in these subjects.
Syllabus
The NEET syllabus is based on the core concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology taught in the 11th and 12th grades as per the NCERT curriculum. It aims to assess the candidate's understanding and application of these subjects.
Scoring and Results
Each correct answer in NEET (UG) earns 4 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark (negative marking). The results are typically declared within a month of the exam date. Candidates are ranked based on their scores, and an All India Rank (AIR) is assigned. This rank is used for the counseling and admission process.
Counseling and Admission
The counseling process for NEET (UG) is conducted at both the national and state levels. The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) organizes the All India Quota (AIQ) counseling for 15% of the total seats, while the remaining 85% of seats are filled through state-level counseling. Deemed universities and central institutions also conduct their own counseling based on NEET scores.
Controversies and Challenges
NEET has faced several controversies and legal challenges since its inception. Issues such as disparities in regional languages, allegations of question paper leaks, and the mental stress of a single national exam have been points of contention. Despite these challenges, NEET remains a pivotal examination for medical aspirants in India.
Conclusion
NEET (UG) plays a crucial role in the standardization of medical education in India, ensuring a uniform and transparent admission process. It continues to evolve with changes aimed at improving its fairness and effectiveness in selecting qualified candidates for the medical profession.
Related Questions
1. What is NEET (UG)?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET (UG) is a standardized entrance examination in India for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs (MBBS, BDS, etc.). It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
2. When was NEET introduced?
NEET was introduced in 2013, replacing the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) and various state-level entrance exams.
3. Who conducts the NEET (UG) exam?
The NEET (UG) exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
4. What is the structure of the NEET (UG) exam?
The NEET (UG) exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology), with 45 questions in each section. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.
5. In which languages is NEET (UG) conducted?
NEET (UG) is conducted in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and several regional languages.
6. What are the eligibility criteria for NEET (UG)?
Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission. The upper age limit is 25 years for general category candidates and 30 years for reserved category candidates. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 12th standard or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. They must secure a minimum aggregate score of 50% (40% for SC/ST/OBC and 45% for PwD candidates) in these subjects.
7. What is the syllabus for NEET (UG)?
The NEET syllabus is based on the core concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology taught in the 11th and 12th grades as per the NCERT curriculum.
