The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level entrance examination in India for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and other allied health programs such as veterinary and AYUSH courses (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) annually.
1. NEET Syllabus
The syllabus for NEET is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. It covers three main subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology (Botany and Zoology)
Physics Topics:
- Class 11: Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Properties of Matter, etc.
- Class 12: Electromagnetic Waves, Current Electricity, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter, Electromagnetic Induction, etc.
Chemistry Topics:
- Class 11: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, etc.
- Class 12: Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Aldehydes & Ketones, Organic Chemistry, etc.
Biology Topics:
- Class 11: Diversity of Living Organisms, Cell Structure, Plant and Animal Physiology, Human Physiology, etc.
- Class 12: Genetics, Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology, Ecology, etc.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NEET, students must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals can apply.
- Age: The candidate must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the year of admission. The upper age limit is 25 years (relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
Educational Qualification:
- Students must have completed or be appearing for their Class 12 board exams.
- They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
- A minimum aggregate score of 50% for General category, 45% for PwD, and 40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12.
3. Benefits of NEET
- Uniform Admission Process: NEET is a standardized national-level exam, providing a fair chance for students across India to secure admission in medical courses.
- Merit-Based Admission: NEET ensures that admissions to medical and dental courses are purely merit-based, making the process transparent.
- Career in Medicine: Clearing NEET allows students to pursue MBBS, BDS, and other medical programs, leading to rewarding careers in healthcare.
- International Recognition: NEET scores are valid for admission in several countries, allowing students to study abroad.
4. Exam Format
- Mode: NEET is a pen-and-paper-based exam (offline).
- Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- Total Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), out of which students must attempt 180 questions.
Subjects and Marking:
- Physics: 50 questions (45 to be attempted)
- Chemistry: 50 questions (45 to be attempted)
- Biology: 100 questions (90 to be attempted, split into Botany and Zoology)
Marking Scheme:
- 4 marks are awarded for every correct answer.
- 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
- No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
5. Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the complete syllabus, focusing on high-weightage topics.
- Study NCERT Books: NEET questions are primarily based on the NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Ensure you master these books first.
- Make a Study Schedule: Allocate time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Prioritize tough topics but don’t neglect easy ones.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve time management.
- Previous Year Question Papers: Solve previous years’ NEET papers to get a feel for the types of questions asked.
- Revision: Regularly revise important concepts, formulas, and diagrams to retain information.
- Coaching and Guidance: Many students opt for NEET coaching classes for structured preparation, but self-study with proper planning can also be highly effective.
NEET Qualifying Percentile:
- General (UR): 50th percentile
- SC/ST/OBC: 40th percentile
- General-PwD: 45th percentile
- SC/ST/OBC-PwD: 40th percentile
Conclusion
NEET is a critical gateway for students aspiring to pursue medical and dental education in India. Proper preparation, a thorough understanding of the syllabus, and time management are key to cracking the exam and securing admission to top medical institutions.
