The NEET UG or the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test - Under Graduate is an examination conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) for admitting candidates to the MBBS/BDS courses in Indian Medical/Dental Colleges run with the approval of the Medical/Dental Council of India under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
To appear in the NEET, a candidate should belong to one of the following categories:
- Indian National
- Non-Resident Indian
- Overseas Citizen of India
- Persons of Indian Origin
- Foreign Nationals
The above criteria also hold true for a candidate if he/she wants to avail of the 15% All India Quota seats. The other rules a candidate must satisfy for attempting the NEET are given below.
The candidate must have passed the 10 + 2 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English as core subjects in both the 11th and 12th classes from a recognised board. In addition, candidates who will be appearing for their qualifying exams at a later date or those who are awaiting results can also appear for the exam. However, they will be admitted only on a provisional basis.
The minimum age limit for appearing in the NEET is 17 years and the maximum age limit is 25 years. For candidates belonging to the reserved categories, the upper age limit is 30 years.The qualifying percentage is 50% for general category candidates, 45% for OBC/SC/ST and 40% for PWD candidates. The percentage is calculated based on the aggregate marks in the subjects Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
The NEET is an objective type test with 180 questions. The questions are from the subjects, physics, chemistry and biology (botany + zoology). There is negative marking for incorrect answers. The mantra for cracking the NEET is to start preparing early and thoroughly. The candidate is advised to take as many mock tests as possible. Trying out the previous years’ question papers under a simulated exam environment will go a long way in helping a candidate to crack the NEET.
Before referring to external sources for preparation, a candidate ought to try and master the basics of the subjects from the NCERT school books. Only after making sure that a candidate is thorough with the NCERT books, it would make some sense to turn to other resources. There are certain special books designed with NEET preparation in mind. The candidate can use these for reference. Since the test is objective type, managing time deftly during the exam is of utmost importance. This makes it mandatory to learn effective time management skills.
The NEET is an extremely important exam for students who dream of becoming doctors. Many people start preparation years before they actually get an opportunity to take the exam. NEET is also highly competitive and getting selected is indeed a matter of pride. Prepare thoroughly and prepare in earnest.
