NEET : Syllabus, Seats, Cutoff & More
Complete Guide to NEET – Pattern, Eligibility, Seat Matrix & Study Abroad
What is NEET ?
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a national-level medical entrance exam in India conducted for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses. Conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency), it is the only entrance test accepted by all medical colleges across the country, including AIIMS and JIPMER.
The NEET exam tests students' knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on the NCERT syllabus. It ensures a fair, centralized admission process and is mandatory for students aspiring to become future doctors.
NEET UG vs NEET PG
NEET UG (Undergraduate) is the entrance exam for students who wish to pursue medical courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, Veterinary Science, Nursing, etc. after completing their 12th grade. It is conducted by NTA.
NEET PG (Postgraduate) is the entrance exam for medical graduates (MBBS holders) who want to pursue postgraduate courses such as MD, MS, and PG Diploma. This exam is conducted by NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences).
| Aspect | NEET UG | NEET PG |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate) |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate (UG) | Postgraduate (PG) |
| Conducted By | NTA | NBEMS (NBE) |
| Eligibility | 12th pass with PCB subjects | MBBS Degree or Provisional Certificate |
Purpose of NEET Exam
The NEET exam is conducted to provide a single, standardized entrance test for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses across India. It ensures merit-based selection and replaces multiple state-level and institution-level exams, simplifying the admission process for students aspiring to join medical and dental colleges.
Duration of Medical Courses
The MBBS course typically spans 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of academic education followed by a 1-year mandatory internship. For BDS (Dental), the duration is 5 years including the internship. AYUSH and other related courses may vary between 4 to 5.5 years based on the program.
NEET Eligibility Criteria
- Candidate must have passed Class 12th or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology.
- General category candidates must have obtained at least 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
- Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC) need minimum 45% marks in PCB.
- Must Qualify NEET.
- Candidate must be an Indian National / NRIs / OCIs / PIOs / Foreign Nationals.
NEET Reservation Policy
The following percentage of seats are reserved for various categories as per Government norms:
| Category | Reservation (%) |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) - Non-Creamy Layer | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 5% (within each category) |
NEET Exam Pattern
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 4 | 180 | 3 hours (180 minutes) | -1 for each wrong answer |
| Chemistry | 45 | 4 | 180 | ||
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 90 | 4 | 360 | ||
| Total | 180 | - | 720 |
All India 15% Reservation Policy
| Category | Reservation (%) |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) - Non Creamy Layer | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 5% (within each category) |
NEET 2025 Reservation Process – Step by Step
- Candidate Registration: Visit the official NEET 2025 counseling portal (MCC for AIQ / State portal for state quota). Fill personal and category details correctly (General/EWS/OBC/SC/ST/PwD).
- Category Verification: Upload valid caste or category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD). State quota requires domicile proof.
- Seat Matrix Publication: Counseling authorities publish seat distribution details for GEN, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, PwD quotas.
Example for 100 MBBS seats:- SC – 15 seats
- ST – 7 seats
- OBC-NCL – 27 seats
- EWS – 10 seats
- General – Remaining
- Choice Filling: Fill preferred colleges/courses. System considers your category automatically based on the submitted valid certificate.
- Seat Allotment: Based on All India Rank, category rank, and seat availability:
- SC – Allotted under SC quota
- OBC-NCL – Allotted under OBC quota
- EWS/PwD – Separate quota considered
- GEN – Unreserved seats only
- Seat Allotment Result: Allotment letter shows seat with category mention (e.g., "Allotted under SC Quota").
- Document Verification at College: Produce original certificates:
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile (for State Quota)
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Final Admission Confirmation: Admission is confirmed only after document verification. Invalid documents may lead to seat cancellation.
- Gap Certificate (if applicable): Candidates with a gap period in their education must provide a valid Gap Certificate at the time of document verification to ensure eligibility and avoid admission cancellation.
Reservation Percentage (AIQ – NEET 2025)
| Category | Reservation % |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC (NCL) | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD (within each category) | 5% |
Top Career Options After NEET UG
While MBBS and BDS are the primary targets of most NEET aspirants, there are many other courses and careers you can explore with a NEET UG score. Here’s a breakdown:
1. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- Duration: 5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
- Eligibility: NEET UG qualified
- Career Paths: General Physician, Surgeon, Postgraduate Studies (MD/MS), Research, Medical Officer, Government jobs
- Future Scope: High demand across India and abroad, wide range of specializations available
2. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- Duration: 5.5 years
- Eligibility: NEET UG qualified
- Career Paths: Dentist, Orthodontist, Dental Surgeon, Private Practice, MDS
- Future Scope: Good scope in both clinical practice and academics
3. BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
- Duration: 5.5 years
- Eligibility: NEET UG qualified
- Career Paths: Ayurvedic Doctor, Panchakarma Practitioner, Hospital Administration, PG in Ayurveda
- Future Scope: Growing interest in Ayurvedic medicine both in India and globally
4. BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
- Duration: 5.5 years
- Eligibility: NEET UG qualified
- Career Paths: Homeopathic Practitioner, Researcher, Lecturer, Consultant
- Future Scope:Good opportunities in alternative medicine and wellness sectors
5. BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)
- Duration: 5.5 years
- Eligibility: NEET UG qualified
- Career Paths: Unani Doctor, Hospital Practitioner, Medical Officer
- Future Scope: Expanding opportunities in alternative healing systems
6. BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery)
- Duration: 5.5 years
- Eligibility: NEET UG qualified
- Career Paths: Siddha Practitioner, Researcher, Wellness Expert
- Future Scope: Regional popularity and growing recognition
7. BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science)
- Duration: 5.5 years (including internship)
- Eligibility: NEET UG qualified
- Career Paths: Veterinary Doctor, Animal Surgeon, Veterinary Research Scientist, Livestock Development Officer
- Future Scope: High demand in government departments, private clinics, animal husbandry, and research sectors in India and abroad
Table of Courses After NEET UG
| Course Name | Duration | Core Field | Career Prospects | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 5.5 years | Allopathic Medicine | Doctor, Surgeon, Specialist | NEET Qualified |
| BDS | 5 years | Dentistry | Dentist, Orthodontist | NEET Qualified |
| BAMS | 5.5 years | Ayurvedic Medicine | Ayurvedic Doctor, Consultant | NEET Qualified |
| BHMS | 5.5 years | Homeopathy | Homeopathic Practitioner, Teacher | NEET Qualified |
| BUMS | 5.5 years | Unani Medicine | Unani Doctor, Researcher | NEET Qualified |
| BSMS | 5.5 years | Siddha Medicine | Siddha Doctor, Wellness Expert | NEET Qualified |
| BSc Nursing | 4 years | Nursing & Care | Nurse, Hospital Admin, Nurse Educator | NEET (some institutes) |
| BVSc & AH | 5.5 years | Veterinary Science | Veterinary Surgeon, Govt Jobs | NEET Qualified |
NEET Registration & Counselling Process
Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official NEET website (nta.ac.in)
- Click on the "New Registration" link and fill in the required personal details.
- Note down the generated application number for future login.
- Fill the complete application form including academic & communication details.
- Upload scanned images of passport-size photograph, signature & required documents.
- Pay the application fee online via Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI.
- Download the confirmation page and keep it for future reference.
Counselling Process (Step-by-Step)
- Register online on the official MCC or state counselling portal.
- Fill choices of colleges and courses in order of preference.
- Lock the filled choices before the last date.
- Seat allotment results will be declared based on NEET rank, choices, and reservation criteria.
- Download the seat allotment letter if a seat is allotted.
- Report to the allotted college with original documents for verification.
- If satisfied with the allotted seat, confirm admission; otherwise, participate in the next counselling round.
Total Medical Seats in India (as of April 2025)
Overview of MBBS seats available across India for NEET UG .
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| Total MBBS seats (Govt + Private) | 118,190 |
| Government MBBS seats | 55,688 |
| Private & Deemed MBBS seats | 62,502 |
| Colleges offering MBBS | 780 |
*Data based on NMC/Ministry updates as of April .