Medical and Dental Entrance Exam is a series of standardised exams administered in India, to assess the ability and knowledge of individuals pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate medical and dentistry education. These exams are required for admission to medical schools, dental colleges, and other related health science institutes.
Medical and Dental education are tough and demanding. These entrance exams are the initial step towards becoming a skilled healthcare practitioner. Candidates interested in appearing for the exam need to register themselves within the specified registration period. This often involves filling out an online application form, providing personal details, educational qualifications, and other relevant information. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology), and sometimes General Knowledge or Aptitude. Candidates are required to answer the questions within a specified time limit.
Contents
- 1 Highlights
- 2 Types of the Medical Entrance Exams
- 3 NEET UG Exam
- 4 NEET PG Exam
- 5 NEET MDS Exam
- 6 FMGE Exam
- 7 MECEE Exam
- 8 Entrance Exam Important Dates & Eligibility Criteria
- 9 NEET UG Exam Schedule
- 10 NEET UG Exam Eligibility Criteria
- 11 NEET UG Exam Pattern
- 12 NEET PG Exam
- 13 NEET PG Exam important Dates
- 14 NEET PG Exam Eligibility Criteria
- 15 NEET PG Exam Pattern
- 16 NEET PG Subject Weightage
- 17 NEET MDS Exam
- 18 NEET MDS Important Dates
- 19 NEET MDS Eligibility Criteria
- 20 NEET MDS Exam Pattern
- 21 FMGE Important Dates
- 22 FMGE Eligibility Criteria
- 23 FMGE Subjects & Marks Distribution
- 24 Frequently Asked Questions
- 25 What is the single most important medical entrance exam in India?
- 26 Q. How many times can a student appear for NEET?
- 27 Q. What is the minimum age limit for appearing in NEET?
- 28 Q. What are the eligibility criteria for appearing in NEET?
- 29 Q. Can I appear for NEET if I have studied abroad?
- 30 Q. How to study for AIIMS MBBS entrance exam?
- 31 Q. How can I prepare for NEET effectively?
- 32 Q.What are some common mistakes that students make while preparing for NEET?
- 33 What are some tips for staying motivated during NEET preparation?
Highlights
| Exam Name | Description | Eligibility | Conducting Body | Exam Mode |
| NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) | Single entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BNYS, and B VSc & AH courses | Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology & English | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Pen-and-Paper based |
| NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate) | Entrance exam for MD/MS and postgraduate AYUSH courses | MBBS Graduates | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | Computer-based |
| NEET MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Masters of Dental Surgery) | Entrance exam for postgraduate MDS programs | BDS Graduates with internship | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | Computer-based |
| FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) | Screening test for Indian students with foreign medical degrees to practice medicine in India | MBBS degree from a university recognized by MCI and completion of FMGE | National Board of Examinations (NBE) | Computer-based |
| MECEE (Medical Education Commission Entrance Examination) | Entrance exam for MBBS in Nepal | Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Nepal) | Board of Medical Education (Nepal) | Likely Pen-and-Paper based (Note: Confirm exam mode with official sources) |
Types of the Medical Entrance Exams
There are numerous career paths in India’s healthcare industry, each with its own entry point. The first obstacle for aspiring medical professionals is passing the standardized entrance exams. While there are numerous tests available, three key examinations hold the keys to unlocking specialized practice: NEET UG, NEET PG, and NEET MDS.
NEET UG Exam
NEET UG Exam (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is India’s single entry point for undergraduate medical and dental programs such as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), and Veterinary courses.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Students who have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects. |
| Format | The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers a single pen-and-paper exam each year. |
| Syllabus | Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from NCERT textbooks for classes 11 and 12. |
| Passing Criteria | General category candidates must receive at least 50%, while reserved category candidates must receive at least 40%. |
| Benefits | Provides admission to government and private medical colleges throughout India. |
NEET PG Exam
NEET PG (National Eligibility and Entrance Test for Postgraduate) serves as a gateway to postgraduate medical courses in India, such as MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), and Diploma programs in a variety of medical specialties.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Only MBBS graduates seeking specialization are eligible. |
| Format | The National Board of Examinations (NBE) administers a single computer-based exam each year. |
| Syllabus | Pre-clinical subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology) and para-clinical subjects (Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine) from the MBBS curriculum are covered. |
| Passing Criteria | General category candidates must achieve at least the 50th percentile, while reserved category candidates must achieve at least the 40th percentile. |
| Benefits | Provides access to postgraduate studies at government and private medical colleges across India, allowing doctors to pursue their chosen specializations and advance their careers. |
NEET MDS Exam
NEET MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Masters of Dental Surgery) serves as the sole gateway to postgraduate dental programs in India, encompassing various MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) specialties.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Only BDS graduates pursuing dental specialization are eligible. |
| Format | The National Board of Examinations (NBE) administers a single computer-based exam every year. |
| Syllabus | Tailored to dental subjects covered in the BDS program. |
| Passing Criteria | General category candidates must score at least the 50th percentile, while reserved category candidates must score at least the 40th percentile. |
| Benefits | Provides access to government and private dental colleges across India for postgraduate dental studies, allowing dentists to hone their expertise in specific fields and elevate their dental practice. |
FMGE Exam
The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is an examination offered by National Board of Examinations (NBE). Foreign medical graduates must pass a licence examination before they can practise medicine in India. The FMGE is carried out twice a year, usually in June and December.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Foreign medical graduates who hold medical degrees from universities outside of India. |
| Exam Conducted by | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (usually in June and December) |
| Exam Format | Computer-based exam |
| Syllabus | Covers various medical subjects relevant to undergraduate medical education |
| Passing Criteria | Candidates must achieve a minimum score set by the NBE to pass the exam. |
| Benefits | Successful candidates can register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Councils (SMCs) to practice medicine in India. |
MECEE Exam
The Medical Education Commission Entrance Examination (MECEE) in Nepal is a national-level entrance examination administered by the Medical Education Commission (MEC) of Nepal. It is conducted for admission to medical and dental colleges in Nepal. Indian students who aspire to study in Nepal or secure admission to their preferred Nepalese medical institutions must pass the MECEE exam.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Medical Education Commission Entrance Examination (MECEE) |
| Administered By | Board for Medical Education in Nepal |
| Exam Type | National entrance examination |
| Eligibility | Indian students aspiring for admission to Nepalese medical institutions or wishing to study in Nepal |
| Syllabus | Covers subjects relevant to medical education in Nepal |
| Passing Criteria | General category candidates: Minimum 50th percentile; Reserved category: Minimum 40th percentile |
| Benefits | Provides eligibility for admission to preferred Nepalese medical institutions |
Entrance Exam Important Dates & Eligibility Criteria
National Eligibility Cumulative Entrance Test (NEET) is a standardized entrance examination in India for students interested in pursuing undergraduate medical education (MBBS), dental education (BDS), and other related courses. NEET is the world’s largest undergraduate medical entrance examination, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The Government of India established NEET in 2013 to ensure a uniform and transparent admission process to medical and dental colleges across the country. Prior to NEET, various states held their own entrance exams, resulting in inconsistencies and irregularities.
NEET UG Exam Schedule
| Event | Tentative Dates |
| NEET announcement | 2nd week of December 2023 |
| Start of the NEET UG 2024 registration | 1st week of March 2024 to 1st week of April 2024 |
| NEET 2024 application correction process | Sometime in the 2nd week of April 2024 |
| NEET 2024 admit card | 4th week of April 2024 |
| NEET 2024 exam date | 5th May 2024 |
| NEET 2024 answer key release | 1st week of June 2024 |
| NEET 2024 result and final answer key | 4th week of June 2024 |
NEET UG Exam Eligibility Criteria
| Qualify Exam | NEET conducted By NTA |
| Nationality | Applicants must be Indian citizens.NRI candidates with Indian passports are also eligible to apply. Under the NRI Category, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are eligible to apply. |
| Age Limit | 17 years old (as on December 31, ). In addition, the candidate’s maximum age should be 25 years. |
| Qualification | The candidate must have passed from a recognised board/institute with a Class 12 credential or equivalent. In addition, the qualifying test should include Biology, Chemistry, English, and Physics as core subjects. |
| Qualifying Percentile | Minimum 50% is required for the general category, 40% for SC/ST, and 45% for Physically Disabled candidates. |
NEET UG Exam Pattern
| Feature | Description |
| Number of Questions | 200 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper Test) |
| Duration | 200 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology) |
| Language | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and Punjabi |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark for each wrong answer |
NEET PG Exam
NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate) is the crucial bridge between completing their MBBS and stepping into their chosen medical specialty. This computer-based exam, conducted annually by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), acts as the single gateway to postgraduate MD (Doctor of Medicine) and MS (Master of Surgery) programs in diverse medical fields.
Cracking the NEET PG unlocks a treasure trove of career possibilities. Doctors can delve into specialties like Cardiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, or Orthopedics, honing their skills and expertise to become leaders in their chosen domain. The exam opens doors to renowned government and private medical colleges across India, offering postgraduate training under seasoned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
The path to NEET PG mastery, on the other hand, necessitates dedication and strategic planning. The exam syllabus delves deeply into pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects covered in the MBBS curriculum, requiring candidates to solidify their knowledge and improve their test-taking skills. On this journey, numerous preparatory materials, mock tests, and expert guidance become invaluable assets.
NEET PG Exam important Dates
| Events | Dates* |
| Release of Information brochure at nbe.edu.in | January 2024 |
| NEET PG 2024 Registration Date | January 2024 |
| Edit window opens | To be announced |
| Final correction window | To be announced |
| NEET PG admit card 2024 release date | To be announced |
| NEET PG exam date 2024 | March 3, 2024 |
| NEET PG 2024 result date | To be announced |
| Release of Rank Card | To be announced |
| Release of Merit List for AIQ 50% seats | To be announced |
| Counselling commencement date | To be announced |
NEET PG Exam Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Description |
| Educational Qualification | Possess a MBBS degree recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the repealed Indian Medical Council Act 1956. |
| Internship Completion | Complete a compulsory rotatory internship of 1 year on or before August 11, 2024. Candidates appearing in the final year MBBS exam and expecting completion by August 11, 2024, are also eligible. |
| Nationality | Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with relevant Indian Medical Council (MCI) registration. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit for appearing in NEET PG 2024. |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction on the number of attempts for NEET PG. However, some state PG counselling rounds may have their own attempt limitations. |
| Foreign Medical Graduates | Foreign medical graduates with MCI registration and completion of Foreign Graduate Examination (FMGE) are eligible. Specific requirements for foreign graduates may vary depending on the NMC guidelines and the individual college or university. |
| Disqualifications | Any candidate who has been convicted of a criminal offense or involved in any malpractice or unethical conduct may be disqualified from appearing in the NEET PG exam. |
NEET PG Exam Pattern
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Language | English only |
| Number of questions | 200 |
| Question type | Multiple choice (4 options) |
| Exam duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Marking (correct answer) | +4 marks |
| Marking (wrong answer) | -1 mark |
NEET PG Subject Weightage
| NEET PG 2024 Subject Weightage | |
| Subjects | NO. of Questions |
| Physiology | 15 |
| Anatomy | 15 |
| Biochemistry | 15 |
| Pharmacology | 20 |
| Pathology | 25 |
| Forensic Medicine | 10 |
| Microbiology | 20 |
| Social and Preventive Medicine | 25 |
| General Medicine, venereology, and dermatology | 37 |
| Surgery, orthopedics, ENT, and anesthetics | 46 |
| Radiodiagnosis and Radiotherapy | 6+6 |
| Gynecology and Obstetrics | 25 |
| Psychiatry | 10 |
| Pediatrics | 15 |
| Ophthalmology | 10 |
NEET MDS Exam
The National Eligibility and Entrance Test for Masters of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) is a national-level entrance examination administered by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for Indian students seeking admission to postgraduate MDS programs at dental colleges and universities throughout India.
The exam will be held in computer-based mode on February 9, 2024. The application form is expected to be available soon on the NBE’s official website (nbe.edu.in). Candidates must have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized dental college or university in India and must have completed a mandatory 12-month internship on or before June 30, 2024 to be eligible for the exam.
The NEET MDS exam consists of 260 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into two parts: Part A (200 MCQs) and Part B (60 MCQs). Part A covers General Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology, while Part B covers Dental subjects such as Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Periodontology & Oral Implantology, Prosthodontics & Crown & Bridge, and Public Health Dentistry. The exam will last three hours.
NEET MDS Important Dates
| Exam Events | Schedule |
| NEET MDS 2024 Application form available | Second week of December 2023 |
| Last date to fill out the application form | First week of January 2024 (Till 11:55PM) |
| Edit Window for All the Candidates | Second week of January 2024 |
| Final Edit Window to rectify Deficient/Incorrect Images:1. Photograph2. Signatures3. Thumb Impression | Third week of January 2024 |
| NEET MDS 2024 – Issue of Admit Card | First week of February 2024 |
| Examination Date | 9th February 2024 |
| Declaration of Result | Last week of February 2024 |
| Online registration for the NEET MDS 2024 counseling | May 2024 |
NEET MDS Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), or PIO (Person of Indian Origin) |
| Age Limit | Minimum age of 20 years as on December 31, 2023 |
| Educational Qualification | Must hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a university/institute recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI) |
| Minimum Marks | Secured at least 50% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST/OBC categories) in the final BDS examination |
| Compulsory Internship | Completion of a compulsory 12-month internship on or before June 30, 2024 |
| Registration | Provisional/permanent registration with the DCI or State Dental Council (SDC) by June 30, 2024 |
| Attempts | No upper limit on attempts |
NEET MDS Exam Pattern
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Exam |
| Duration of NEET MDS | 3 Hours |
| Language | English Only |
| Sections | Two Parts: Part A and Part B |
| Total Number of Questions | 240 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Marks Per Correct Answer | 4 Marks |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
| Maximum Marks | 960 |
FMGE Important Dates
| Processes | Timeline |
| Online Submission Of Applications | To Be Announced |
| Edit Window For All Payment Success Applications (Any Information/Documents Can Be Edited Except Name, Nationality, Email, Mobile Number And Test City) | To Be Announced |
| Final Edit Window To Rectify Deficient/IncorrectImages (No Further Opportunity Shall Be Given) 1. Photograph 2. Signatures 3. Thumb Impression | To Be Announced |
| Opportunity To Rectify Deficiencies Related To Documents Upload In The Application: 1. Primary Medical Qualification Certificate (PMQC) 2. Apostille/Attestation Of PMQC By Indian Embassy Concerned 3. Eligibility Certificate Or Admission Letter 4. Proof Of Citizenship | To Be Announced |
| Final Opportunity To Rectify Deficiencies Related To Documents Upload In The Application (A List Of Such Candidates Will Be Published On NBEMS Website) | To Be Announced |
| Issue Of Admit Card | To Be Announced |
| Examination Date | To Be Announced |
| Declaration Of Result | To Be Announced |
FMGE Eligibility Criteria
To Be Eligible For The FMGE Exam, Candidates Must Meet The Following Criteria:
| Parameters | Criteria |
| Citizenship | The Candidate Must Be A Citizen Of India Or An Overseas Citizen Of India. |
| Primary Medical Qualification | The Candidate Should Possess A Primary Medical Qualification Recognized By The Indian Embassy, Which Allows Them To Enroll As A Medical Practitioner In The Country Where The Qualification Was Obtained. |
| Documentary Evidence | Candidates Must Submit Proof Or Documentary Evidence That Confirms The Result Declaration Of Their Primary Medical Qualification By The Specified Cut-Off Date. The Submitted Document Should Demonstrate The Successful Completion Of All Required Courses With Eligible Results As Per The Institution’s Requirements. |
| Eligibility Certificate | Candidates Should Obtain An “Eligibility Certificate” From The National Medical Commission (Formerly Medical Council Of India). This Requirement Is Not Necessary For Indian Citizens Or Overseas Citizens Of India |
| NEET Requirement | Indian Citizens/Overseas Citizens Of India Intending To Obtain A Primary Medical Qualification From A Foreign Medical Institution On Or After May 2018 Must Qualify The “National-Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test For Admission To MBBS Course. |
| Exemption | Candidate Holds An Undergraduate & Postgraduate Medical Qualification From Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Or The United States Of America. |
FMGE Subjects & Marks Distribution
| Pre & Para Clinical Subjects | Clinical Subjects | ||
| Important Topics | No Of Questions | Important Topics | No Of Questions |
| Anatomy | 17 | Medicine And Allied Subjects 1. Medicine 2. Psychiatry 3. Dermatology 4. Radiotherapy | 33555 |
| Physiology | 17 | General Surgery And Allied Subjects 1. General Surgery 2. Anaesthesiology 3. Orthopaedics 4. Radiodiagnosis | 32555 |
| Biochemistry | 17 | Pediatrics | 15 |
| Forensic Medicine | 10 | Otorhinolaryngology | 15 |
| Pathology | 13 | Ophthalmology | 15 |
| Microbiology | 13 | Obstetrics And Gynaecology | 30 |
| Pharmacology | 13 | Community Medicine | 30 |
| Total | 100 | Total | 200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most important medical entrance exam in India?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the single most important medical entrance exam in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and other medical courses in different colleges and universities across the country.
Q. How many times can a student appear for NEET?
There is no limit on the number of times a student can appear for NEET. However, the candidate must meet the eligibility criteria each time they appear for the exam.
Q. What is the minimum age limit for appearing in NEET?
A. The minimum age limit for appearing in NEET is 17 years as of December 31st of the year of admission.
Q. What are the eligibility criteria for appearing in NEET?
A. To be eligible to appear for NEET, candidates must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects. They must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate for General category candidates and 40% marks for SC/ST/OBC category candidates.
Q. Can I appear for NEET if I have studied abroad?
Yes, you can appear for NEET if you have studied abroad. However, you must have completed your 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects with 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized board.
Q. How to study for AIIMS MBBS entrance exam?
A. Solving previous year’s written questions and mock tests can help you understand the exam pattern and identify the areas you need to work on. The AIIMS entrance exam also includes general knowledge and aptitude questions, so staying current and practising the aptitude questions is essential.
Q. How can I prepare for NEET effectively?
A. There are many resources available to help you prepare for NEET effectively. You can buy study materials, enroll in coaching classes, or join online courses. It is important to create a study schedule and stick to it. You should also practice regularly by solving mock tests and previous year’s question papers.
Q.What are some common mistakes that students make while preparing for NEET?
A. Some common mistakes that students make while preparing for NEET include not starting their preparation early enough, not having a proper study plan, neglecting their health, and not practicing enough mock tests.
What are some tips for staying motivated during NEET preparation?
Some tips for staying motivated during NEET preparation include setting realistic goals, rewarding yourself for achieving milestones, visualizing your success, and surrounding yourself with positive people.