The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the gateway for students in India who aspire to pursue a career in medicine. Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is the sole entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, and other allied health programs in government and private medical colleges across the country.

For many students, the journey towards becoming a doctor begins with understanding the NEET exam and the process of filling out the NEET Application Form. This guide provides detailed insights into both, ensuring that aspiring medical professionals are well-prepared for the road ahead.

What is NEET?

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for students seeking admission to medical and dental colleges in India. The test was introduced to unify the admission process, replacing several state-level medical entrance exams and ensuring a fair and standardized evaluation system across the country.

The NEET exam assesses candidates’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—core subjects essential for medical studies. It is held once a year, usually in May, and is open to Indian citizens as well as NRIs, OCIs, and foreign nationals.

NEET Exam Structure

To excel in the NEET exam, it’s crucial to understand its structure. Here’s what you need to know:

• Mode of Exam: Offline (pen-and-paper-based)
• Total Questions: 200 (180 to be attempted)
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (divided into Botany and Zoology)
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• Total Marks: 720
• Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer, and no marks deducted for unattempted questions

Subject-wise Breakdown:

• Physics: 50 questions (35 required)
• Chemistry: 50 questions (35 required)
• Biology: 100 questions (90 required)
  

The questions are presented in English and Hindi, and candidates must answer them within the allocated time.

Who is Eligible for NEET?

Eligibility criteria ensure that only candidates who meet specific academic and personal requirements can appear for the NEET exam.

1. Age Criteria:
   
   • Minimum age: 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year
   • Maximum age: 25 years for general category candidates, with a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC candidates

2. Educational Requirements:
   
   • Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects
   • A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in these subjects (40% for reserved categories)

3. Nationality:
   
   • Open to Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals

4. Number of Attempts:
   
   • No specific limit on attempts as long as the age and eligibility conditions are met
     

How to Fill the NEET Application Form

The NEET application form is the first step towards securing admission to medical colleges. The process is entirely online and requires careful attention to detail. Here’s how to complete the application:

Registration

• Visit the official NEET website: neet.nta.nic.in
• Click on the “New Registration” link
• Provide basic personal details such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number
• Submit the information to receive a unique login ID and password

Application Form Filling

• Log in using your credentials
• Fill in details such as personal information, academic qualifications, and preferred exam centers
• Choose the language in which you want to attempt the question paper (English or Hindi)
  

Uploading Documents

Candidates must upload scanned copies of the following documents:

• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Signature
• Thumb impression
• Class 10 and Class 12 certificates for age and qualification verification
  

Step 4: Payment of Application Fee

• Pay the fee online using debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI
  
• Application Fee Structure:
  
  • General Category: ₹1,600
  • OBC/SC/ST Category: ₹1,500
  • NRIs: ₹8,500
    

Step 5: Final Submission

• Double-check all the entered details for accuracy
• Submit the form
• Download and print the confirmation page for future reference
  

NEET Application Form Correction

After submission, if candidates notice any errors in their application, they can make corrections during the designated correction window. NTA provides this facility for a limited period, and it’s essential to make corrections promptly to avoid issues during the exam.

Receiving the NEET Admit Card

After the application process, NTA will release the NEET admit card. NEET document is mandatory for appearing in the exam and contains important details such as:

• Candidate’s name and roll number
  
• Exam date, time, and venue
  
• Instructions for the exam day
  

Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the exam center.

NEET Exam Day Guidelines

• Arrive at the exam center at least 60 minutes before the scheduled time
  
• Carry your admit card and a valid photo ID
  
• Do not bring electronic gadgets like mobile phones, calculators, or smartwatches
  
• Follow all instructions given by the exam invigilators

NEET Results and Counseling

After the exam, NTA usually announces the NEET Exam results within a month. The results include the candidate’s score, percentile, and rank. Based on the results, candidates are eligible for the NEET counseling process, which is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

The counseling process includes:

• Document verification
  
• Choice filling and seat allocation
  
• Final admission to medical colleges
  

From Classroom to Boardroom: How a PGDM Can Transform Your Career