Despite the persistent demand from students and experts to conduct NEET twice a year, the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam’s governing body, has decided to retain the current format of a single-attempt exam. This decision comes after years of deliberation by NTA and the Government of India.
Proponents of two attempts argue that it would alleviate the immense pressure on students, provide a second chance for improvement, and enhance overall exam preparation. However, the authorities maintain that the current format ensures fairness and consistency in the selection process.
The decision to stick with the single-attempt format has been met with mixed reactions from students and stakeholders. While some express disappointment, others acknowledge the rationale behind the decision. Nevertheless, the debate surrounding the frequency of NEET is likely to continue, as the quest for medical education remains highly competitive and aspirations to become doctors run deep.
Confirming the matter, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bharati Pravin Pawar in the Lok Sabha said, “there is no proposal to conduct NEET UG twice in a year. Currently, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) once in a year as an eligibility/ entrance test for medical courses in India. “National Medical Commission (NMC) & National Testing Agency (NTA) have informed that there is no proposal to conduct NEET exams for providing two chances in a year,” Pawar said.
The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is a medical entrance exam for aspiring medical professionals in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) once a year in a single day and single slot. The exam is designed to assess the aptitude and knowledge of candidates in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
The NEET exam consists of three sections:
The exam is conducted in a computerized mode, and candidates are required to answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with four options for each question. The questions are based on the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) syllabus for classes 11 and 12.
To pass NEET, candidates must secure a minimum qualifying percentile, which is determined by the NTA each year based on the performance of all the candidates. The qualifying percentile for admission to MBBS programs is typically around 50%.
Apart from qualifying for undergraduate medical and dental courses, NEET also serves as a screening test for admission to postgraduate medical and dental programs, such as MD, MS, MDS, and other specialized courses.
NEET is a crucial exam for aspiring medical professionals in India. It determines their eligibility for pursuing a career in medicine and opens doors to numerous opportunities in the healthcare sector.
In the fiercely competitive medical entrance examination arena, the NEET is a formidable gateway for aspiring doctors. With over 15 lakh candidates vying for a limited number of MBBS seats, the pressure to excel is immense. While the current format of NEET allows for a single attempt, the demand for two attempts has gained significant traction among students and experts alike.
This demand stems from the recognition that two attempts would provide numerous benefits, including improved chances of admission, reduced stress, better preparation opportunities, and the flexibility to choose an exam schedule. Let’s delve into the compelling reasons why conducting NEET twice a year would be a game-changer for medical aspirants.
Advocates for biannual NEET exams posit many benefits, including heightened admission prospects, diminished stress levels, enhanced preparation opportunities, and the flexibility to customize exam schedules.
While the government of India has yet to green light this proposal, the unwavering demand for two attempts underscores its significance. Students are encouraged to advocate for this change while remaining steadfast in their preparation for the exam, irrespective of the examination frequency.
NEET is conducted only once a year to maintain fairness and consistency in the selection process. It ensures that all candidates have equal opportunities and prevents any advantages gained by attempting the exam multiple times.
Despite the demand from students and experts for two attempts, the authorities have decided to retain the single-attempt format. Two attempts would increase the burden on students and may compromise the quality of the selection process.
NEET serves as a single, national eligibility test for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in India. It assesses the aptitude and knowledge of candidates in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
No, NEET will not be conducted twice this year. The exam will be held once, on a single day and in a single slot, per the current format.