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What is the difference between NEET and AIIMS: When discussing the difference between NEET and AIIMS exams, it’s essential to understand how the landscape of medical entrance tests in India has evolved. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is now the primary examination for aspiring medical students, following the integration of the AIIMS entrance exam into NEET in 2020. Prior to this, AIIMS, a renowned medical institution headquartered in New Delhi, conducted its own national-level entrance test for admissions into its various branches. This shift means that students now only need to clear NEET to pursue medical studies across India, including prestigious institutes like AIIMS.
As for the question, NEET or AIIMS, which is better, it’s no longer about choosing between two separate exams. NEET is now the unified gateway to medical courses, ensuring a streamlined process for students aiming for top-tier institutions like AIIMS. Understanding the differences before 2020 helps to grasp the significance of this change, but today, NEET stands as the definitive test for medical aspirants in India.
What is NEET Exam?
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a nationwide medical entrance exam conducted every year in India by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the primary exam for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical and dental courses like MBBS and BDS in government and private colleges across the country. NEET is mandatory for admissions to medical colleges, including prestigious institutions like AIIMS and JIPMER.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Scoring well in NEET is crucial, as the rank obtained determines the eligibility for counseling and seat allocation in medical colleges. It is also used for securing a seat under both the All India Quota (15%) and State Quota (85%).
What is AIIMS Exam?
Before 2020, AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) conducted its own entrance exam for admissions to its medical programs across its various campuses in India. AIIMS is one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country, and its entrance exam was considered to be tougher and more competitive than NEET.
Visit: Total Number of AIIMS in India
However, as of 2020, the AIIMS entrance exam was merged with NEET, meaning that students now need to appear for only the NEET exam to gain admission into AIIMS institutes. AIIMS is well-known for its advanced medical research and education, and seats in its various branches are highly sought after. Today, students aiming to join AIIMS must excel in the NEET exam to secure a place in these top institutions.
Also Check – How to score 650 Plus in NEET 2025 in 8 months
NEET Exam and AIIMS Exam Comparison Table
It’s critical for applicants to top medical schools in India to comprehend the distinctions between the NEET and the now-merged AIIMS tests, two of the most important medical entrance exams. To assist you in comprehending the salient features of both tests, here is a thorough comparison.
| Particulars | NEET Exam | AIIMS Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen & Paper-based) | Online (Computer-based Test) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year | Once a year (Until 2020) |
| Exam Level | National | National |
| Type of Questions | Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions) | Multiple Choice & Assertion-Reasoning type |
| Total Number of Questions | 180 | 200 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 20 minutes | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer -1 for incorrect answer 0 for unanswered questions |
+1 for correct answer -1/3 for incorrect answer 0 for unanswered questions |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology | Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, General Knowledge, Aptitude, Logical Thinking |
| Official Website | https://www.nta.ac.in | https://www.aiimsexams.ac.in |
Also Check – List of Top AIIMS Colleges in India
What is the Difference between NEET and AIIMS?
The medical entrance exams in India are highly competitive, with the two most prominent ones being NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). Both exams aim to assess the eligibility of candidates for admission to undergraduate medical courses, but there are significant differences between them in terms of exam structure, syllabus, and selection process. Let’s explore these differences in detail.
1. Purpose of the Exams
NEET serves as a national entrance exam for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses like MBBS, BDS, and related fields. It is the common test for both government and private medical colleges across India. AIIMS, on the other hand, previously conducted its own entrance exam for admission to its prestigious institutes, which are well-known for providing top-tier medical education and healthcare.
In 2020, the AIIMS MBBS entrance exam was merged with NEET, making NEET the sole exam for medical admissions in India. Before this merger, the AIIMS exam was considered tougher than NEET due to its extra sections and the high level of competition it demanded.
2. Exam Conducting Body
- NEET: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NEET exam annually.
- AIIMS: Until its merger with NEET, AIIMS was organized by the AIIMS institutions themselves, specifically for admission to AIIMS institutes.
3. Mode of Examination
The NEET exam takes place offline in a pen-and-paper format. Candidates use a black or blue ballpoint pen to mark their answers on an OMR sheet. In contrast, the AIIMS exam was an online, computer-based test, setting it apart from NEET in its mode of administration.
4. Exam Duration and Structure
The NEET exam has a total duration of 3 hours and 20 minutes, with 180 objective-type questions divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Each section has 45 questions. For every correct answer, candidates are awarded 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
In contrast, the AIIMS exam had a longer duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and included 200 questions. AIIMS assessed candidates in five sections: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Knowledge, and Aptitude & Logical Thinking. Each subject had 60 questions except for General Knowledge and Aptitude, which had 10 questions each. The marking scheme in AIIMS awarded 1 mark for each correct answer, while 1/3rd of a mark was deducted for incorrect answers.
Also Check – Medical Courses after 12th Without NEET
5. Syllabus Differences
The core subjects for both NEET and AIIMS were similar, focusing primarily on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. However, AIIMS had two additional sections, namely General Knowledge and Aptitude & Logical Thinking, which set it apart from NEET. These sections tested students’ awareness of current affairs and their logical reasoning abilities. NEET, on the other hand, focuses strictly on science-related subjects, making it more straightforward in terms of syllabus.
Also Check – Best Books for NEET Preparation
6. Assessment Pattern and Focus
NEET focuses on a candidate’s ability to manage time effectively, speed, and understanding of core scientific concepts. The questions are relatively straightforward, though challenging, as they are designed to test a student’s depth of knowledge.
In contrast, the AIIMS exam was known for its emphasis on conceptual understanding and application. The questions were generally more complex, and the inclusion of General Knowledge and Aptitude added an additional layer of difficulty. AIIMS also included assertion-reason type questions, which tested students’ logical reasoning and comprehension skills beyond pure memorization.
7. Eligibility Criteria
Both NEET and AIIMS had similar eligibility criteria:
- Candidates must be Indian citizens, with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) also eligible to apply.
- The minimum age requirement is 17 years.
- Candidates must have completed their senior secondary education from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects.
- General category candidates need a minimum of 60% marks, while SC/ST/OBC candidates need 50%.
Also Check – Are NCERT Books Enough for NEET 2025 Preparation?
8. Competition and Difficulty Level
NEET is one of the largest competitive exams in India, with lakhs of students appearing each year for a limited number of seats in medical colleges across the country. The competition is tough due to the large number of NEET aspirants. However, while NEET is highly competitive, the AIIMS exam was considered even more challenging because of the limited number of seats available in AIIMS institutions. The questions in AIIMS were more difficult, especially in the Physics section, and required a deeper understanding of concepts.
9. Merging of AIIMS and NEET
In 2020, authorities merged AIIMS with NEET, making NEET the only entrance exam for medical courses, including those at AIIMS institutes. This centralized the admission process and ensured uniform selection criteria for medical aspirants across India. Since then, NEET has become the sole gateway for students aspiring to join top medical colleges, including AIIMS, simplifying the examination process for candidates.
Also Check – How to Take Admission in AIIMS
Which Exam is Tougher: NEET or AIIMS?
Here are the key differences in difficulty between NEET and AIIMS before their merger:
- Question Complexity: AIIMS had more complex and analytical questions compared to NEET, especially in Physics and Chemistry.
- Additional Sections: AIIMS included sections on General Knowledge and Aptitude, adding extra layers of preparation. NEET, however, focuses solely on core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Higher Competition: AIIMS had tougher competition due to its limited seats and prestigious institutes, making it harder for students to secure admission.
- Difficulty Level: NEET posed a challenge, but AIIMS was often seen as more difficult because of its focus on intricate problem-solving, especially in subjects like Physics and Chemistry.
- After the Merger: Since 2020, AIIMS and NEET merged, making NEET the unified medical entrance exam in India. However, AIIMS was widely regarded as the tougher exam before the merger.
What is the Difference between NEET and AIIMS?
Which is better, NEET or AIIMS?
It depends on your goals. NEET is required for most medical colleges in India, while AIIMS is one of the top institutes with advanced facilities. If you aim to study in AIIMS, it offers great exposure and resources. For most medical aspirants, NEET provides broader options.
What is the difference between NEET and AIIMS?
The main difference between NEET and AIIMS lies in how they were conducted and their scope. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a nationwide exam used for admission to medical colleges across India, covering MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses. It is conducted offline in a pen-and-paper format. On the other hand, AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) had its own separate entrance exam for admission into its prestigious institutions. The AIIMS exam was an online, computer-based test known for its higher difficulty level, with more complex questions and a unique format that included aptitude and logical reasoning sections. Since 2020, AIIMS admissions have been merged into NEET. Now, students seeking admission to AIIMS must clear NEET, which follows the NCERT syllabus.
Does AIIMS come under NEET?
Yes, AIIMS admissions now come under NEET. Since 2020, students must clear NEET to secure a seat in any AIIMS institution.
Can we apply for AIIMS without NEET?
No, you cannot apply for AIIMS without taking NEET. NEET is mandatory for admission to all medical colleges in India, including AIIMS.
Is AIIMS still separate from NEET?
Studying in AIIMS offers access to world-class medical education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and excellent infrastructure. It provides significant exposure and higher chances of career growth in medicine.
