How many times a NEET exam is conducted in a year?

NEET, or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, stands as a pivotal examination in India for those aspiring to join the medical and dental fields. It is renowned for its competitiveness and is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. NEET paves the way for aspiring medical professionals, with lakhs of students vying for a limited number of seats across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the details of the NEET examination, addressing various aspects such as its frequency, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and more.

What is the NEET Examination?

NEET, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, is a nationwide examination held annually to facilitate admissions to undergraduate medical and dental programs in India. The exam is conducted in the traditional pen-and-paper format and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Renowned for its difficulty, NEET attracts aspirants from all corners of the country who aspire to secure covered seats in medical colleges.

One notable feature of NEET is its multilingual nature, as it is conducted in various languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This ensures accessibility to a diverse pool of students.

NTA Guidelines for the NEET Examination

To maintain the integrity and fairness of the NEET examination, the National Testing Agency has established certain guidelines that all candidates must adhere to. Some key guidelines include:

• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined by the NTA to qualify for the NEET examination. These criteria girdle educational qualifications, nationality and age limit
• Admit Card: Candidates are required to carry their NEET admit card to the examination center. The admit card contains vital information, including the candidate’s name, roll number, examination center, and exam timings.
• Prohibited Items: Electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, and smartwatches are strictly prohibited inside the examination center. Any candidate found with such devices will face disqualification.
• Examination Pattern: Candidates must acquaint themselves with the NEET exam pattern, which includes multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). The exam duration is 3 hours, and it comprises a total of 180 questions.

Frequency of the NEET Examination

The NEET examination is conducted once a year. Historically, it has been held in the month of May. However, due to unforeseen circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the schedule for the NEET examination may deviate from the norm. For instance, in 2020, the NEET examination was postponed and conducted in September. In 2021, it took place on 12th September.

Top Medical Colleges in India 2024

NEET Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Understanding the NEET syllabus and exam pattern is fundamental for candidates aiming to excel in the examination. Now let’s delve into the details to know what you can expect:

Syllabus

1. Physics- Topics encompass mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, and optics.
2. Chemistry- Focus areas include physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry.
3. Biology- This section is divided into Botany and Zoology, covering topics such as genetics, ecology, diversity in living organisms, and human physiology.

Exam Pattern

1. Total Questions- The NEET examination comprises 180 multiple-choice questions.
2. Subject Distribution- Physics (45 questions), Chemistry (45 questions), and Biology (90 questions).
3. Marking Scheme- Candidates are awarded 4 marks for each correct answer and penalized with -1 mark for each incorrect response. There is no deduction on unanswered questions.
4. Duration- The examination is conducted over a duration of 3 hours.

Candidates must prepare comprehensively, covering all topics within the syllabus, and practice solving multiple-choice questions to become familiar with the exam format.

Eligibility Criteria for NEET

To appear for the NEET examination, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria as outlined by the NTA. Here are the key eligibility requirements:

Educational Qualifications

• Candidates should have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects.
• The minimum aggregate marks required in these subjects vary for different categories (General, SC/ST/OBC, PwD).

Age Limit

• The minimum age for appearing in NEET is usually 17 years.
• The maximum age limit for General category candidates is typically 25 years, while SC/ST/OBC candidates may have certain relaxations.

Nationality

• Candidates need to be part of Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

Candidates should thoroughly check the eligibility criteria specified for the year they intend to take the NEET examination, as there may be occasional changes or updates.

Reservation Criteria in NEET

NEET examination follows a reservation system to ensure equitable access to medical and dental courses for various categories of candidates. The reservation criteria typically include:

1. Scheduled Castes (SC): A percentage of seats are reserved for candidates belonging to the SC category.
2. Scheduled Tribes (ST): Similarly, a percentage of seats are reserved for candidates from the ST category.
3. Other Backward Classes (OBC): OBC candidates may have a separate quota of seats reserved for them.
4. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): In some cases, a reservation is provided for candidates falling under the EWS category.
5. PwD (Persons with Disabilities): There is also a reservation for candidates with disabilities.

It’s important to note that the specific reservation percentages can vary by state and institution. Candidates should refer to the official notifications and information from the respective authorities to understand the reservation criteria for their preferred institutions.

NEET Results and Counseling

After the NEET examination, candidates eagerly await their results, which play a crucial role in determining their admission prospects. Here’s a glimpse of the results and counseling process:

NEET Results

• NEET results are typically announced within a few weeks after the examination.
• Candidates can access their results on the official NEET website by entering their roll number and other required details.

NEET Counseling

• Counseling for NEET is conducted through the All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota.
• The AIQ counseling is handled by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), while state-level counseling is managed by respective state authorities.
• Candidates are required to register for counseling, and based on their NEET scores and ranks, they can participate in the seat allotment process.
• During counseling, candidates can select their preferred colleges and courses based on availability and merit.

The counseling process is highly competitive, and candidates must carefully consider their choices to secure admission to their desired institution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NEET examination stands as a crucial gateway for aspiring medical and dental professionals in India. It is a fiercely competitive exam conducted annually by the National Testing Agency. To succeed, candidates should not only prepare rigorously but also adhere to the guidelines established by the NTA.

Understanding the NEET syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, reservation criteria, and the counseling process is essential for candidates seeking admission to medical and dental colleges. With dedication, discipline, and a strategic approach to exam preparation, aspiring medical professionals can overcome the challenges posed by NEET and embark on a fulfilling career in healthcare.

As NEET continues to be a vital stepping stone for the medical community in India, it is essential for candidates to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines issued by the NTA and relevant authorities. This will enable them to navigate the NEET journey successfully and fulfill their aspirations in the field of medicine and dentistry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often is the NEET exam conducted in a year?

The NEET exam is conducted once a year, typically in May. However, candidates should note that the dates may vary, so it's essential to stay updated through the official NTA website for the latest information on NEET.

What are the eligibility criteria for the NEET examination?

To be eligible for the NEET examination, candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. Additionally, they must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in their 10+2 examination.

Are there reservation criteria for the NEET examination?

Yes, the Government of India has established reservation criteria for the NEET examination. According to these criteria, 15% of the total seats in medical and dental colleges are reserved for candidates from the Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for candidates from the Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 27% for candidates from the Other Backward Classes (OBC).

How is the NEET result declared?

The NEET result is disclosed in the form of a scorecard, which includes the candidate's name, roll number, marks obtained, and All India Rank (AIR). Candidates can access their results on the official NTA website.

What is NEET counseling?

Following the declaration of NEET results, counseling is conducted for qualified candidates. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) conducts this counseling on behalf of the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC). It is a crucial process for allocating seats in medical and dental colleges based on candidates' NEET scores and preferences.