What is NEET? NEET Full Form, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, and Eligibility

There are very few professions as noble as that of a medical practitioner. So, if you are dreaming of wearing that prestigious white coat and saving lives, it's time to nurse those dreams with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Overseen by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is the ideal gateway to a medical career in India and tests a student’s proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.  

This blog is here to boost your exam preparation process by exploring What is NEET Exam and outlining the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria, along with some expert tips. So read on and get ready to crack NEET! 

Table of Contents

1) NEET Full Form   

2) History of NEET 

3) Importance of the NEET Exam   

4) Objective of the NEET Exam 

6) Eligibility Requirements for NEET   

6) NEET Syllabus Overview   

7) NEET Exam Format   

8) Key Dates for NEET 2025   

9) Things to Consider Before Choosing NEET   

10) Expert Tips for Achieving Your Best Score   

11) Who Conducts the NEET Exam? 

12) Is There a Limit on the Number Of Attempts for NEET? 

13) Conclusion 

NEET Full Form   

NEET stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. It's an entrance exam in India for Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programs.
 

History of NEET 

Here’s the timeline that illustrates the significant history of NEET: 

Importance of the NEET Exam   

NEET is the gateway to securing admission to undergraduate medical programmes across various institutions in India. Therefore, Preparation for NEET and qualifying for it is crucial. Its significance for medical students is highlighted below: 

Objective of the NEET Exam 

These points illustrate the objective of the NEET exam: 

1) The NEET exam's primary objective is to streamline the admission process for BDS and MBBS courses. 

2) NEET was introduced to replace multiple medical entrance exams such as All India Pre-Medical test (AIPMT) and state-level exams. 

3) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Medical Council of India (MCI) launched NEET to unify medical admissions. 

4) Previously, students had to fill out multiple forms for different medical entrance exams across the country. 

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Eligibility Requirements for NEET   

Here are the eligibility requirements for the NEET exam: 

1) NEET Age Limit 2025:  

a) A candidate should be 17 years of age at the time of admission  

b) There's no upper age limit to be eligible for NEET 2025 

2) NEET Exam Qualification: 

a) Candidates must be 10+2 qualified in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology 

3) Minimum Marks in 12th: 

a) 50% for Gen 

b) 40% for SC/ST/OBC 

c) 45% for PwD 

4) Citizenship Eligibility Criteria:  

a) Indian citizens 

b)  Non-resident Indian citizens (NRI) 

c) Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) 

d) Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)  

e) Foreign Nationals 

NEET Syllabus Overview   

The NEET syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) and is outlined in the NTA’s information bulletin under the Core Syllabus section. This table summarises the subject-wise syllabus: 

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NEET Exam Format   

Here are the essential details you must know about the format of the NEET exam: 

1) The exam is conducted in OMR-based pen and paper mode for 3 hours and 20 minutes. 

2) There are 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 

3) Candidates need to answer 180 MCQs, with 45 from Chemistry, 45 from Physics and 90 from Biology. 

4) The marking scheme includes +4 marks for each correct answer, -1 marks for each incorrect answer, and no marks for unanswered questions. 

5) Each subject is divided into two sections, with Section A containing 35 questions (140 marks) and Section B having 15 questions (40 marks). 

6) The NEET exam is conducted in English, Hindi, Oriya, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Assamese, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi and Kannada. 

Key Dates for NEET 2025   

Here are the tentative dates or NEET 2025: 

Things to Consider Before Choosing NEET   

1) The exam is not just for toppers; even average students can crack it with proper preparation. 

2) Toppers may fail due to a lack of effective time management. 

3) The medical course is vast, with 19 subjects in MBBS and multiple Books for NEET Preparation per subject, so pursuing this field requires genuine interest.

4) Without proficiency in Chemistry and Physics, cracking NEET is difficult, as Biology alone is not enough. 

5)  A strong understanding of all three subjects—Biology, Chemistry, and Physics—is essential for success. 

Expert Tips for Achieving Your Best Score   

Follow these expert tips to ace the NEET exam: 

1) Understand the exam pattern and syllabus. 

2) Solve previous year's question papers. 

3) Prepare a study timetable. 

4) Prepare revision notes through flashcards and small notes for last-minute review of topics. 

5) Get sufficient rest before the exam. 

6) Maintain good physical health and take time for recreation for proper mental health. 

Who Conducts the NEET Exam? 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET. This exam is held on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Government of India). 

Is There a Limit on the Number Of Attempts for NEET? 

No, there is no restriction on the number of NEET attempts. Candidates can take the exam as many times as they meet the eligibility criteria.

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Conclusion 

NEET is the key to unlocking your medical career as it offers a single, standardised pathway to MBBS and BDS admissions in India. Seats in NEET determine the opportunities available for aspiring medical students. Understanding What is NEET Exam involves being clear about the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria. Cracking NEET requires dedication and smart preparation. So, stay focused and use the right resources because your medical dream awaits! 

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