As the saying goes, ‘Save one life, you are a hero, save thousands, you are a doctor. A profession that shoulders the responsibility of saving lives, needs training and guidance of that stature. As one of the most respected and noble professions, being a doctor certainly is not as simple as it may seem. Right from studying BiPC subjects in 11th and 12th standard and preparation for the coveted entrance test of medical education to spending years on becoming an able doctor, the entire progression takes patience, perseverance, and hard work. The first step, however, of this honourable profession is to qualify for the entrance exam called NEET 2023.

Must Read: NEET Entrance Exam 2023 – Complete Guide

NEET 2023 Latest Updates

• The NEET 2023 exam was held on May 7 from 2 PM to 5.20 PM. NEET 2023 attracted 20.24 lakh candidates out of a total of 20.87 lakh applicants, the highest amount in recent years.

• The provisional answer keys for NEET 2023 are expected to be released by NTA in the first week of June. The NEET 2023 results and final answer keys are expected in the fourth or first weeks of July.

• The exam has been cancelled at Manipur’s NEET 2023 locations due to ongoing conflict in the state. There were 5,750 candidates expected to appear in the state’s two NEET venues.

• The NEET 2023 admit card was released on May 4, while the NEET 2023 advance intimation of exam city slip was released on April 30. The NEET 2023 application period ended on April 15.

NEET 2023 Dates (Announced)

About NEET Exam

Until 2013, NEET – the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test was called the All India Pre-Medical Test. It was declared illegitimate by the Supreme Court in 2013 but brought back in April 2016. This is the entrance exam that students aspiring to be in the medical field have to undertake to start their education at the UG and PG levels in the medical discipline. This entrance examination is held for both undergraduate as well as postgraduate programs, for both medical and dental courses.

Until 2018, the NEET UG and PG tests were managed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in collaboration with Prometric Testing Pvt Limited. Since 2019, the examinations are supervised by the NTA, i.e. National Testing Agency, which conveys the results back to the Directorate General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

However, due to the distinct laws under which they were authorized, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), do not fall under the NEET umbrella.

Key Points to Note for NEET 2023

• Only online applications are accepted for NEET 2023.
• You can download the information bulletin from www.nta.ac.in/ ntaneet.nic.in
• Candidates must keep the following documents after filling the application:
  1. Printout of Confirmation Page of Online Application Form
  2. Proof of fees payment 
  3. At least 5 passport-sized photos and 5 post-card sized photographs
  4. Copy of self-declaration for students from Union Territories and Jammu and Kashmir who have opted for seats under 15% All India Quota
• The contact numbers you provide must be yours or your parents’ only. The National Test Agency communicates any changes through phone only
• Candidates must preserve their admit cards till admission in a medical school

Difficulty level of Questions

The difficulty level of NEET exam changes every year; the most difficult section is Physics, followed by Chemistry and Biology. 

NEET Facts and Figures

For admission in a government college, which many students aspire to be in, the cut-offs are as follows (as of 2020) :

• For general category: 50 percentile (marks can be in the range of 135 to around 705)
• For the general category of physically handicapped (General-PH): 45 percentile (marks can be in the range of 135 to around 115)
• For SC, ST and OBC and SC/ ST physically handicapped: 40 percentile (marks can be in the range of 135 to around 105)

It is to be kept in mind that a student who wishes to practice medicine in India, whether the student completes his/her education in India or abroad, needs to give the NEET examination.

NEET Syllabus 2023

Being one of the most important competitive exams of India, NEET tends to evaluate the in-depth knowledge of the candidates. Thus, it is essential for candidates to prepare each and every topic from its core. Owing to the massive competition for this entrance exam, it is advised to timely start your preparation. Here is the syllabus of the NEET UG and PG exams-

NEET UG Syllabus

The NEET syllabus for the UG exam covers topics from both 11^th and 12^th standard physics, chemistry and biology (zoology and botany). Tabulated below are the important topics from each of the subjects-

Biology Syllabus for NEET

Physics Syllabus for NEET

Chemistry Syllabus for NEET

NEET PG Syllabus

Here are some of the important topics of the syllabus of NEET PG-

Note: The aforementioned syllabus of just for indicative purposes and candidates are advised to check the official website to know the detailed syllabus of NEET UG and PG.

NEET Exam Pattern

The exam pattern of both UG and PG is mentioned below-

NEET UG

UG paper is split into a total of 3 parts. Preparing according to to the exam pattern will help you score better in the exam.

The NEET test has no question which has multiple choices for a single question.  The final score of the test is calculated in the following format:

Total no. of correct answers ×4 – Total no. of incorrect answers × (-1)

NEET PG

For all those who are looking forward to appear in this NEET PG 2023 exam, mentioned below is the exam structure of this year-

NEET Exam Eligibility Criteria

There are several eligibility norms that need to be followed for admission in colleges as well as writing the examination, be it at any level. Now that we have understood the NEET exam in detail, let us now go through the eligibility criteria of both levels.

NEET UG Eligibility

• Higher Secondary or 12th standard marks should be according to the cut offset by the Medical Council of India (MCI). The council has set up qualifying marks in higher secondary for different categories, like General category: 50%, PWD: 45%, SC/ST/OBC: 40%
• Students must have opted for Physics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology or Biology in their 12th standard
• Although there is no age limitation to appear for the examination,  the candidate must complete the age of 17 years in the year they appear for their MBBS admission.
• There are no limitations on the number of attempts to write the examination.

NEET PG Eligibility

• A valid MBBS degree from a recognised institution by MCI
•  completion of rotatory internship before 31st March 2023
• Permanent or provisional medical registration certificate issued by MCI or State Medical Council
• Candidates who have studied/qualified MBBS from Jammu & Kashmir are not eligible for All India 50% Quota seats. Only candidates who were nominated by the Government of India (under central pool seats) to study MBBS from Medical Colleges in Jammu & Kashmir shall be eligible for All India 50% quota seats. Such candidates must submit a duly signed affidavit declaring this.

Must Read: NEET PG Exam 2023

How to Apply for NEET 2023?

Here is the application process of NEET 2023:

• Click here to visit the official portal of the NEET Exam and fill in the basic personal details after which your registration number and password will be provided to you.
• Then, fill up the application form, including your personal details, educational qualifications, Aadhar Card Details, Passport details, amongst others and then click on “Apply Online”.
• Upload the following documents for the application:
  • Photograph
  • Postcard size photograph
  • Signature
  • Class 10 mark sheet/passing certificate
  • Left-hand thumb impression
  • Valid ID Proofs [Aaadhar card/passport/class 12th roll number/election card/ration card/bank passbook copy etc. for Indian Nationals or Passport Number for Foreign Nationals or Passport Number/Aadhaar Card for NRIs]

NEET 2023 Application Fees

The fees for NEET 2023 is:

NEET Preparation

The NEET exam contains MCQ questions from 11th and 12th biology, physics and chemistry books and syllabus. The first and most important step in preparing for the NEET exam is to study the subject-wise syllabus, solve the previous year question papers and analyse the exam pattern thoroughly.

Sample Papers and Mock Tests for NEET Exam

In 2020, the Union Minister for Human Resource Development launched the new mobile app called the National Test Abhyas. Using the App, aspirants can take high-quality mock tests for the NTA conducted exams like NEET and JEE Main. Students have the option for the exam in offline as well as online mode. 

NEET aspirants can find sample papers and previous year question paper compilations on popular sites like Amazon. There are many online resources that provide candidates with solved samples papers as well as an opportunity to give mock tests.

Best Books for NEET Exam

Aspirants generally start their preparation with 11th and 12th NCERT books before moving on to different books mentioned below. Most students start their preparation months before the exam in order to complete the syllabus and for thorough revision. Here the subject-wise list of best books for the preparation-

How to Prepare for NEET Exam

Best Coaching Centres

There are plenty of coaching centres and classes for NEET across India yet there only a few that offer the right guidance, mentorship and quality education. Most of these institutes have started providing online coaching as a result of the worldwide covid pandemic. Let’s look at some of the most-sought after coaching centres for NEET

• Akash Institute
• ALLEN Institute
• Toppers Academy
• YVS Institute
• Narayana Group

Sample Papers and Mock Tests for NEET

In 2020, the Union Minister for Human Resource Development launched the new mobile app called the National Test Abhyas. Using the App, aspirants can take high-quality mock tests for the NTA conducted exams like NEET and JEE Main. Students have the option for the exam in offline as well as online mode. 

NEET aspirants can find sample papers and previous year question paper compilations on popular sites like Amazon. There are many online resources that provide candidates with solved samples papers as well as an opportunity to give mock tests.

Online Resources for NEET

Students preparing for the NEET exam 2023 can easily get access to free videos lectures, online mock tests, study material, doubt- clearing sessions and professional guidance from anywhere in India. There are several high- quality online resources that NEET aspirants can use to score well in one of the most competitive exams. Youtube is the most accessible and popular online resource for preparation; you can find free lectures, solved question papers and topic-wise videos on the app. Some of the most popular Youtube channels for NEET preparation are

• Physics Wallah
• Physics Galaxy
• Biomentors
• IITians Explains
• Sachin Rana

Lets us look at some cost-effective as well as great online platforms for NEET preparation-

Free Resources for NEET Preparation

• Akash iTutor
• Ask IITians
• Darwin NEET
• National Test Abhyas
• Toppr
• Vedantu 
• Unacademy
• GradeUp
• NEET Prep

NEET Results

The NEET exam was conducted on 7th May 2023 and the result date will be announced soon, here is the step-by-step procedure for checking NEET results on their official website-

• Applicants can check their NEET results on the official website- https://ntaneet.nic.in/Ntaneet/
• Click on the link- NEET Result
• Candidates will be directed to the page for NEET score card and can download their results by entering their roll number, date of birth and the security code.
• It is important to download your scorecard for the counselling and admission process.

NEET 2023 Cut-Off

According to recent patterns, the projected cut-off points for NEET 2023 are 50 per cent for general applicants, 45 per cent for PH candidates, and 40 per cent for reserved candidates. NEET qualifying scores for 2022 were 138-720 in the general category and 108-137 in the OBC/SC/ST categories last year. The following is a list of the NEET 2022 cut-off scores for various categories:

Must Read: Unhappy with your NEET Scores? Here are the Things You Can Do!

NEET 2023 Reservation

Seats are reserved for SC, ST, and OBC applicants in terms of age relaxations and cut–off mark relaxations.

NEET Expected Marks V/S Ranks 2023

NEET 2023 Final Admission Process

Candidates must report to their allocated NEET institutions within the stated time period and must bring the papers listed below with them after finishing the counselling procedure and getting a seat in a certain college.

• High School & Intermediate Marksheets
• High School & Intermediate Passing Certificate
• NEET Admit card
• NEET Rank Letter
• Category Certificate (For reserved category candidates)
• Birth Certificate
• 8-10 Passport Sized Photographs
• Provisional Allotment Letter generated online
• Identity proof

NEET Topper Interviews

NEET UG Merit List

There are three types of merit lists for NEET UG admissions; All India NEET Merit list, AIQ Merit list and State-wise merit list. 

• After the results have been announced, MCC releases an All India Merit List to specify all the details of the candidates who have cleared the exam. The list contains the names of the candidates, the NEET roll number of the candidates and their all-India rank. 
• AIl Merit list contains the names of those candidates who qualify for the 15% central seats under the All India Quota. 
• The state-wise merit list is released by the different state authorities for 85% of seats; it is prepared on the basis of the candidates’ NEET All India rank and domicile. The list contains the names, roll number, state rank, score and category of all the candidates.

NEET Counselling 

The NEET counselling process starts only after the results have been announced. NEET counselling is conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The entire counselling process is online and all candidates have to register online to be eligible: 

https://mcc.nic.in/. Candidates have the option to apply to multiple colleges and they have to pay the registration fee (non-refundable) and security deposit (refundable). After the candidates have filled out their college preferences on their application form and the central authority releases the first round of seat allotment. Seats are allotted based on the UG-NEET rank and college preference.

MCC is responsible for 15% of All India Quota(AIQ) counselling while 85% of seats are under state counselling conducted by respective states.

Who is Eligible for Counselling?

Candidates who qualify for the NEET are eligible for counselling for the All India Quota and respective State Quota for MBBS/BDS seats.

Exam Day Guidelines

NTA releases a set of guidelines for the exam day for all applicants to follow. Let us look at the important rules and instructions for NEET 2023-

• All candidates must adhere to the time schedule given by NTA on the exam day. The exam time is 2 pm to 5 pm and candidates will not be allowed to enter the hall after 1:30 pm.
• All candidates are advised to arrive an hour before the exam at the centre.
• Face masks are a compulsory item and all candidates must wear them.
• Candidates must carry important documents like the NEET admit card, valid identity proof, PWD certificate and passport-size photographs. No other document will be allowed inside the exam hall.
• Candidates must fill out the OMR sheet properly and submit the sheet to the invigilator before leaving the hall.
• Electronic devices like mobiles, tablets, etc/eatables/stationery items like pens/pencils, and notebooks are strictly prohibited. The candidates will be given a pen and sheet at the centre.
• Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam hall after the commencement of the exam nor will they be allowed to leave the hall till the exam is over.
• NEET exam centres do not provide any safe-keeping facilities so all candidates must follow the guidelines.

NEET 2023 Admit Card

The NEET 2023 admit cards contain all of the relevant information, such as topic codes, the student’s roll number, the test location, and the exam day and time. To the examination centre, candidates must bring their NEET 2023 admit card as well as valid Id proof. It will be impossible to enter without a valid admission card.

• The 2023 admit card will be available online at the official website about 1-2 weeks before the test day.
• At the test centre, soft copies of NEET admit cards are not allowed. As a result, students should take their printed admission cards with them for further security and confidence.

NEET 2023 Examination Centres

Do Read: From Mumbai Slums to Cracking NEET: Motivating Story of this 18-Year-Old Girl

NEET Dress Code

NEET is one of the toughest and most competitive exams taken by millions of Indians across the country. Keeping in mind the competition and exam stress, NTA, the conducting body for NEET releases a comprehensive list of guidelines and rules that all applicants must follow on the day of the examination. Let us look at the important guidelines regarding the dress code for the 2023 exam

• Wearing face masks throughout the exam is compulsory; applicants must wear masks that properly cover the nose and mouth to protect them against the ongoing pandemic.
• All candidates are allowed to carry a transparent water bottle and a 50ml bottle of hand sanitiser.
• Applicants are allowed to wear gloves during the exam.
• All applicants who appear in their customary dress like Burkha must select the said option while filling out the form and report to the exam centre an hour before the commencement of the exam.   
• According to the NEET dress code, all applicants must wear light-coloured clothes with no fancy embroidery/buttons/motifs/zip pockets/embellishments.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts/t-shirts is prohibited; all applicants have to wear short-sleeved tops.
• Applicants are advised to wear simple pants on the day of the exam. Jeans/kurta pyjamas/churidars are not allowed.
• Shoes/heels/boots are strictly prohibited; all candidates must wear open footwear like sandals or slippers.

Special instructions for Males and Females

Dress Code for Males

• All male applicants must wear open footwear like sandals to avoid being debarred from the exam.
• Light-coloured simple pants/trousers are allowed while loose kurta pyjamas/jeans with multiple pockets are strictly prohibited.
• Short-sleeved T-shirts/shirts are allowed while long-sleeved t-shirts/shirts are prohibited.
• Items like goggles, belts, watch or jewellery are not allowed in the exam centre.

Dress Code for Females

• All-female applicants wear simple light-coloured clothing with no symbols/designs or embellishments. 
• Clothing items like a saree/loose kurta are not allowed on the day of the exam.
• Any kind of watch, handbag, belt or items of jewellery like earrings, necklaces, etc must be avoided.
• Candidates must wear footwear like slippers or sandals while wearing heels, boots or any other fancy footwear is discouraged.      

FAQs