The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a fiercely competitive entrance exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the NEET exam on behalf of the Indian Ministry of Education for admission to undergraduate medical and dentistry programmes in government and private colleges all over India.
As the sole entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India, NEET has superseded a number of state- and national-level entrance exams for medical and dental programmes. The exam is a computer-based offline exam and consists of multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). In India, the NEET exam has grown in popularity, with thousands of students registering each year to take it and get a spot in a reputable medical institute.
Students in India preparing for medical entrance exams must also appear for their class 12th board exams in addition to taking the NEET exam. In India, the class 12th board exams are administered by a number of state boards and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and they are a significant determinant of a student's eligibility for admission to medical colleges.
The class 12th board exams serve as the prerequisite for the NEET exam, and in order to be qualified to take the NEET exam, students must receive the needed minimum board exam scores. Medical colleges take into account exam results from the board exams when determining admission. Students must therefore adequately prepare for both. To be admitted to a reputable medical college in India, students must pass both their class 12th board examinations and the NEET exam.
NEET Exam overview
The NEET exam pattern is crucial because it offers a standardized framework for assessing the knowledge and abilities of students who want to enrol in India's undergraduate medical and dentistry programmes. The exam pattern makes sure that students are assessed on their comprehension of the fundamental ideas in physics, chemistry, and biology and are given the tools they require to succeed in their medical colleges.
Also Read: NEET Exam Preparation Guide: How Many Hours Should I Study for NEET?
The NEET exam pattern guarantees a fair and transparent admissions procedure to top medical institutes in India. The exam's marking scheme makes sure that students receive points for right answers and receive deductions for wrong answers, ensuring that the final scores accurately reflect the students' actual knowledge and understanding. This aids to ensure that students are chosen based on merit and eliminates any biases or irregularities in the admissions process.
Exam Name |
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) |
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Exam Level |
National Level |
Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
Exam Mode |
Computer-based exam in offline mode |
Exam Duration |
3 hours |
Exam Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany and Zoology) |
Number of Questions |
180 |
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Marking Scheme |
+4 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer, and 0 marks for unattempted questions |
Exam Eligibility |
Students who have completed their 10+2 education in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as their core subjects are eligible to appear for the exam |
Exam Purpose |
To provide admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in government and private colleges across India |
Exam Website |
ntaneet.nic.in |
How to prepare for NEET exams and Boards
Students must balance their study for both exams at once, students may feel tremendous pressure at times. The NEET exam syllabus, which includes a wide range of topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, necessitates a great amount of time and preparation on the part of the students. The stress is also increased by the necessity of intense focus and preparation for the 12th board exams.
Also Read: NEET Exam: Benefits of coaching and online study material
Students must prioritise their study time and organise their preparation strategy in advance in order to resolve this dilemma. This entails developing a study schedule that allots enough time for both the NEET exam and the 12th board exams, as well as adhering to a schedule that guarantees reliable and efficient study. Students can manage their preparation and do well in both exams by asking for advice from mentors or experienced lecturers.
NEET Exam and class 12th exam Preparation tips by toppers
Here are some preparation tips by NEET toppers to manage NEET and class 12th exams:
- Plan and prioritize: The first step in managing both NEET and class 12th exams is to create a plan and prioritize your study time. Make a study schedule that allocates adequate time for both exams and stick to it.
- Focus on basics: Toppers suggest that students should focus on having a strong foundation in the basic concepts of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. This will help in better understanding of the advanced topics and also help in scoring good marks in board exams.
- Practice and revision: Consistent practice and revision is crucial for success in both exams. Solve NEET exam previous year papers , mock tests, and practice questions regularly to develop speed, accuracy and time management skills. Regular revision of important topics is also necessary to retain the knowledge.
- Seek guidance: Toppers suggest that students should seek guidance from experienced teachers or mentors to clarify their doubts and get tips on how to manage both exams. Joining a coaching institute or online classes can be helpful.
- Stay motivated and stay healthy: It is important to stay motivated throughout the preparation period and maintain good physical and mental health. Take regular breaks, practice meditation or yoga, and engage in activities that help in relaxation.
- Subject-wise preparation: Students must focus on the overlapping topics and prepare them first, this will ultimately help them gain confidence and finish the remaining disjoint topics in both the exams at later stage of their preparation.
Also Read: NEET Exam: Importance of Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
By following these tips, students can manage both NEET and class 12th exams effectively and excel in both.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. List some common important topics in physics in NEET and class 12th board exams.
Ans. Here are some common important topics in physics for NEET and class 12th board exams:
- Electrostatics
- Current Electricity
- Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
- Optics
- Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
- Atoms and Nuclei
- Electronic Devices
- Thermodynamics
- Waves
Q2. Name some good reference books for NEET and board exam chemistry portion.
Ans. Here are some good reference books for NEET and board exam chemistry portion:
- NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12 Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry by P. Bahadur
- Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd
- Organic Chemistry by O.P. Tandon
It is important to note that while these books are good reference materials, it is essential to also focus on understanding and solving problems from the NCERT textbooks, as they form the foundation for the NEET and board exams. Additionally, practicing previous year question papers and taking mock tests can also be beneficial in preparing for the exams.
Q3. Is biology NCERT sufficient for NEET and class 12th board exams?
Ans. The NCERT textbooks for biology for both class 11 and 12 are considered to be one of the best resources for NEET and class 12 board exam preparation. NCERT books provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts in biology and also cover a vast range of topics that are important for both the NEET and class 12 board exams.