NEET 2025 – Counselling, Cutoff, Result, Scorecard,Trend & Top colleges

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into undergraduate medical, dental, and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) courses across numerous institutions and universities in India. Held annually, the exam rigorously tests candidates in areas such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology), serving as the definitive gateway to top-ranked medical and allied health colleges nationwide. Appearing for NEET UG is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue an MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, or BVSc degree at India’s most reputed institutions. With a single exam score, aspirants can apply to multiple colleges across the country, making it a centralized, merit-based selection tool that replaced various state and institutional-level examinations, including those for AIIMS and JIPMER. The examination is conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper mode, ensuring uniform accessibility across diverse regions. Candidates are presented with a single paper comprising 200 Multiple Choice Questions, out of which 180 questions must be attempted, distributed across Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology. The total marks for the examination are 720, with a duration of 3 hours and 20 minutes, allowing ample time for careful consideration of each question. The question paper is available in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and several regional languages, catering to the linguistic diversity of India. The comprehensive syllabus for NEET UG is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11th and 12th, encompassing foundational concepts crucial for a career in healthcare. This ensures that students who have diligently followed their school curriculum are well-prepared for the examination. NEET UG consistently attracts a massive number of applicants, reflecting the high demand for medical education in India. In 2024, over 2.4 million candidates registered for the exam, with approximately 2.33 million appearing, and more than 1.3 million qualifying. This demonstrates the competitive nature of the examination. The qualifying cutoff percentile for General category candidates is 50th percentile, while for OBC, SC, and ST categories, it stands at the 40th percentile. These cutoffs are fundamental for candidates to be eligible for counselling. Historically, the exam is typically conducted on the first Sunday of May each year, with results declared by mid-June, setting a consistent timeline for aspirants. The unified nature of NEET UG simplifies the admission process, offering a fair and transparent method for selecting future healthcare professionals and reinforcing its pivotal role in India’s medical education landscape. Aspiring candidates are advised to commence their preparation early, focusing on conceptual clarity and rigorous practice, to secure a seat in their desired medical or dental college.

Serves as the single common entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and BVSc courses across India, streamlining the admission process for aspirants and ensuring a unified standard.

Centralized online counselling by MCC for 15% All India Quota and Deemed/Central University seats; separate online counselling by respective State Authorities for 85% State Quota seats.

Qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test opens up admission opportunities at India’s most prestigious institutions, known for their academic excellence, robust industry connections, and stellar clinical exposure. These colleges consistently rank among the best, offering unparalleled quality of education, comprehensive placement support, and strong brand value that define a medical career. Admissions are highly competitive, requiring exceptional scores to secure a seat in these premier institutions. Among the top medical colleges accepting NEET scores, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi stands as the pinnacle, often requiring a score upwards of 700 out of 720 for general category admissions. Following closely are Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) Puducherry and Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) Delhi, both highly sought after, with cutoffs typically exceeding 685-690. Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) Delhi and Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, also feature prominently, requiring scores generally above 670-680 due to their excellent faculty, extensive patient exposure, and strong research environment. Graduates from these colleges embark on impactful careers in leading healthcare institutions, government hospitals, and private practices across India and globally. While direct average CTC figures are not applicable for medical graduates in the same way as other professions, the career potential and societal impact are immense. Professionals often start as junior residents or medical officers, with significant income growth as they pursue specializations. The robust educational foundation provided by these institutions ensures a high return on investment, showcasing the powerful value of qualifying NEET for a distinguished and fulfilling career in medicine.

Qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) opens doors to some of the most prestigious medical and dental institutions in India and unlocks access to high-growth career opportunities across the healthcare sector. The NEET score is accepted by over 700 medical colleges and more than 300 dental colleges nationwide, offering admission to over 1,09,000 MBBS seats and 28,000 BDS seats. Studying at these institutions guarantees access to world-class academic reputation, highly qualified faculty, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, which are crucial for developing competent medical professionals. The value derived from pursuing an MBBS or BDS degree through NEET is immense, leading to lucrative career paths in a perpetually in-demand industry. While direct placement packages in the traditional sense are not applicable for undergraduate medical degrees, graduates can expect strong earning potential upon completion of their studies and mandatory internships. Junior residents or Medical Officers, for instance, can command starting salaries ranging from ₹6–₹12 LPA, with significant growth potential as they specialize. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, requiring skilled doctors, specialists, and researchers. Opportunities for internships and research projects within these premier colleges provide invaluable real-world experience. Moreover, an Indian medical degree is globally recognized, enhancing chances for scholarships, international programs, or higher studies abroad, making NEET a launchpad for a lifelong journey of academic and professional success and service to humanity.

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test continues to evolve each year to stay aligned with modern academic frameworks and career readiness expectations. The upcoming editions of the exam, including for 2025 and 2026, will likely build upon the changes introduced in previous years to further enhance fairness, coverage, and access for all aspirants. A significant development in recent years was the rationalization of the NEET syllabus by the National Medical Commission (NMC). This update aimed to reflect current medical education standards and reduce the burden on students by focusing on core concepts, a trend expected to continue ensuring the examination remains relevant and comprehensive. While specific pattern changes for the 2025 and 2026 examinations are officially announced closer to the application period, candidates can anticipate the continued use of the robust pen-and-paper format. The application process will remain primarily online, emphasizing digital accessibility. Furthermore, the number of participating medical and dental colleges under NEET continues to grow annually, with new institutions being added and existing ones increasing their seat intake, reflecting the nation's expanding healthcare infrastructure. The absence of an upper age limit, a crucial policy change from previous years, remains a key feature, allowing more candidates from diverse age groups to pursue medical education. These ongoing refinements underscore the examination’s commitment to providing an equitable and effective gateway into the medical profession.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) serves as the singular gateway for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, AYUSH, and veterinary programs across India. Aspirants aiming for the 2026 session should note that the application timeline typically begins in February and concludes in March of the examination year, with the examination usually held on the first Sunday of May. Results are generally declared by mid-June, followed by the counselling process. To apply for NEET UG, candidates must visit the official National Testing Agency website during the application window. The eligibility verification process primarily involves meeting age criteria, academic qualifications (having passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English), and specific percentage requirements for different categories. Required documents typically include a scanned photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, Class 10th certificate, and category certificates if applicable. The application fee for the General category was INR 1700 for the 2024 examination, while for SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender candidates, it was INR 1000. For OBC-NCL/EWS, the fee was INR 1600. Fees are paid online through various digital payment methods. Important instructions include carefully reviewing the information bulletin for detailed guidelines and ensuring all entered information is accurate to avoid discrepancies. Common mistakes such as incorrect category selection, misspellings in personal details, or uploading unclear images can lead to application rejection, emphasizing the need for meticulousness. The NEET UG score remains valid for admissions only for the current academic year in which the examination is conducted. The exam comprises 180 questions to be attempted out of 200, with 45 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology, covering the NCERT Class 11th and 12th syllabus. The admission process involves centralized online counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee for 15% All India Quota and Deemed/Central University seats, while State Counselling Authorities manage 85% State Quota seats. Timely submission of the application and adherence to all specified guidelines are crucial for a successful candidacy.