NEET PG
Medical
Updated on 2025
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate (NEET PG) is a pivotal National-level entrance examination administered by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for aspiring medical graduates. It serves as the primary gateway for admissions into Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), and Postgraduate Diploma programs offered across a vast network of medical colleges and universities throughout India. Conducted annually, the NEET PG examination has historically taken place in March or April, although for the 2024 academic year, it was held in June. This exam meticulously assesses candidates on the comprehensive curriculum of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, encompassing Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical subjects, ensuring a thorough evaluation of their medical knowledge. Appearing for the NEET PG is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue specialized medical education at India’s most reputed institutions, offering a centralized, merit-based selection tool that allows aspirants to apply to numerous colleges nationwide with a single, authoritative score. The NEET PG is delivered as a computer-based test, spanning a duration of three hours and thirty minutes. The examination consists of 200 objective-type multiple-choice questions, carrying a total of 800 marks. The scoring mechanism awards four marks for each correct answer, while one mark is deducted for every incorrect response, underscoring the importance of accuracy. The test is exclusively available in English, maintaining a consistent assessment standard across the diverse linguistic landscape of India. The expansive syllabus draws directly from the entire five-and-a-half-year MBBS course, covering a broad spectrum of medical disciplines. This includes foundational sciences like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, as well as crucial subjects such as Pharmacology, Pathology, and Microbiology. Furthermore, it delves into major clinical specialities including General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, and various other specialized areas, equipping candidates with a holistic understanding of medical practice. The profound significance of NEET PG lies in its status as the sole qualifying-cum-ranking examination for the majority of MD/MS/PG Diploma courses across Indian medical institutions. While a few institutions, like AIIMS and PGIMER, have historically maintained independent admission processes, NEET PG remains the predominant and most impactful route for postgraduate medical admissions. Following the examination, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is responsible for conducting the counselling for 50% of the All India Quota (AIQ) seats and seats in Central/Deemed Universities. Concurrently, the respective State Counselling Authorities manage admissions for the remaining 50% State Quota seats. The score obtained in NEET PG holds validity strictly for the academic year in which the examination is conducted, necessitating prompt participation in the subsequent counselling rounds. Each year, a large number of medical graduates from across the country attempt this highly competitive examination, aiming to secure a limited number of sought-after postgraduate medical seats. The consistent trend of high participation highlights the intense competition and the significant demand for advanced medical training in India. Success in NEET PG not only facilitates entry into specialized medical programs but also marks a pivotal achievement in the professional journey of aspiring doctors, paving the way for advanced clinical practice and research opportunities.
Full Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate |
Short Name | NEET PG |
Conducting Authority | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
Domain | Medical |
Academic Level | PG |
Acceptance Level | National |
Exam Type | National Level Entrance Exam |
Exam Mode | Online |
Exam Frequency | Annual |
Application Period | Expected January-February (for 2025); April-May (for 2024) |
General Category Fee | INR 4250 |
Reserved Category Fee | INR 3250 |
Typical Exam Months | June (for 2024)March/April (historically) |
Result Declaration | Within one month of exam (e.g., by July 15 for 2024) |
Score Validity | For The Current Admission Year Only |
Component | Details |
---|---|
Total Papers | 1 |
Duration per Session | 3 hours 30 minutes |
Total Questions | 200 |
Total Marks | 800 |
Question Types |
|
Syllabus Based On | MBBS curriculum |
Class Level Syllabus | Graduation |
Mandatory for admission to most MD/MS/PG Diploma courses in India; single largest entrance exam for postgraduate medical courses.
Online centralized counselling in multiple rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up, Stray Vacancy)
Counselling Body | Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota; State Counselling Authorities for State Quota |
Domain of Acceptance | Medical |
Official Website | https://natboard.edu.in |
Official Email | helpdesknbeexam@natboard.edu.in |
Helpline Numbers | 022-61057555 |
Information Brochure | https://natboard.edu.in/viewupload?id=2081&type=information_bulletin (for 2024) |
Year | Applicants (in lacs) |
---|---|
2024 | 2.38 |
2021 | 1.75 |
2022 | 2.06 |
2023 | 2.08 |
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate (NEET PG) offers a crucial pathway for medical graduates seeking higher education. For the upcoming 2025 academic session, specific application dates are anticipated to be announced by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) typically in early 2025, likely spanning from January to February. Candidates must meet stringent eligibility criteria, primarily possessing an MBBS degree from a recognized institution and completing their compulsory rotating internship by a specified cut-off date. Prospective applicants are required to register online on the official NBEMS website. During the application process, essential documents such as a valid identity proof, MBBS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, medical registration certificate, and recent passport-sized photographs must be uploaded as per specifications. The application fee for NEET PG is INR 4250 for general and OBC categories, while candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories are required to pay INR 3250. Payments are exclusively accepted through online modes, including credit card, debit card, or net banking. It is imperative for applicants to meticulously review all entered details before final submission, as corrections, if allowed, are typically limited to a specific window and may not cover all fields. A common mistake to avoid is incorrect photo or signature uploads, which can lead to application rejection. Candidates must ensure that their images comply with the prescribed dimensions and file sizes. The examination features 200 multiple-choice questions, derived from the entire MBBS curriculum, testing candidates across preclinical, paraclinical, and clinical subjects. The NEET PG score is valid solely for the academic year of the examination, meaning it cannot be carried forward for admissions in subsequent years. Following the exam, the admission process involves a centralized online counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota and Deemed/Central University seats, and by respective state authorities for state quota seats. Aspirants are advised to meticulously follow all instructions and submit their applications well within the deadline to avoid any last-minute complications.
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