The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive medical entrance examination in India. It serves as the primary criterion for admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs in government and private colleges across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into every aspect of NEET, including its history, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies, counseling process, and much more.

To appear for NEET, candidates must fulfill certain requirements, which are as follows:

1. Age Limit: The minimum age limit for NEET is 17 years as of December 31 of the year of admission. There is no upper age limit for NEET, except for candidates applying for seats in colleges under the control of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
2. Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects. General category candidates must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) combined, while SC/ST/OBC candidates must have secured 40% marks. Physically handicapped candidates belonging to the general category must have obtained 45% marks.
3. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and foreign nationals are also eligible to apply for seats in private medical and dental colleges.
4. Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they wish, provided they fulfill the other eligibility criteria.

NEET exam pattern:

1. Mode of Examination: NEET is a pen-and-paper-based offline examination. Candidates are provided with an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet to mark their answers.
2. Duration: The total duration of the NEET exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).
3. Number of Questions: The exam consists of a total of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
4. Subjects and Sections: The NEET question paper covers three main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Each subject is divided into two sections, making a total of six sections.
5. Distribution of Questions: The distribution of questions in each subject is as follows:
   • Physics: 45 questions (180 marks)
   • Chemistry: 45 questions (180 marks)
   • Biology: 90 questions (360 marks) – 45 questions from Botany and 45 questions from Zoology
6. Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 4 marks. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in the form of negative marking. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
7. Language: The NEET question paper is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Candidates can choose their preferred language during the application process.
8. Syllabus: The NEET exam is based on the syllabus prescribed by the Medical Council of India (MCI). The syllabus includes topics from Class 11 and Class 12 of the respective state or central education boards.
9. Examination Centers: NEET is conducted in various cities across India. Candidates can choose their preferred examination center while filling out the application form.
10. Qualifying Marks: To qualify for NEET, candidates belonging to the general category must secure a minimum of 50% marks in the exam, while SC/ST/OBC candidates must score 40% marks. Physically handicapped candidates in the general category must obtain 45% marks.

NEET syllabus

NEET Physics syllabus:

Class 11 Physics:

1. Physical World and Measurement
2. Kinematics
3. Laws of Motion
4. Work, Energy, and Power
5. Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body
6. Gravitation
7. Properties of Bulk Matter
8. Thermodynamics
9. Behavior of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory
10. Oscillations and Waves

Class 12 Physics:

1. Electrostatics
2. Current Electricity
3. Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
4. Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
5. Electromagnetic Waves
6. Optics
7. Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
8. Atoms and Nuclei
9. Electronic Devices
10. Communication Systems

NEET chemistry syllabus

Class 11 Chemistry Topics:

1. Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
2. Structure of Atom
3. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
4. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
5. States of Matter: Gases and Liquids
6. Thermodynamics
7. Equilibrium
8. Redox Reactions
9. Hydrogen
10. s-Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals)
11. Some p-Block Elements
12. Organic Chemistry: Basic Principles and Techniques
13. Hydrocarbons
14. Environmental Chemistry

Class 12 Chemistry Topics:

1. Solid State
2. Solutions
3. Electrochemistry
4. Chemical Kinetics
5. Surface Chemistry
6. General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
7. p-Block Elements
8. d- and f-Block Elements
9. Coordination Compounds
10. Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
11. Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
12. Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
13. Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
14. Biomolecules
15. Polymers
16. Chemistry in Everyday Life

NEET Biology syllabus

Zoology:

1. Animal Diversity: Classification, characteristics, and examples of various animal phyla, including non-chordates and chordates.
2. Structural Organization in Animals: Study of animal tissues, organs, and organ systems.
3. Human Physiology: Detailed understanding of various physiological systems in the human body, such as the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
4. Human Reproduction: Reproductive structures, gametogenesis, menstrual cycle, fertilization, pregnancy, and related aspects.
5. Genetics and Evolution: Principles of inheritance, Mendelian genetics, molecular basis of inheritance, DNA replication, gene expression, mutations, genetic disorders, theories of evolution, and evidences supporting evolution.
6. Biology and Human Welfare: Health and disease, strategies for disease prevention, microorganisms and human welfare, and biotechnology applications in medicine.
7. Biotechnology: Principles and applications of biotechnology, genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and biotechnological techniques in agriculture and medicine.
8. Ecology and Environment: Ecosystems, ecological interactions, biodiversity, environmental issues (such as pollution, global warming), and conservation measures.

Botany:

1. Plant Diversity: Classification, characteristics, and examples of various plant divisions, including algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.
2. Structural Organization in Plants: Study of plant tissues, anatomy of different parts of a plant, and their functions.
3. Cell Structure and Function: Cell theory, cell organelles, cell cycle, cell division, and cellular respiration.
4. Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, plant growth and development, mineral nutrition, transpiration, and transport in plants.
5. Reproduction in Plants: Plant reproduction, types of reproduction, sexual and asexual reproduction in plants, flower structure and reproduction, and seed formation.
6. Genetics: Mendel’s laws, genetic disorders, linkage and crossing over, chromosomal basis of inheritance, and DNA fingerprinting.
7. Biology and Human Welfare: Plant breeding, tissue culture, single-cell protein, biofortification, and economic importance of plants.
8. Ecology and Environment: Ecological adaptations, plant interactions, ecosystems, environmental issues, and conservation measures.

NEET Application Process

1. Registration: Visit the official website of NEET (ntaneet.nic.in) and click on the “New Registration” or “Apply Online” link. Read the instructions carefully and click on the “Proceed to Apply Online NEET (UG) 20XX” button. Fill in the required details such as name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number to create your registration account.
2. Fill Application Form: Log in to your account using the provided registration number and password. Fill in the application form with personal details, academic information, communication address, and other required information. Review the form carefully before submitting it.
3. Upload Documents: After filling in the application form, upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and other required documents as per the prescribed format and size mentioned in the instructions. Ensure that the uploaded documents meet the specified guidelines.
4. Review and Edit: Once you have uploaded the documents, review the entire application form to verify the accuracy of the provided information. Make any necessary edits or corrections before proceeding.
5. Payment of Application Fee: Pay the application fee using the available payment methods. The fee can be paid through online modes like credit card, debit card, net banking, or e-wallets. The application fee varies for different categories, so ensure that you pay the correct amount.
6. Print Confirmation Page: After successful payment, a confirmation page will be generated. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference. The confirmation page is not required to be sent to the NTA but should be retained by the candidate.
7. Application Form Correction (if applicable): The NTA usually provides a limited-time window for candidates to make corrections or updates in the application form. If there are any errors or discrepancies in the submitted form, take advantage of this correction period to rectify them.

Instructions regarding the NEET admit card and exam day:

1. Downloading the Admit Card: The NEET admit card can be downloaded from the official website of NEET (ntaneet.nic.in). The admit card is usually made available a few weeks before the exam. Candidates need to log in using their application number and password to access and download their admit card.
2. Admit Card Details: After downloading the admit card, candidates should carefully check all the details mentioned on it. The admit card contains important information such as the candidate’s name, roll number, photograph, exam center address, exam date, and time. Any discrepancies or errors should be immediately reported to the conducting authority.
3. Required Documents: Along with the admit card, candidates are required to carry a valid photo identification proof (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, driving license) to the examination center. The name on the ID proof should match the name mentioned on the admit card.
4. Photograph on Admit Card: Candidates must affix a passport-sized photograph (same as the one used during registration) on the admit card in the provided space. The photograph should be clear and should match the candidate’s appearance on the exam day.
5. Examination Center Guidelines: Candidates should familiarize themselves with the guidelines provided on the admit card regarding the examination center. They should plan their travel and reach the center well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush or delays.
6. Prohibited Items: Candidates are not allowed to carry any electronic devices, study materials, calculators, or any other prohibited items inside the examination center. It is advisable to thoroughly check the list of prohibited items mentioned on the admit card and leave them at home or in a designated area outside the examination hall.