Who Can Give NEET Exam?

NEET also known as National Eligibility cum Entrance exam is the ticket of medical aspirants which can help them achieve their dream of getting into a medical college. Every year, lakhs of students take this fiercely competitive exam, aspiring to secure a seat in top medical and dental colleges. Be it MBBS, BDS, AYUSH or any other veterinary courses, NEET UG is the ultimate exam which can help you clear the hurdle of becoming a doctor. 

But here’s the big question that haunts thousands of students every year: Who can give NEET exam? 

Eligibility Criteria for NEET Exam

Alright, let’s break down the eligibility like you’re talking to a buddy who’s guiding you through it. You’ve got to tick a few basic boxes before you even think of registering.

Nationality and Age Requirements

You must be an Indian citizen. If you’re an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), or PIO (Person of Indian Origin), you’re also eligible. Even foreign nationals can apply, but they’ll need to meet certain rules related to their qualifying exams.

Earlier, the NEET exam maximum age limit​ used to be 25 years. However, the age of 30 was only reserved for categories. However, this rule has been scrapped. Now, there’s no maximum age limit. 

Number of Attempts – How Many Attempts for NEET?

The buzz around NEET attempt limit has caused sleepless nights to more than a few students.

At first, NEET was available up to 3 times for all candidates. But relax! Students are now allowed to write the NEET multiple times. Pressure is off, so make sure you take the proper time to relearn how to operate the traffic light.

Educational Qualifications Required

Let’s get into the marks and subjects, this part’s super crucial. You can't just walk in without meeting academic benchmarks.

12th Marks Required for NEET

To be eligible, you must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.

You should have passed each subject individually, and your aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) must meet a certain cutoff based on your category.

How Much Percentage is Required for NEET?

In India, competitive exams come with reservation policies, and NEET is no exception.

SC/ST/OBC and PwD Category Relaxations

If you belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backwards Classes (OBC), you benefit from relaxed eligibility criteria.

• Candidates need only 40% in PCB subjects in your 12th board exams.
• Also, during counselling, seats are reserved for your category in both government and private colleges, giving you an edge.

For Persons with Disabilities (PwD), there’s a 5% relaxation too. They need a minimum of 45% in PCB to qualify. A valid disability certificate is needed at the time of counselling.

NRI, OCI, and Foreign Nationals – Can They Apply?

Absolutely. NEET isn’t just for Indian students.

• NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are eligible to appear for NEET UG.
• However, they must pass the 12th or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• Their qualifications must be recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and marks should meet the minimum eligibility as applicable to Indian students.

So if you’re an NRI dreaming of studying MBBS in India, NEET is your path, no shortcuts.

Subjects and Syllabus – Academic Focus

NEET is heavily syllabus-driven. It’s essential to know what subjects matter and how deeply they are tested.

Core Subjects Required

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology/Biotechnology
• English (for qualifying purposes only)

But the NEET question paper is divided into three parts: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with Biology carrying the highest weightage, a whopping 90 questions out of 200!

That’s 360 marks just from Biology alone. 

NEET UG Without Biology – Is It Possible?

Cracking NEET without mastering biology is like taking a fish out of water and expecting it to swim. That’s you taking NEET without mastering Biology.

• It’s not just about rote memorisation. Biology questions test application, understanding, and recall.
• Topics like Genetics, Human Physiology, and Ecology are goldmines for scoring.
• Most toppers have one thing in common: exceptional command over Biology.

So even though Physics and Chemistry are tough nuts to crack, Biology should be your comfort zone. Make it your strongest pillar.

Documents and Registration Essentials

You’ve decided to give NEET. Great! But before you dive into the preparation pit, make sure your documents and registration details are in place.

What Documents Are Needed to Apply?

Here’s a quick checklist of documents you’ll need when filling the NEET application form:

1. A recent passport-sized photo (as per official guidelines)
2. Signature and left-hand thumb impression (scanned copy)
3. Class 10 and 12 mark sheets/certificates
4. Category certificate (if applicable – SC/ST/OBC/PwD)
5. Valid photo ID proof, which can include Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.
6. Domicile certificate (if applying for state quota seats)
7. PwD certificate – for differently-abled candidates

Always keep scanned copies ready in the right format and size to avoid technical hiccups during registration.

NEET Application Process in Simple Steps

Now that your documents are ready, it’s time to complete the actual NEET registration. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through it without missing a beat:

Step 1: Visit the Official NEET Website

• Open your browser and go to https://neet.nta.nic.in.

Step 2: New User Registration

• Click on “Fill Application Form” or “New Registration”.
• A page will open showing the instructions and eligibility criteria.
• Read everything carefully 
• Click on “Proceed to Apply Online NEET (UG)”.
• Fill in your:
  • Full Name (as per your Class 10 certificate)
  • Father’s and Mother’s names
  • Date of Birth
  • Gender
  • Nationality and Category
  • Identity Type and Number (like Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)

Step 3: Create a Login Password

• Choose a password and create a security question/answer combo.
• Note these down, you’ll need them for future logins.
• Once done, your Application Number will be generated. Save it safely.

Step 4: Fill in the Application Form

Now, log in using your Application Number and password. Fill in:

• Address and contact details
• Educational qualifications (10th & 12th)
• Choice of examination city (up to 4 preferences)
• Medium of the question paper (language)

Make sure every detail is correct; this info will appear on your admit card.

Step 5: Upload Documents

• Upload your scanned photo, signature, thumb impression, and all certificates.
• Follow the exact size and format guidelines.
• The portal will show a preview. Verify everything before clicking ‘Submit’.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

• Fees vary by category:
  • General: ₹1700
  • General-EWS/OBC-NCL: ₹1600
  • SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: ₹1000
• Payment can be made via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
• Once payment is successful, a confirmation page will be generated.

Step 7: Download and Print the Confirmation Page

• Save a PDF copy and print 2-3 hard copies.
• This confirmation is your proof of successful application. You’ll need it later for downloading your admit card.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, NEET UG is for anyone who dreams of becoming a doctor and is ready to work for it. Whether you’re fresh out of 12th or a dropper aiming to improve your score, NEET welcomes all.

Make sure you meet the required qualifications, plan smart, and trust the process. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. And remember, your eligibility isn’t just about marks or age, it’s about determination and discipline.

Looking for a powerful edge in your NEET preparation? Visit PrepMed, India’s smartest NEET preparation platform with resources, mock tests, and everything you need to get that top rank.