Medical admissions in India were significantly simplified when NEET became the single undergraduate medical entrance exam in 2020. However, the system is more nuanced than "just appear for NEET." Here is the complete picture for 2025.
MBBS/BDS Admissions: NEET UG
NEET UG is the sole entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and other medical and allied health undergraduate programmes in India (with exceptions listed below). Conducted by NTA, it is a pen-and-paper (OMR) exam of 720 marks (180 questions).
Exceptions and Special Institutions
| Institution | Admission Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS (All India) | NEET UG | AIIMS Delhi now uses NEET for MBBS |
| JIPMER Puducherry | NEET UG | Now uses NEET (stopped separate exam) |
| Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) | NEET UG + SSB Interview | Defence background; service bond required |
| Ayush Colleges | NEET UG | BAMS, BHMS, BUMS all via NEET counselling |
Postgraduate Medical Entrance Exams
- NEET PG: For MD/MS admissions at all medical colleges in India (replaced AIIMS PG, PGI Chandigarh PG, etc.)
- NEET SS: For DM/MCh (super-specialty) admissions
- INI-CET: For postgraduate admissions specifically at AIIMS, JIPMER, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS
BPT, BOT, and Allied Health Exams
Physiotherapy (BPT), Occupational Therapy (BOT), and other allied health programmes have separate state-level admission processes. Most states use either NEET scores (for a common merit list) or conduct their own entrance test. Check individual state health university notifications for the current process.
Nursing Entrance Exams
BSc Nursing admissions in most states are merit-based on Class 12 marks (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). AIIMS Delhi conducts its own BSc Nursing entrance exam. Some states use a common entrance test for nursing admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NEET the only medical entrance exam in India?
For MBBS and BDS, yes. For postgraduate, NEET PG and INI-CET are the two routes. AFMC has an additional SSB stage after NEET.
How many times can I appear for NEET?
No upper limit. Age eligibility is 17-25 for General category and 17-30 for reserved categories.
Find NEET preparation schools and medical colleges on Tyzmo.