NEET 2024: Latest Update on Exam Date, Cut-Off & Syllabus

Updated on 01 November, 2023

Pragya Sharma

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

If you have chosen to join the noblest of professions and become a doctor to make a difference in the lives of countless people, you must know the NEET-UG exam is a stepping stone to pursue your medical studies at the undergraduate level. Here are a few important details about the examination, syllabus, top colleges, and more. 

NEET Exam Highlights

Here are some of the key highlights of the NEET exam: 

Full Form National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET)
What is it for Entrance test for undergraduate students seeking admission into undergraduate medical, dental, and AYUSH programs in both Government and private institutions in India. This covers all MBBS, BDS, BUMS, BAMS, and BHMS aspirants. 
Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA)
Examination Pattern

4 subjects (two sections each). 

Section A has 35 questions, and Section B has 15 questions (candidates will have to attempt any 10). 

Subjects  Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology 
Question Type MCQs (multiple-choice questions)
Examination Mode Pen and Paper-based Test on OMR sheet
Duration 3 hours and 20 minutes 
Examination Languages English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, Tamil, Odia, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Urdu, Marathi, Punjabi 

NEET Exam Dates

The NEET exam 2023 date was on the 7th of May (Sunday). The official dates are yet to be announced for NEET 2024, but the exam is expected to be in May 2024. 

Neet Cut-Off

Here are the tentative cut-offs for the NEET exam: 

  • Unreserved- 50th percentile
  • SC/ST/OBC- 40th percentile
  • Unreserved-PH- 45th percentile
  • SC/ST/OBC-PH- 40th percentile 

Cut-Off (AIQ) for Top Medical Colleges

Once the NEET exam result is announced, qualified candidates can take part in the centralized counseling held by the MCC (Medical Counseling Committee) for the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats and the 85% state quota seats from the State authorities. 

Top Medical College & Seats in India

Here are some of the reputed medical colleges in the country with their total seats: 

Name of the Institution  Seats (Annual Intake)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, Port Blair  114
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Vijayawada 125
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati 50
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 125
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur 125
Kasturba Medical College Manipal 250
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 132
Christian Medical College, Vellore 100
St Johns Medical College, Bangalore 150
Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi 250
University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, New Delhi 170
Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 150
Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana 100
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry 200
M S Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore 150

NEET Application Process

NEET Exam Pattern 

Here is a glimpse of the NEET Exam Pattern for your benefit: 

Subject Section(s) Number of Questions Marks (each question has 4 marks) Question Type
Physics A 35 140 MCQs
Physics B 15 40 MCQs
Chemistry A 35 140 MCQs
Chemistry B 15 40 MCQs
Botany A 35 140 MCQs
Botany B 15 40 MCQs
Zoology A 35 140 MCQs
Zoology  B 15 40 MCQs
      Total- 720 marks   

The total duration of the examination is 3 hours and 20 minutes. Incorrect questions are marked (-1) while correct questions get (4) marks. 

Syllabus for NEET Exam 2024

Here are some of the important topics covered for the main subjects in the NEET exam: 

Physics- 

  • Electrostatics
  • Kinematics
  • Nature of Physical Laws
  • Speed, Velocity, and Laws of Motion
  • Work, Energy, and Power
  • Electromagnetic Waves, Magnetic Field, Gravitation, Current Electricity 
  • Oscillations and Waves, Conductors, Optics 
  • Thermodynamics 
  • Atoms and Nuclei

Chemistry- 

  • Laws of Chemical Combination 
  • Ionic Bond, Covalent Bond, States of Matter: Gases and Liquids
  • Electrochemistry
  • Isotopes and Isobars, Surface Chemistry, Solid State
  • Atomic Number, Structure of Atom, Chemical Kinetics 
  • Hydrogen, Physical & Chemical Properties of Water
  • Phenols and Ethers, Aldehydes, Coordination Compounds 
  • Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
  • Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules, Organic Compounds 

Biology- 

  • Reproduction, Cell Theory
  • Genetics and Evolution
  • Tissues, Structural Organization in Animals and Plants
  • Plant and Animal Cells
  • Biology and Human Welfare
  • Biotechnology Process and Principles
  • Plant Physiology
  • Organism and Environment
  • Human  Physiology
  • Photosynthesis 

These are only a few of the topics contained in the syllabus. You should check a detailed guide for more insights on the same. 

Preparation Tips for NEET-UG 

Here are some NEET exam preparation tips that you can follow: 

  • Build an effective study blueprint and timetable. You should prepare to cover all topics in the four subjects. 
  • Knowing the entire syllabus and major sections is essential. 
  • You should gather all essential study materials, including books and digital resources. Some top books include Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, Problems in General Physics by IE Irodov, Biology Vol 1 and 2 by Trueman, Concise Inorganic Chemistry by JD Lee, and more. 
  • You should ideally solve the previous years’ question papers. 
  • Topics that have the highest weightage should ideally be done first. This will help you cover more topics in a lesser amount of time. 
  • You should examine the NCERT resources thoroughly, along with major diagrams in biology. 
  • You should solve questions as much as possible for Physics, making a personal spreadsheet with the laws and formulas for revision. 
  • Create a similar sheet of chemical formulas and equations for revision along with using diagrams. 
  • You can also take periodic mock tests to enhance your preparation.

While cracking the NEET exam is no cakewalk, it is not impossible. You should focus on creating a smart study plan that will allow you to prepare thoroughly before the test. Practice as much as possible to stay confident on the examination day. Here’s wishing you the best of luck in your journey towards becoming a doctor.

FAQs

How many times is the NEET exam conducted in a year?

The NEET examination is conducted only once every year. The 2023 NEET examination was conducted on 7th May (Sunday). 

How to prepare for the NEET exam?

You should chalk out a solid preparation strategy that includes the following aspects: 

  • Listing down the entire syllabus and creating a timetable. 
  • Gathering the top books and other study resources. 
  • Taking mock tests online and practicing regularly. 
  • Solving previous years’ question papers. 

How to apply for the NEET exam?

You must visit the official NTA (National Testing Agency) website: https://neet.nta.nic.in/. Fill out the application form and upload scanned images as required. Thereafter, pay the fees and take the printout of the confirmation page. 

How many questions are there in the NEET exam?

The NEET exam has a duration of 3 hours and 20 minutes. There are 200 questions in the test, and candidates have to answer 180 questions out of the same. Every section (out of the four sections) has a compulsory portion with 35 questions and another with 15 questions, out of which you must answer any 10. 

What is the age limit for the NEET exam?

The minimum age limit for the NEET exam is 17 years as of the 31st of December of the year of admission. There is no maximum age limit for the examination. 

Is an Aadhar card required for the NEET exam?

The Aadhar card is not mandatory for the NEET exam registration process. Applicants require various documents, including photographs, signatures, Class X Pass Certificate, Category Certificate (if required), and permanent and present address proofs. 

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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Disclaimer

The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.