Medical College Admission Test: What You Need to Know About NEET and Other Entrance Exams

When you’re aiming for a medical career in India, the medical college admission test, the standardized exam used to select students for undergraduate medical programs. Also known as NEET, it is the only official route to get into MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses across the country. There’s no shortcut. No private college can admit you without NEET scores. It replaced over 60 different state and university exams back in 2016 to make the system fairer—and more competitive.

NEET is run by the NTA, and it tests your knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). The exam is 3 hours long, has 180 multiple-choice questions, and is scored out of 720. A good score doesn’t just mean you passed—it means you’re in the top 1% of 2 million candidates. That’s why so many students spend a year or more preparing. Some join coaching centers like NV Sir, a well-known NEET coaching instructor with a strong track record in helping students crack the exam. Others study from free YouTube channels, old question papers, or apps that simulate the real test environment.

But NEET isn’t the only thing that matters. Your Class 12 board marks still count—usually 50% of your eligibility. And if you’re aiming for government colleges, you need to beat the state-wise cutoffs, which can be over 650 out of 720. Even if you score 550, you might still get a private seat, but the fees can hit ₹15 lakhs per year. That’s why many families look at cheaper options abroad, like in Georgia or Ukraine, where NEET is still required but the total cost is much lower.

There are exceptions. If you want to study abroad in the US or UK, you’ll need different exams—MCAT, UCAT, or BMAT. But if you’re staying in India, NEET is your only door. And if you’re retaking it, you’re not alone. Nearly 30% of students who get into medical college took NEET two or more times. The system is tough, but it’s designed that way because there are only about 100,000 seats for over 2 million applicants.

Below, you’ll find real guides on how to prepare for NEET, what coaching actually delivers, how to pick the right study plan, and what to do if your score falls short. These aren’t theory articles—they’re from students who’ve been through it, coaches who’ve seen the patterns, and families who’ve figured out how to make it work on a budget. Whether you’re just starting or you’re on your third attempt, there’s something here that’ll help you move forward.