A Comprehensive Guide to NEET 2024

Recently, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has initiated the process of accepting online applications for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Aspiring students can now submit their online application on the NTA’s official website. NEET is a common entrance examination for all students seeking admission to various medical courses. NEET assesses the candidate’s knowledge in various domains such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology).

The exam is scheduled to be conducted on 5th May 2024 in an offline mode (Pen & Paper Mode) providing an opportunity for aspiring medical students to compete for a seat in prestigious medical colleges across India. Let’s dive deeper into the various guidelines issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA) pertaining to NEET 2024.

NEET 2024: Overview

How to Apply?

Candidates aspiring to appear at the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET 2024) must fill out the application form on the official website before 9th March 2024. To fill out the application form, candidates must follow these steps:

Step 1: Register for the online application form and keep a note of the generated application number. While filling out the form, candidates shall provide the required details. After completing this, an application number will be automatically generated that is required for further completion of the application. Students can directly login via the application number and password created for subsequent logins.

Step 2: Fill out the application form and all the required details including personal details, medium of instruction, qualification, and, at last, upload all the required documents.

Step 3: Submit the fees. The fee can be submitted online via UPI, or online & mobile banking.

Documents to be Submitted

While filling out the online application for NEET 2024, proactive candidates are required to submit the following documents:

1. A recent photograph (either colored or black and white)
2. Scanned signatures of the candidate
3. Right and Left-hand fingers and thumb impressions
4. Any other document such as PwBD certificate/UDID (Swavlamban) card if applicable

NEET 2024: Examination Pattern

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) assesses candidates' knowledge of subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology. Hence, the test comprises these four subjects. Each subject will composed of two sections: Section A of 35 questions and Section B of 15 questions. The test shall be conducted offline on 5th May 2024 via offline mode (pen & paper mode).

Important Points to Remember

• For every correct answer, 4 marks will be awarded
• For every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted
• For every unanswered question, there will be no marks
• If multiple correct options are identified, only those who have selected any of the correct options will receive four marks
• If all options are correct, attempting the question will earn you four marks
• If a question is found to be incorrect or is dropped, all candidates who appeared for the exam will receive four marks, regardless of whether they attempted the question or not
• For Section B, candidates must answer any 10 out of 15 questions given
• There will be no negative marking for section B

Medium of Question Paper

As per the New Education Policy 2020, NEET 2024 is being conducted in 13 different languages, these are English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Candidates opting for English would only be provided with a Test booklet in English only. Candidates opting for Hindi or any other regional language would be provided with a Bilingual Test Booklet in English and Hindi.

Candidates who qualify for NEET 2024 will be deemed eligible to apply for the All India Quota as well as other quotas offered by State Governments/Institutes, irrespective of the medium of language used for the examination, subject to satisfaction of other eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Aspiring candidates must fulfill the following criteria to appear for the NEET 2024

Age Requirements

Candidates shall complete the age of 17 years at the time of admission and there is no upper limit as per the NMC (National Medical Council) guidelines.

Criteria for NRI/OCI/ or Foreign Nationals:

• NRI’s or OCI cardholders can apply for admission to Medical/Dental colleges and are subject to rules set by respective State Governments, Institutions, and the Government of India.
• NRI and OCI candidates must submit a certificate from the Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence, supporting their claim as an NRI/OCI candidate alongside their NEET-UG application form.
• Foreign applicants for NEET (UG) 2024 should upload Documentary Proof of their nationality, such as relevant pages of a valid passport or a Certificate from the Competent Authority in their country of nationality. This proof should be submitted along with the online Application Form.
• Foreign nationals should verify their eligibility for admission from the respective Medical/Dental College or State authorities.

Participation of UT of J.K. and Ladakh in All India Quota

Students from U.T. of J.K. and Ladakh are eligible for a 15% All India Quota and the candidates from other UTs can participate like other states.

Other Criteria

Students must have passed Class 12 in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English individually and must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. For Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes (NCL) students must secure 40% marks in aggregate.

Students who have received their education abroad and seeking admission to Indian Medical Colleges must have passed Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English with 50% marks in Class 12, and their equivalency determined by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as per regulations of the National Medical Commission and the concerned University.

Eligibility Criteria for admissions to BAMS/BSMS/BUMS /BHMS Courses

Admission to all medical courses including BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, and BHMS Courses shall be done through NEET UG 2024 as per the provisions of the Indian Medical Central Council Amendment Regulation 2018.

The eligibility criteria for admission to these courses shall be:

• The candidate must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board or university
• The candidate shall complete the age of 17 years at the time of admission

Note: For admission to the BUMS Course must have passed Class 10 in Urdu or Arabic or shall clear the test of Urdu of 10th standard. For admission to the BSMS course, as one of the subjects in the 10th Standard or equivalent.

Instructions to be Followed in the Examination Hall

• The examination center will be opened two hours before the commencement of the test.
• The exam is 200 minutes (3 Hours 20 Minutes) from 02.00 pm to 05.20 pm (Indian Standard Time)
• latest time for entry to the examination hall is 1:30 PM.
• Candidates must carry their admit card in the examination hall.
• Every candidate will be given a seat with a roll number. They must find and sit in their allotted seats. If a candidate is found sitting in a different seat or room, their candidature will be canceled.
• Candidates who come after 1:30 PM shall be barred from entering the examination hall.
• Candidates are not allowed to bring any barred item which could be used for unfair practices.
• No candidate shall leave the examination hall before the test concludes.
• Smoking in the examination center and nearby is strictly prohibited.
• Water bottles, snacks, etc. are not allowed in the examination hall

Candidates can bring the following items on the day of examination at the exam center:

• A printed copy of the admit card
• A passport-sized photograph of the candidate
• A valid photo identity card
• Any other documents such as a PwBD certificate if applicable

Conclusion

NEET 2024 is a crucial examination for all aspiring medical students in India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has provided detailed guidelines for the NEET 2024 exam, including the commencement and last date of submitting the online application, examination pattern, eligibility criteria, and other essential information. Aspirants must ensure that they fulfill the eligibility criteria and submit their online application before the last date. The exam is scheduled to be held on 5th May 2024, and candidates must prepare thoroughly for the test to secure a seat in prestigious medical colleges across India. With the right preparation and mindset, aspirants can ace the NEET 2024 exam and fulfill their dream of becoming a medical professional.