Embarking on a career in medicine is a dream for countless aspiring students in India. The path to success in the medical field begins with cracking the right entrance exams. In this blog, we will explore the top 5 medical entrance exams in India that serve as gateways to prestigious medical colleges and open doors to a rewarding career in healthcare.
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET):
NEET, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the most prominent medical entrance exam in India. It serves as the single entrance test for admission to undergraduate (MBBS/BDS) and postgraduate (MD/MS) courses in medical and dental colleges across the country. NEET is highly competitive, with lakhs of students vying for limited seats. Cracking NEET requires comprehensive preparation and a strong foundation in the core subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Level | National |
| Purpose | Admission to undergraduate (MBBS/BDS) and postgraduate (MD/MS) medical and dental courses in India |
| Eligibility | Indian Nationals or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Age: Minimum 17 years (as of December 31 of the admission year) Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper-based) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Number of Questions | 180 (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Subjects Covered | – Physics – Chemistry – Biology (Botany and Zoology) |
| Marking Scheme | – Correct Answer: +4 marks – Incorrect Answer: -1 mark – Unanswered: 0 mark |
| Exam Language Options | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Website | https://neet.nta.nic.in/ |
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) MBBS Entrance Exam
AIIMS, New Delhi, conducts its own entrance exam for admission to the MBBS program in various AIIMS institutions across the country. AIIMS MBBS exam is renowned for its rigorous selection process and is considered one of the most prestigious medical exams in India. The exam assesses students’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Knowledge, and Aptitude. A thorough understanding of concepts and consistent practice is essential to ace this exam.
| Exam Name | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) MBBS Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Level | National |
| Purpose | Admission to the MBBS program in AIIMS institutions across India |
| Eligibility | Indian Nationals Age: Minimum 17 years (as on December 31 of the admission year) Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as compulsory subjects |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-based) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 200 (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Subjects Covered | Physics Chemistry Biology (Botany and Zoology) General Knowledge Aptitude and Logical Thinking |
| Marking Scheme | – Correct Answer: +1 mark Incorrect Answer: -1/3 mark Unanswered: 0 mark |
| Exam Language Options | English and Hindi |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Website | https://www.aiimsexams.ac.in/ |
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) MBBS Entrance Exam:
JIPMER, Puducherry, conducts its own entrance exam for admission to the MBBS program. However, from 2020 onwards, JIPMER MBBS admissions have been merged with NEET, and candidates need to qualify in NEET to be eligible for JIPMER admissions. Prior to the merger, JIPMER MBBS entrance exam was known for its unique pattern and high difficulty level. It assessed candidates’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Language, and Logical Reasoning.
| Exam Name | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) MBBS Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry |
| Level | National |
| Purpose | Admission to the MBBS program in JIPMER, Puducherry |
| Eligibility | – Indian Nationals <br> – Age: Minimum 17 years (as on December 31 of the admission year) <br> – Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-based) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 200 (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Subjects Covered | Physics Chemistry Biology English Language Logical Reasoning |
| Marking Scheme | Correct Answer: +4 marks Incorrect Answer: -1 mark Unanswered: 0 mark |
| Exam Language Options | English |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Website | https://www.jipmer.edu.in/ |
Note: From 2020 onwards, JIPMER MBBS admissions have been merged with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), and candidates need to qualify in NEET to be eligible for JIPMER admissions. It’s important to refer to the official JIPMER exam website and information brochure for the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding the exam.
All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT):
AIPMT was a national-level medical entrance exam conducted until 2015. It has now been replaced by NEET as the common medical entrance exam for admission to medical and dental courses across India. AIPMT used to evaluate students’ proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Although AIPMT is no longer conducted, some state-level medical colleges may still consider AIPMT scores for admission.
| Exam Name | All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Level | National |
| Purpose | Admission to undergraduate (MBBS/BDS) medical and dental courses in India |
| Eligibility | Indian Nationals Age: Minimum 17 years (as on December 31 of the admission year) Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper-based) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Number of Questions | 180 (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Subjects Covered | Physics Chemistry Biology (Botany and Zoology) |
| Marking Scheme | Correct Answer: +4 marks Incorrect Answer: -1 mark Unanswered: 0 mark |
| Exam Language Options | English and Hindi |
| Exam Frequency | AIPMT was conducted until 2015. It has been replaced by the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) as the common medical entrance exam. |
| Exam Website | (AIPMT has been replaced by NEET) |
State-level Medical Entrance Exams:
In addition to the national-level exams, each state in India conducts its own medical entrance exams for admission to medical and dental colleges within the state. These state-level exams include Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET), Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET), Uttar Pradesh Combined Pre-Medical Test (UPCPMT), and West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE Medical), among others. These exams assess students’ knowledge in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and sometimes include state-specific syllabi.
Conclusion
Cracking the top medical entrance exams in India is a stepping stone towards a promising career in the field of medicine. Whether it’s NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, or state-level exams, diligent preparation, and a focused approach are vital to succeed. Understanding the exam pattern, revising key concepts, and solving practice papers are key strategies for achieving success in these exams. Remember, with dedication, hard work, and the right guidance, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a healthcare professional and contributing to society’s well-being. Best of luck on your journey towards a fulfilling medical career!
