Discover What is NEET?: Key Insights, Structure, and Future Prospects for 2024-25

4. What is the eligibility for NEET?

To be eligible for NEET, candidates must meet the following criteria,

• Must have completed or be appearing for the 12th standard (or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
• Must be at least 17 years old as of December 31 of the admission year.
• The upper age limit and number of attempts have been subject to changes and should be verified from the official NEET guidelines for the specific year.

5. Structure and Syllabus of NEET

NEET is a pen-and-paper-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) conducted in the offline mode wherein OMR sheets must be filled with answers. 

The exam covers three main subjects:

Physics	The class 11 syllabus includes topics such as Physical world and measurementKinematicsLaws of motionWorkEnergy and PowerMotion of system of particles and rigid bodyGravitationProperties of bulk matterThermodynamicsBehavior of perfect gas and kinetic theoryOscillations and waves. The class 12 syllabus covers ElectrostaticsCurrent electricityMagnetic effects of current and magnetismElectromagnetic induction and alternating currentsElectromagnetic wavesOpticsDual nature of matter and radiationAtoms and nucleiElectronic devices.
Chemistry	The class 11 syllabus covers Basic concepts of chemistryStructure of atomClassification of elements and periodicity in propertiesChemical bonding and molecular structureStates of matter: gases and liquidsThermodynamicsEquilibrium Redox reactionsHydrogens-block elements (alkali and alkaline earth metals)Some p-block elementsOrganic chemistry – some basic principles and techniques HydrocarbonsEnvironmental chemistry The class 12 syllabus includes Solid stateSolutionsElectrochemistryChemical kineticsSurface chemistryGeneral principles and processes of isolation of elementsp-block elementsd and f block elementsCoordination compoundsHaloalkanes and haloarenesAlcohols, phenols, and ethersAldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids, Organic compounds
Biology	The class 11 syllabus covers Diversity in the living worldStructural organisation in animals and plantsCell structure and functionPlant physiologyHuman physiology The class 12 syllabus includes ReproductionGenetics and evolutionBiology and human welfareBiotechnology and its applicationsEcology and environment

The exam duration is 3 hours and 20 minutes, and it includes a total of 200 questions, with 180 questions that can be answered. Each correct answer earns four marks, while one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. The exam is worth 720 marks (maximum marks).

6. Schools and NEET coaching

Recognizing the importance of NEET, many schools have started offering specialized coaching to help students prepare effectively. These programs often integrate NEET preparation into their regular curriculum, providing focused coaching on the subjects tested. Schools also employ experienced teachers and professionals who specialize in NEET coaching to guide students and conduct regular mock tests and practice sessions to help students familiarize themselves with the exam format and manage their time efficiently.

 In Bangalore, some of the best CBSE schools that offer NEET coaching are,

Narayana e-Techno School

Fees: Rs. 80,000

Narayana e-Techno School is renowned for its emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and digital learning platforms. The school provides tailored study plans and effective teaching methodologies for students preparing for academic and competitive exams such as the JEE, NEET, and UPSC. With its encouraging atmosphere, hands-on learning resources, and experienced faculty, Narayana e-Techno School is an excellent choice for your child’s educational journey, especially if you’re planning for a future in medical studies.

National Public School 

Image Credits: npsitpl.com

Fees: Rs. 1,50,000

National Public School Yeshwanthpur stands as a beacon of excellence in education, providing a comprehensive and nurturing learning environment. The curriculum is aligned with CBSE standards, integrating interdisciplinary teaching methods to apply knowledge across subjects. Special programs feature monthly reviews for evaluation, an emphasis on inquiry-based learning, and the integration of technology in teaching. Additionally, the school’s preparation for competitive exams such as NEET and JEE is excellent, ensuring students are well-equipped for future academic challenges.

Delhi Public School

Fees: Rs. 1,20,000

Delhi Public School stands out as a premier institution committed to academic excellence and holistic development. Understanding the competitive nature of entrance exams like the NEET, DPS offers specialized coaching programs to help students prepare effectively. The school integrates NEET preparation into its regular curriculum, providing focused coaching on relevant subjects. Experienced faculty members who specialize in NEET coaching, guide students through the syllabus, offering valuable insights and strategies to equip its students with the skills and confidence to succeed in their future medical journey.

7. Controversies over NEET

Despite its noble intentions, NEET has not been without its share of controversies, stirring debates, and concerns since its inception. Here are some of the key controversies surrounding the exam.

• Language Barriers: NEET predominantly operates in English and Hindi, presenting a significant hurdle for students hailing from regions where these languages are not widely spoken. This linguistic disparity often puts non-Hindi-speaking candidates at a disadvantage, sparking discussions about the exam’s inclusivity and accessibility.

• Stress and pressure: The stress and pressure of NEET can be overwhelming for students. Since the exam determines their future in medicine and competition is fierce, many feel a lot of pressure. This has led to worries about students’ mental health, and people are calling for changes to make things easier for them.

• Equity Issues: Questions have been raised regarding whether NEET truly provides equal opportunities for all, with concerns about disparities in access to quality education, coaching resources, and support systems.

Conclusion

What is NEET? Let’s explore this..

NEET plays a vital role for students aspiring to pursue medicine or dentistry in India, providing a fair and standardized way to enter these fields. Although it has brought uniformity to the admissions process, there are still issues that need attention. Students, teachers, and policymakers need to grasp what is NEET, its significance, how it works, and what the future holds. Understanding NEET’s importance, structure, and prospects is crucial for students, educators, and policymakers to ensure the continued improvement and accessibility of medical education in India.