The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the dates and details for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2025, which is set to take place on May 4, 2025. With the application window now open, candidates can register through the NTA's dedicated website, neet.nta.nic.in. This announcement marks the beginning of the preparation process for millions of aspiring medical students across India, aiming to secure their future within the medical field.
Kicking off the important dates, the application process for NEET UG 2025 started on February 7, 2025, and will remain open until March 4, 2025. Following this, the NTA has also provided candidates with the option to make edits to their applications between March 9 and March 11. After the exams, the results are scheduled to be declared by June 14, 2025, giving students ample time to apply for their desired courses based on their performance.
NEET UG is the primary gateway for students aiming to pursue undergraduate medical courses, including MBBS and various allied health disciplines. The test plays a significant role as it offers admission opportunities not only for MBBS but also for BDS, BVSC & AH, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BHMS courses. With more than 1,08,000 seats available for MBBS across approximately 56,000 government and 52,000 private medical colleges, NEET UG remains one of the most competitive exams in the country.
For 2025, the NTA will conduct the NEET UG exam as a pen-and-paper test once again, drawing on years of tradition and logistical preferences. A major consideration for this choice stems from the challenges faced during the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) when technical glitches led to significant disruptions. Instead, the NTA aims to mitigate risks associated with online testing, which has not always proven to be effective.
One noteworthy change for NEET UG 2025 is the removal of optional questions, which had been introduced temporarily during the pandemic. The exam will now revert to the traditional format involving 180 compulsory multiple-choice questions: 45 questions each from physics and chemistry, and 90 questions from biology. This adjustment aims to streamline the assessment process, reinforcing the NTA's commitment to adhering closely to pre-COVID practices.
While the exam format may have returned to traditional standards, the NTA has ensured linguistic accessibility by conducting the test in 13 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This diversity allows for broader participation among students from different linguistic backgrounds.
The examination's significance is underscored by the expectations surrounding its turnout. Last year, the NEET UG attracted over 24 lakh candidates, showcasing its status as the largest entrance examination by candidate volume in India. With recent discussions among educational and health ministries highlighting the need for possible reforms to combat issues like irregularities and paper leaks, the NTA remains committed to improving transparency and reliability within the examination process. This includes the establishment of oversight panels to fortify the integrity of national-level testing.
Given the high stakes associated with NEET UG, aspirants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and register before the specified deadline. Candidates should follow the necessary process to secure their chance within the highly sought-after medical field. Speculation around the possibility of multi-stage testing has circulated, as noted by the high-level panel led by former ISRO chief R. Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the necessity for continued evolution within the structure of the test to maintain student trust and exam integrity.
With application procedures now underway, candidates are reminded of the importance of accurate submissions. The NTA has stated clearly on their website: "An APAR ID is not mandatory for NEET 2025 registration," which aims to ease the registration process for all potential applicants. Candidates must, nevertheless, complete all required documentation and fees to finalize their registration.
For aspirants considering the upcoming advancements, it’s pivotal to familiarize themselves with both the application processes and the broader changes to the exam format. The NEET UG exam is not just another test; for many, it's the first step toward fulfilling lifelong aspirations to enter the medical profession. With the clock ticking down to the exam date, students need to act swiftly and effectively to secure their futures.