India has some of the most competitive medical entrance exams that serve as gateways to reputable medical institutions. These exams are designed to select the best candidates for undergraduate (MBBS, BDS) and postgraduate (MD, MS) courses. If you aspire to become a doctor, knowing about these exams is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top medical entrance exams in India.
1. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG)
Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology
Exam Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Total Marks: 720
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer
Purpose: Admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary courses in India
NEET-UG is the only medical entrance exam for undergraduate courses in India. It is mandatory for admission to all government and private medical colleges.
2. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG)
Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
Eligibility: MBBS degree and one-year internship
Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Subjects: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical subjects
Total Marks: 800
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer
Purpose: Admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma courses in India
NEET-PG is essential for medical graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in India.
3. AIIMS Entrance Exam (INI-CET)
Conducting Body: AIIMS, New Delhi
Eligibility: MBBS degree from a recognized institution
Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration: 3 hours
Subjects: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical subjects
Total Marks: 200
Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -1/3 for wrong answer
Purpose: Admission to PG courses in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS
The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) replaces individual AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS PG exams.
4. JIPMER MBBS (Now Merged with NEET-UG)
The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) entrance exam for MBBS was discontinued in 2020. Now, NEET-UG scores determine admission to JIPMER’s MBBS course.
5. NEET Super Specialty (NEET-SS)
Conducting Body: NBE
Eligibility: MD/MS/DNB degree in the relevant specialty
Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Subjects: Specialty-specific questions
Total Marks: 400
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer
Purpose: Admission to DM/MCh courses in India
NEET-SS is required for medical professionals who want to specialize further in super-specialty courses.
6. Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)
Conducting Body: NBE
Eligibility: Indian citizens with an MBBS degree from a foreign university
Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration: 5 hours (Two parts of 2.5 hours each)
Subjects: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical subjects
Total Marks: 300
Marking Scheme: No negative marking
Purpose: Qualifying exam for foreign medical graduates to practice in India
FMGE is mandatory for Indian students who completed their MBBS from abroad and wish to practice in India.
7. AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam
Conducting Body: AIIMS, New Delhi
Eligibility: 10+2 with Biology (For B.Sc.), B.Sc. Nursing (For M.Sc.)
Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration: 2 hours
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and General Knowledge
Total Marks: 100
Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -1/3 for wrong answer
Purpose: Admission to B.Sc. and M.Sc. Nursing courses in AIIMS
8. PGIMER Entrance Exam (Now Part of INI-CET)
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh now admits students for its PG programs through the INI-CET.
Comparison of Top Medical Entrance Exams in India
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Eligibility | Exam Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEET-UG | NTA | 10+2 with PCB | Offline | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH |
| NEET-PG | NBE | MBBS + Internship | Online | MD/MS |
| INI-CET | AIIMS | MBBS Degree | Online | PG Medical Courses |
| NEET-SS | NBE | MD/MS/DNB | Online | DM/MCh |
| FMGE | NBE | MBBS from abroad | Online | Licensing Exam |
| AIIMS Nursing | AIIMS | 10+2/B.Sc. Nursing | Online | Nursing Courses |
