The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET (UG), started in 2013. It covers Physics, Chemistry and Biology and is currently conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India.
When Was NEET First Introduced in India?
NEET was first introduced in India in 2013, replacing the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) as the common medical entrance examination. The first NEET was held on 5 May, 2013 by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). AIPMT was conducted again in 2014 and 2015 following legal changes, before NEET returned as the uniform medical entrance examination in 2016. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has conducted NEET since 2019.
What Subjects Are Covered in NEET?
The subjects in the NEET exam are Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Biology includes Botany and Zoology, and all three subjects are compulsory.
| NEET subjects | Questions | Maximum marks |
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Why Was NEET Introduced and Who Introduced It?
NEET was introduced to create one common examination and a uniform merit-based admission system for medical colleges.
The Medical Council of India and Dental Council of India issued regulations in 2010 to introduce a single NEET for MBBS and BDS admissions. The exam later received statutory support through legal amendments made in 2016.
If you’re exploring the history of the NEET exam in India, you can also analyse changing question trends with the 39 Years NEET PCB Previous Solved Papers.
What Is the NEET Exam Pattern and Which Courses Use It?
Under the NEET UG 2027 exam pattern, students answer 180 compulsory questions for 720 marks. These NEET exam details include 45 questions each in Physics and Chemistry and 90 questions in Biology.
NEET is used for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS and BHMS courses. The NEET Biology Absolute can support preparation for Biology, which carries half of the total marks.
How Should Students Prepare for the Three NEET Subjects?
You should study NCERT concepts, solve chapter-wise MCQs, practise previous-year questions and attempt full-length NEET mock tests. The NEET Absolute Series supports concept-building, while the NEET Challenger Series provides advanced question practice.
FAQs
Who Conducts NEET?
The National Testing Agency conducts NEET (UG). It has managed the examination since 2019.
When Did NEET Become Compulsory?
NEET became the uniform national medical entrance framework in 2016. AIIMS and JIPMER admissions were brought under NEET in 2020.
Which Subjects Are Compulsory for NEET?
Physics, Chemistry and Biology are compulsory. Biology is divided into Botany and Zoology.
NEET Started in Which Year?
NEET started in 2013. The first NEET UG examination was held on 5 May, 2013.
