Medical Entrance Exams in India: UG & PG Level

The demand for medical courses in India has soared in recent years, with increasing competition and more students aspiring to pursue careers in healthcare. Medical entrance exams, especially for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses, have become more crucial than ever. With the implementation of the NMC Act and NEET, students now have a clearer pathway for admission into medical institutions. However, the wide array of exams available can still confuse prospective medical students. This guide will provide clarity on the major medical entrance exams, including eligibility criteria and exam details.

NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for UG)

NEET UG is the only entrance exam in India for MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and has become a significant exam for those aspiring to pursue medical education after completing their Class 12th. Since 2021, NEET is also accepted for BSc Nursing admissions.

• Eligibility: Candidates must have passed the 12th board exam from a recognized board with at least 50% aggregate marks (40% for OBC/SC/ST and 45% for PwD).
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• Duration: 3 hours
• Mode of Exam: Pen and Paper-based

For more details, visit NEET Official Website.

NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for PG)

NEET PG is a computer-based test conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission into MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB courses after MBBS.

• Eligibility: A candidate must possess an MBBS degree or provisional pass certificate and must have completed or be in the process of completing their internship before the exam.
• Subjects: Clinical subjects related to medicine
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Mode of Exam: Computer-based
• Marking: 4 marks for each correct answer and a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.

For more details, visit the NEET PG Official Website.

NEET MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for MDS)

NEET MDS is the entrance exam for postgraduate dental programs (MDS) in India. This exam is held once a year and is also conducted by NBE.

• Eligibility: The candidate must have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized institution and be registered with the Dental Council of India (DCI).
• Subjects: Dental Anatomy, Pathology, Pharmacology, etc.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Mode of Exam: Computer-based

INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test)

INI CET is conducted by AIIMS Delhi for admission to MD/MS, DM/MCh, and MDS programs at premier medical institutions like AIIMS, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and JIPMER.

• Eligibility: Candidates must possess an MBBS/BDS degree and have completed the required internship.
• Subjects: Varies by course (MD/MS, DM/MCh)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Mode of Exam: Computer-based

FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination)

FMGE is a licensing examination for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) with a foreign medical degree who wish to practice medicine in India.

• Eligibility: The candidate must possess a primary medical qualification confirmed by the Indian Embassy and submit the required documents within the specified time.
• Subjects: Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Medicine, etc.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Mode of Exam: Computer-based

AIAPGET (All India AYUSH Postgraduate Entrance Test)

AIAPGET is an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate courses in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, and Siddha systems. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it is the preferred exam for candidates interested in pursuing postgraduate AYUSH courses in India.

• Eligibility: Candidates must possess a BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, or BSMS degree.
• Subjects: AYUSH related subjects (Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Mode of Exam: Computer-based

DNB PDCET (Diplomate of National Board Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test)

DNB PDCET is for candidates seeking admission to DNB courses in various specialties. It is specifically for those who have completed a postgraduate diploma and wish to pursue a DNB in a related field.

• Eligibility: Candidates must possess a recognized Postgraduate Diploma.
• Subjects: Clinical Medicine
• Duration: 3 hours
• Mode of Exam: Computer-based

NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Super Speciality)

NEET SS is conducted for admission to DM/MCh programs in Super Speciality. Institutions like AIIMS, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and JIPMER conduct their own tests for super specialty courses.

• Eligibility: The candidate must have an MD/MS/DNB degree.
• Subjects: Super Specialty subjects
• Duration: 3 hours
• Mode of Exam: Computer-based

India's medical entrance exams play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of future healthcare professionals. Each exam serves a different purpose based on the level and type of course, whether it is undergraduate, postgraduate, or super-specialty. By understanding the eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and requirements of each exam, aspiring students can navigate the complex landscape of medical education.

For more information on any specific medical entrance exam, visit the official websites linked above. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare thoroughly, and choose the right path to achieve your dreams in the medical field.