The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) is the key to pursuing postgraduate medical education (MD/MS/Diploma) in India. Conducted annually by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), NEET PG is the only entrance test for admission to various MD/MS and PG Diploma courses in the country.
If you're planning to appear for NEET PG, here's everything you need to know — from exam structure and eligibility to preparation tips and future scope.
What is NEET PG?
NEET PG is a computer-based entrance exam that evaluates the knowledge and clinical skills of MBBS graduates who wish to specialize in a particular field of medicine. The exam is mandatory for all admissions to PG courses in both government and private medical colleges (except AIIMS, JIPMER, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS which conduct INI-CET).
Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Questions | 200 Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Marks | 800 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong |
| Language | English Only |
Eligibility Criteria
To appear for NEET PG, a candidate must:
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Hold an MBBS degree from a recognized medical college.
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Have a permanent or provisional registration certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Council (SMC).
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Complete the one-year compulsory rotatory internship on or before the deadline (usually July 31st of the exam year).
Syllabus
The syllabus is based on the MBBS curriculum and includes:
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Pre-clinical subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
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Para-clinical subjects: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine
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Clinical subjects: Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Dermatology, Anesthesia
Courses Offered Through NEET PG
After qualifying NEET PG, candidates can apply for:
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Doctor of Medicine (MD)
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Master of Surgery (MS)
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PG Diploma courses
Some popular MD/MS branches include:
| MD Specialties | MS Specialties |
|---|---|
| General Medicine | General Surgery |
| Pediatrics | Orthopedics |
| Radiology | ENT |
| Dermatology | Ophthalmology |
| Psychiatry | Obstetrics & Gynecology |
NEET PG Cutoff (Expected Range)
| Category | Cutoff Percentile | Expected Score (Out of 800) |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | 50th percentile | 300–400+ |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th percentile | 250–300+ |
| PwD (UR) | 45th percentile | 270–320+ |
Fee Structure (Government & Private)
| Type of College | Annual Tuition Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Government Medical Colleges | ₹30,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Private Medical Colleges | ₹7,00,000 – ₹25,00,000+ |
| Deemed Universities | ₹15,00,000 – ₹30,00,000+ |
Tips for Preparation
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Start Early: Ideally during your internship.
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Use Trusted Resources: Standard books + online platforms like Prepladder, Marrow, DAMS.
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Practice MCQs Daily: Solve previous years’ papers and grand tests.
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Revise Smartly: Use flashcards, notes, and integrated clinical knowledge.
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Stay Consistent: Regular, focused study sessions are more effective than cramming.
Career Scope After NEET PG
After securing a good rank and completing your MD/MS, you can:
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Pursue super-specialty (DM/MCh)
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Work in hospitals or academic institutions
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Start your own private clinic
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Enter medical research or public health
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Explore opportunities abroad with licensing exams (USMLE, PLAB)
Important Dates (Tentative for 2025)
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Application Start Date: April 2025
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Admit Card Release: June 2025
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Exam Date: June 15, 2025
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Result Declaration: Late June 2025
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Counseling: July–September 2025
Final Thoughts
NEET PG is your gateway to medical specialization in India. Whether you aspire to become a radiologist, pediatrician, surgeon, or dermatologist, this exam sets the stage for your future. With the right preparation strategy and a strong foundation from MBBS, cracking NEET PG is absolutely achievable.
Stay focused, study smart, and believe in your journey!