When it comes to pursuing a career in the medical field in India, the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) is a crucial stepping stone. However, many aspiring medical professionals are often confused about the difference between NEET UG and NEET PG.
In this article, we will explain how these two tests differ, emphasising their salient characteristics, prerequisites, curriculum, and application procedures.
By understanding these differences, you can make informed decisions about your medical education journey and choose the right path for your career goals.
What is the difference between NEET UG vs NEET PG?
Whether you're a high school student aiming for an undergraduate medical course or a recent graduate seeking postgraduate specialisation, grasping the difference between NEET UG and NEET PG can help streamline your preparation and planning.
Let's explore how these exams differ in terms of eligibility, content, and application process, ensuring you're well-informed for each stage of your medical journey.
Difference between NEET UG and NEET PG: Definitions and Eligibility Criteria
What is NEET UG?
The National Eligibility and Entrance Test UG is for Undergraduates and is known as NEET UG. For applicants to undergraduate medical and dentistry programs, an entrance exam is administered in India.
NEET UG is a national-level examination administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the sole entrance test for admission to undergraduate medical courses (MBBS and BDS) and some other health science courses in India. The test evaluates a candidate's knowledge in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through a multiple-choice question format.
Medical and dental colleges across India use the results of NEET UG to select students for their programs. It is a key step for anyone aiming to enter the medical field at the undergraduate level.
NEET UG Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Indian Citizens: Must be Indian nationals.
- Foreign nationals may also apply, but they must fulfill the prerequisites for eligibility established by the individual medical colleges.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31 of the year of admission.
- Maximum Age: As of the exam date, general candidates may not be older than 25 years, while candidates from reserved categories (SC, ST, and OBC) may not be older than 30 years. Candidates under the SC, ST, or OBC categories are eligible for a five-year relaxation.
Educational Qualifications
- Class 12 or comparable: Applicants need to have passed their Class 12 or comparable test from an approved board. They ought to have taken subjects in English, Biology/Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- The minimum grades required for candidates in the general category are 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology combined. SC/ST/OBC candidates must have at least 40%, while candidates with disabilities must have at least 45%.
Subject Requirements
- For candidates to pass the Class 12 exam, they needed to have studied Biology/Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Number of Attempts
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make for NEET UG, provided they meet the age and educational qualifications criteria.
Domicile
- State Quotas: Some states have domicile requirements for admission to state medical colleges. Candidates should check the specific criteria of the state in which they wish to apply.
NEET UG Application Process
- Registration
- Online Registration: Visit the official NEET UG website (NTA NEET) and complete the online registration process. You will need to provide basic personal details, such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Create Account: Create a user account with a unique ID and password. This will be used to log in to your application form and access further details.
- Filling the Application Form
- Personal Details: Enter personal information such as your name, date of birth, gender, and nationality.
- Qualifications for Education: Describe your educational history, including the name of the institution, the year you graduated, and the grades you received in the areas that are pertinent (biotechnology, chemistry, and physics).
- Details of Contact: Here, you have to provide your email address, phone number, and address.
- Upload Documents
- Photograph and Signature: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned copy of your signature. Ensure that these meet the specified size and format requirements.
- Certificates for Classes 10 and 12: If necessary, upload copies of your mark sheets or certificates for these classes.
- Selection of Exam Center
- Preferred Locations: Choose your preferred exam centre from the list of available centres. The choice of centre is based on availability and your preferences.
- Payment of Application Fee
- Fee Payment: Use one of the following payment methods to pay the needed application fee: credit/debit card, net banking, or e-wallet. Depending on your category (general, SC/ST, OBC, etc.), the fee amount may change.
- Confirmation: A receipt of confirmation will be sent to you post the payment. Save this for further use.
- Submission of Application
- Review and Submit: Review all the details entered in the application form carefully. Make sure all information is accurate and complete.
- Submit: Submit the application form online. You will receive an acknowledgement slip or confirmation message upon successful submission.
- Print Application Form
- Download: Download and print a copy of the completed application form and confirmation slip. This will be useful for future reference and should be kept safe.
- Admit Card
- Release: A few weeks prior to the exam, admit cards are normally made available. Using your registration credentials, download and print your admission card from the official website.
- Attend the Exam
- Preparation: Prepare thoroughly for the exam based on the syllabus provided.
- Exam Day: Don’t forget to bring your admit card on the exam day.
What is NEET PG?
The National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India administers the National Eligibility cum admission Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG), a national-level admission test. The test is intended for applicants who want to enroll in postgraduate medical programs like:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Master of Surgery (MS)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PG Diploma)
- Diplomate of National Board (DNB)
NEET PG's main objective is to evaluate a candidate's aptitude, knowledge, and abilities for pursuing postgraduate medical education in India. The examination acts as a single admission exam for a variety of postgraduate medical programs provided by:
- Government and private medical colleges
- Deemed universities
- Armed Forces Medical Services Institutions
- Postgraduate Institutes of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
NEET PG Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG), candidates must fulfil the following criteria:
Age Criteria
There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET PG.
Academic Qualifications
- Candidates must possess an MBBS degree or a provisional MBBS pass certificate from a recognised medical college.
- The medical college must be recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and affiliated with a university.
Internship
- The candidates' internship must be finished before the deadline, which is typically June 30 of the exam year, or earlier.
- Candidates who are likely to complete their internship by the specified date can also apply.
Registration
- Applicants must have a registration certificate, either provisional or permanent, from a State Medical Council (SMC) or the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- The registration certificate must be valid at the time of counselling and admission.
Nationality
- Candidates must be citizens of India.
Other Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants who completed their MBBS studies at a foreign university are required to have passed the National Board of Examinations' Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) (NBE).
- Candidates who have completed their MBBS from a university outside India must have obtained a temporary registration certificate from the MCI.
NEET PG Application Process
The NEET PG application process is a critical step for medical graduates aspiring to pursue postgraduate medical education in India. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Online Registration
- Go to the Official Website: Visit the official website of NEET PG or the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Create an Account: Register by making a new account with a working mobile number and email address.
- Fill the Application Form
- Personal Information: Enter your personal details, such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Academic Details: Provide information about your MBBS degree and internship completion.
- Choice of Examination Center: Select your preferred exam centre from the available options.
- Upload Documents
- Photograph: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph as per the specified format and size.
- Signature: Upload your signature in the required format and size.
- MBBS Degree Certificate: Upload a scanned copy of your MBBS degree or provisional certificate.
- Internship Completion Certificate: Upload a certificate proving the completion of your internship.
- Payment of Application Fee
- Fee Payment: Use online payment options like credit/debit cards or net banking to pay the application fee.
- Fee Structure: The fee amount varies based on the category (General/OBC/SC/ST) and can be checked on the official website.
- Submit Application Form
- Review: Before submission, review all the entered information and uploaded documents for accuracy.
- Submit: Submit the application form online.
- Print Confirmation Page
- Download: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records.
- Keep Safe: Safeguard this confirmation page as it may be required for future reference.
- Admit Card
- Release: The admit card is released on the official website before the exam date.
- Download: Download the admit card using your application number and password.
- Check Details: Verify the details on the admit card, including your name, photograph, examination centre, and exam date.
- Exam Day
- Carry Admit Card: At the testing location, bring your admit card together with a legitimate photo ID.
- Observe Instructions: On test day, adhere to all guidelines issued by the exam administrators.
- Result and Counselling
- Results: NEET PG results are announced online, including scores and ranks.
- Counselling: Based on your score, participate in the counselling process for seat allocation in various medical colleges.
Understanding the NEET UG and NEET PG difference is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in medicine. NEET UG is tailored for aspiring medical undergraduates, assessing basic science knowledge, while NEET PG caters to those advancing in their medical studies with a focus on clinical expertise. By knowing the requirements and processes for each exam, you can better prepare for your medical journey.
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