MBBS Admission Process Through NEET

The path to pursuing a career in medicine begins with a clear understanding of the admission process to MBBS programs in India. For aspiring medical students, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the central gateway for securing a seat in medical colleges across the country. Whether targeting government institutions, private colleges, or deemed universities, success in NEET is essential. A vital part of this journey is meeting the NEET Eligibility Criteria, which forms the baseline requirement for appearing in the examination and applying for MBBS programs.

This article provides a detailed overview of the MBBS admission process through NEET, from registration to seat allotment. It aims to clarify each phase so that candidates and parents can plan accurately and avoid common pitfalls during this competitive process.

Understanding NEET and Its Role in MBBS Admissions

NEET is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and serves as the single entrance examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India. It replaced the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) and various state-level exams, unifying the admission system under one standardized platform.

NEET scores are mandatory for MBBS admissions in:

• All government medical colleges in India

• Private medical colleges

• Deemed universities

• AIIMS and JIPMER (since 2020)

The exam is objective in nature and assesses a candidate’s understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology), based on the syllabus of Classes 11 and 12.

Step-by-Step MBBS Admission Process Through NEET

1. Online Registration for NEET

The admission process begins with the NEET registration on the official NTA NEET website. Typically, the registration opens in the first quarter of the year.

To register:

• Visit the official NEET website.

• Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.

• Upload documents such as photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).

• Pay the examination fee through available payment modes.

• Download the confirmation page for future reference.

2. Download NEET Admit Card

Once the registration is complete and verified, candidates can download the admit card from the NTA portal. The admit card contains essential information such as roll number, exam date, time, venue, and instructions. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card and a valid ID proof to the exam center.

3. Appear for NEET Examination

The NEET exam is conducted in a single session, usually lasting 3 hours and 20 minutes. The exam format includes 200 multiple-choice questions, of which 180 are to be answered.

Subject-wise distribution:

• Physics: 45 questions

• Chemistry: 45 questions

• Biology (Botany + Zoology): 90 questions

Marking scheme:

• +4 for every correct answer

• -1 for every incorrect answer

• No marks for unattempted questions

The focus should be on time management and accuracy during the exam to secure a strong score.

4. Declaration of NEET Result

NEET results are declared on the official NTA portal. The result includes:

• Total marks obtained

• Percentile score

• All India Rank (AIR)

• Category rank (for reserved candidates)

In addition, the result indicates whether the candidate has qualified NEET based on the minimum required percentile:

• General: 50th percentile

• OBC/SC/ST: 40th percentile

• PwD: 45th percentile (General), 40th (SC/ST/OBC)

Only qualified candidates can proceed with the admission process.

5. NEET Counselling Process

The counselling phase is handled through two main bodies:

a. MCC (Medical Counselling Committee):

• Conducts counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government colleges.

• Handles admissions to deemed universities, central universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and ESIC institutions.

b. State Counselling Authorities:

• Manage the remaining 85% state quota seats in government colleges.

• Conduct counselling for private and minority medical colleges within the respective states.

Candidates must register separately for MCC and state-level counselling processes.

6. Choice Filling and Locking

During counselling registration, candidates are required to:

• Fill in their preferred colleges and courses.

• Arrange choices in the order of preference.

• Lock choices before the deadline to be considered for allotment.

Careful research is recommended before filling choices, as allotments depend on rank, preferences, and seat availability.

7. Seat Allotment Result

Based on the filled choices, candidate rank, reservation policies, and seat availability, the authorities release a seat allotment result. This includes:

• Name of the allotted college

• Course (MBBS)

• Category and quota details

Candidates must download their provisional allotment letter and proceed to the next step.

8. Reporting to the Allotted College

Once a seat is allotted, candidates must:

• Visit the allotted college within the specified timeframe.

• Submit original documents for verification.

• Pay the admission fee.

• Complete medical examination if required by the institution.

Failing to report leads to seat cancellation and disqualification from further counselling rounds.

9. Upgradation and Further Rounds

If a candidate is not satisfied with the allotted seat or wishes to participate in further rounds, they can opt for:

• Upgradation in Round 2

• Mop-up round (for remaining vacant seats)

• Stray vacancy round (for leftover private/deemed college seats)

However, there are specific conditions and rules regarding upgradation and participation in later rounds.

Key Documents Required During Admission

Candidates need to present the following documents at the time of reporting:

• NEET admit card and scorecard

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates

• Birth certificate

• Category certificate (if applicable)

• Domicile certificate (for state quota)

• Passport-size photographs

• Provisional allotment letter

• Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/etc.)

• Medical fitness certificate

Originals and multiple photocopies should be carried to avoid any last-minute issues.

Reservation Policy in MBBS Admissions

NEET-based MBBS admissions follow a reservation system based on government rules. The general breakdown is as follows (subject to variation by state and institution):

• SC: 15%

• ST: 7.5%

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 27%

• EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10%

• PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5%

State quota reservations may also include domicile-based reservations, minority institution quotas, and special category reservations (such as NCC, children of ex-servicemen, etc.).

Fee Structure and Bond Conditions

MBBS fees vary based on the type of institution:

• Government Colleges: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per annum (approx.)

• Private Colleges: ₹5 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs per annum

• Deemed Universities: ₹10 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs per annum

Some government colleges also require students to sign a bond, committing them to work in rural or public health services after graduation for a fixed duration. Failure to comply may result in a penalty or withholding of documents.

Role of AIIMS and JIPMER in NEET

Previously, AIIMS and JIPMER had their own entrance tests. Since 2020, admission to these prestigious institutions has been integrated into NEET. Their seats are now part of the All India Quota counselling conducted by MCC.

Seats in AIIMS and JIPMER are highly competitive, often requiring scores in the top percentile due to limited availability and high preference among aspirants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During MBBS Admission Through NEET

1. Missing deadlines: Registration, counselling, and reporting deadlines must be tracked diligently.

2. Incorrect document submission: Any mismatch in personal or academic details can lead to disqualification.

3. Ignoring state counselling: Many students focus only on MCC counselling and miss out on opportunities in their state.

4. Unrealistic choice filling: Candidates should analyze last year’s cutoff trends and fill choices accordingly.

5. Not reading bond clauses: Overlooking service bonds can cause problems post-graduation.

Being well-informed about each step reduces anxiety and improves chances of securing a suitable seat.

What Happens After MBBS Admission?

After successful admission:

• Students begin their 5.5-year MBBS course (4.5 years academic + 1 year internship).

• The curriculum includes pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical phases.

• Internship involves rotating duties in various hospital departments, forming an essential part of hands-on training.

Post-MBBS, students may choose to:

• Prepare for postgraduate entrance exams like NEET-PG, INI-CET, or foreign exams.

• Work as junior residents or house surgeons in hospitals.

• Serve in government or rural healthcare sectors, depending on bond obligations.

Conclusion

The MBBS admission process through NEET is a multi-stage journey that demands patience, precision, and preparation. With lakhs of students competing every year, understanding the steps—from eligibility and registration to seat allotment and college reporting—is critical. A well-planned approach, backed by timely action and awareness of rules, allows students to navigate the process more confidently.