NEET 2025: Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Doctor

What is NEET?

Hello, future doctor! NEET stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, and it’s the exam you need to take if you want to become a doctor in India. It helps you get into medical colleges for courses like MBBS (to become a general doctor) or BDS (to become a dentist). You can even get into top colleges like AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) with NEET. The National Testing Agency (NTA) runs this exam, and over 20 lakh students take it every year. It’s the only way to get into most medical colleges in India, so let’s learn all about it!

A Little History of NEET

NEET started in 2013, but it wasn’t always the only medical exam. Before 2013, there were many exams like AIPMT (All India Pre-Medical Test) and state-level tests, which made things confusing for students. In 2013, NEET was introduced to create one exam for everyone, but some states resisted. By 2016, the Supreme Court made NEET mandatory for all medical admissions (except for a few institutes like AIIMS at the time). Since 2020, even AIIMS and JIPMER accept NEET scores, making it the single gateway to medical education in India. It’s a big step toward fairness in admissions!

Who Can Apply for NEET?

Here’s what you need to apply:

• Education: You need to have passed Class 12 (or be in Class 12 in 2025) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). You need at least 50% marks in these subjects (40% if you’re SC/ST/OBC, or 45% if you’re PwD).
• Age: You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2025. There’s no upper age limit, so you can try even if you’re older!
• Number of Attempts: You can try as many times as you want—there’s no limit!
• Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs, and some foreign nationals can apply, but there are extra rules for non-Indians.

What Will You Study? (Syllabus)

NEET tests you on three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Here’s what they include:

• Physics: This is about how things work, like:
  • Mechanics (motion, gravity, and forces).
  • Heat and Thermodynamics (how heat moves).
  • Electricity and Magnetism (like circuits).
  • Optics and Waves (light and sound).
  • Modern Physics (atoms and radiation).
• Chemistry: This has three parts:
  • Physical Chemistry: Math-based topics like solutions and chemical reactions.
  • Organic Chemistry: About carbon compounds, like medicines and fuels.
  • Inorganic Chemistry: About elements, like metals and gases.
• Biology: This is the biggest part, with two sections:
  • Botany: Plants, like how they grow and make food.
  • Zoology: Animals and humans, like how our body works (e.g., heart, lungs, digestion).

How the Exam Works (Exam Pattern)

NEET is one exam with 200 questions, but you only answer 180. Here’s how it works:

• You get 3 hours and 20 minutes to finish.
• There are 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs): 50 in Physics, 50 in Chemistry, and 100 in Biology. Each subject has two sections—Section A (35 questions, all must be answered) and Section B (15 questions, answer any 10).
• Each question is worth 4 marks, so the total is 720 marks. Wrong answers cost you 1 mark.

What’s Happened Before? (Past Trends)

Here’s what past exams tell us:

• In 2024, about 18 lakh students took NEET. The cutoff for General category was 137 out of 720, but to get into a top college like AIIMS, you needed over 650 marks!
• Biology is the easiest section for most students because it has 100 questions and comes straight from NCERT books.
• Physics can be tricky because of numerical problems—like calculating the speed of a falling object.
• Chemistry often has a mix of easy and hard questions. Organic Chemistry questions (like naming compounds) are scoring if you practice.
• Toppers usually score above 680 out of 720, which means getting 170+ questions correct!

Latest Updates for NEET 2025

Here’s the latest as of May 26, 2025:

• NEET 2025 happened on May 4, 2025. The answer key was released on May 10, 2025, and results are expected in mid-June 2025.
• The exam pattern is the same as last year: 200 questions, answer 180.
• Counseling (where you pick your college) starts in July 2025 through the MCC (Medical Counselling Committee).
• No syllabus changes, but the NTA increased the number of exam centers this year to make it easier for rural students.

How to Prepare for NEET 2025 (Beginner Tips)

Here’s how to start preparing:

• Use NCERT Books: Your Class 11 and 12 NCERT books for Biology, Physics, and Chemistry are the best. Most questions come directly from them, especially in Biology.
• Focus on Biology: Since Biology has 100 questions, spend the most time on it. Learn about the human body (like how the heart works) and plants (like photosynthesis).
• Practice Physics: Physics can be hard, so practice numericals every day. Use “Concepts of Physics” by H.C. Verma for extra problems.
• Memorize Chemistry: For Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, memorize reactions and elements. Use “Physical Chemistry” by O.P. Tandon for practice.
• Take Mock Tests: Do full-length tests to get used to 3 hours and 20 minutes. Aakash and Allen offer free mock tests online.
• Make a Study Plan: Study 6-8 hours a day. Spend 3 hours on Biology, 2 on Chemistry, and 2 on Physics.
• Watch Videos: If something is hard, watch YouTube videos. Channels like “Unacademy NEET” explain topics simply.
• Stay Positive: NEET is competitive, but don’t get scared. Study a little every day, and you’ll get better!

Where to Find More Help (External Links)

• Official NEET Website – Check dates, syllabus, and results here.
• Shiksha – Easy tips and updates for NEET beginners.
• MCC Website – For medical college counseling.

Final Words

NEET 2025 is your first step to becoming a doctor! It’s a big exam, but if you study hard and practice, you can get into a great medical college like AIIMS. Start with NCERT books, focus on Biology, and keep practicing. You’re on your way to saving lives!