Why is NEET Counselling process the gateway to your Medical Career?

Congratulations on clearing the NEET exam! Now, let's delve into the pivotal next step: NEET counselling. This process serves as the gateway to your dream of pursuing a medical career in esteemed institutions across India and one such good place for NEET counselling is ZyNerd.

So, what exactly is NEET counselling, and how does it work? Let's take a look at what it exactly means.

What is NEET Counselling process?

NEET counselling is the crucial phase following the successful completion of the exam. It's the mechanism through which aspiring medical students secure admission to prestigious medical colleges nationwide. Based on their All India Rank (AIR) and preferred college choices, seats are allocated to deserving candidates.

Modes of NEET Counselling

The NEET counselling schedule is implemented in online mode from the 2023 academic session after the Supreme Court’s direction in December 2022. Online counselling involves digital form submissions and online choice/allotment procedures. There are however a few states which still continue with offline counselling. Offline counselling requires candidates to physically report to designated venues.

Registration Fee

Candidates need to pay a non-refundable registration fee which may vary anywhere between Rs. 1000/- to Rs 5,000/- during the registration process. Additionally, a refundable security deposit which varies between Rs. 10,000/- to Rs 2 lakhs may be mandated based on the Counselling.

When is NEET Counselling Conducted?

NEET counselling typically commences post the exam results announcement and the thing that happens much before is the NEET counselling schedule. Only candidates meeting the NEET cut-off criteria are eligible to participate in this process.

For 85% of state quota seats and private colleges within a state, respective state counselling authorities oversee the counselling process.

Number of Rounds

The NEET counselling process consists of four rounds, inclusive of a stray round conducted for Govt/Deemed/Central universities.

Exploring Alternatives

In the event a candidate fails to secure a seat in a medical college or a dental college, fret not! There are myriad of equally enriching career avenues awaiting exploration. From Pharmacy to Clinical Research, the possibilities are endless.

Participation in Subsequent Rounds

Based on the NEET counselling schedule, after the first round is over candidates whose seats are allotted in the first round can either complete the admission process or join and opt for an upgrade in subsequent rounds. They also have the option to surrender their seat for participation in subsequent rounds.

Understanding NEET Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for NEET entails a range of criteria, including educational qualifications, nationality, minimum qualification scores, and more. Here's a list of category-wise NEET eligibility guidelines crucial for understanding the NEET Selection Process.

Candidates must attain the age of 17 years at the time of admission to the 1st year MBBS/BDS undergraduate course or achieve the specified age by 31st December of the admission year.

Aspirants eyeing admission to the BSc Nursing programme through NEET counselling registration must be aged between 17 and 35 years as of December 31 of the relevant year.

There's no upper age limit for candidates aspiring for MBBS/BDS courses across India.

General category candidates require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in qualifying exams, while the threshold for SC/ST/OBC candidates is 40%.

NEET includes three subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology.

You can attempt N number of times for the NEET examination.

Candidates appearing for board exams in the academic year of NEET and those who have appeared for Class 12 exams with an improvement are also eligible.

Educational Qualification for NEET

Candidates must have cleared Class 12 Board Exams from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects.

They should have secured the requisite marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology and obtained a minimum aggregate score in these subjects.

The minimum qualifying marks vary for different categories, with Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes/Other Backward Classes and Persons with Disabilities having a different criteria.

Candidates taking the Class XII exams are also eligible to take the entrance exam on a provisional basis, provided they meet the requirements outlined in the NEET notice.

It's imperative for candidates to furnish proof of their date of birth while completing the NEET Application Form, ensuring adherence to the stipulated guidelines.

With a clear understanding of the NEET seat allotment and eligibility criteria, aspiring candidates can embark on their journey towards pursuing their medical aspirations with confidence and clarity.

State Quota and All India Quota Eligibility

Candidates aspiring for state quota seats must fulfil specific domicile/nativity/residence and schooling criteria. On the other hand, All India Quota seats are open to Indian citizens meeting age and academic requisites.

You must always remember that the NEET counselling registration and its selection process is based upon a merit list (comprising All India Rank / State Rank) prepared by the National Testing Agency (NTA) post the successful conduct of the examination.

NEET Process

Post Result Declaration

Following the announcement of results, successful candidates gain the opportunity to participate in the counselling process, based on their ranks in the merit list (both All India and State merit lists).

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) looks over the NEET counselling process, a pivotal facet of the NEET selection process, facilitating admissions to various medical courses.

NEET Selection Process

Centralised counselling for NEET applicants across all categories is conducted by the MCC and consists of four rounds:

1. All India Round-1

2. All India Round-2

3. All India Round-3

4. All India Stray Vacancy Round

While the MCC administers counselling for 15% of All India Quota seats and 100% of deemed university seats over four rounds, qualified NEET candidates are only eligible to participate in All India rounds 1, 2, 3 and the stray round. State authorities conduct separate state-level counsellings and publish the NEET counselling schedule for state-quota seats, facilitating admissions to government and private medical/dental colleges.

During the counselling process, applicants are required to complete an online form to select their preferred college options. Seats are subsequently allocated to candidates based on their rank and seat availability across participating universities.

Frequently Asked Questions by the students

What is NEET?

NEET stands for National Eligibility and Entrance Test. It is a national-level entrance test held in India for admission to undergraduate medical and dentistry programmes such as MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses at various government and private colleges around the country.

Who conducts NEET?

National Testing Agency, a self-sustained organization that taken care by the Government. In short, NTA is the one that conducts the NEET exam.

What is the eligibility criteria for NEET?

The eligibility criteria for NEET include aspects such as educational qualifications, and nationality. Candidates who are in/completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects are the only ones who are applicable. They must also meet the minimum age requirement and other criteria specified by the NTA.

How many attempts can I make for NEET?

As per the latest regulations, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET, provided that candidates meet the other eligibility requirements.

What is the exam pattern for NEET?

The NEET exam is made up of MCQs that cover subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The total number of questions, marking scheme, and duration of the exam are predefined and specified by the NTA.

Is there a negative marking in NEET?

Yes, there is a negative marking in NEET. Each erroneous answer is subtracted one point from the final score. Unanswered questions, however, do not deduct marks.

How can I prepare for NEET effectively?

Effective preparation for NEET requires a structured study plan, a thorough understanding of concepts, regular practice with mock tests and previous year question papers, and revision. It is also essential to stay updated with the exam pattern and syllabus.

What are the best reference books for NEET preparation?

There are several good reference books available for NEET preparation, covering each subject comprehensively. Some popular choices include NCERT textbooks, HC Verma for Physics, OP Tandon for Chemistry, and Biology books by Trueman and Dinesh.

How can I register for NEET?

Candidates can register for NEET online through the official website of NTA during the specified registration period. The registration process typically involves filling out the application form, uploading required documents, and paying the application fee.

What is the reservation policy in NEET?

NEET seat allotment follows the reservation policy as per the norms of the Government of India and respective state governments. There are lots of reserved categories in NEET such as:

Scheduled Castes (SC)
Scheduled Tribes (ST)
Other Backward Classes (OBC)
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

Conclusion

The NEET counselling process is not just a procedural step, it's your bridge to a fulfilling medical career. Understanding its intricacies and eligibility criteria empowers you to navigate this journey seamlessly. As you embark on this transformative path, remember, each step brings you closer to realizing your aspirations. Best of luck on your NEET counselling journey!