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What are Medical Entrance Exams?

Medicals, or medical studies, involve understanding how the human body works, diagnosing different illnesses, and treating patients for improved health and saving lives. Few fields across the world are respected or rewarding. For courses like MBBS, BDS, and more, students must clear medical entrance exams to get into top medical colleges and competitive tests designed to select the best candidates. These are exams that are important to the field's future. They will ensure that only those people with true dedication and wide-ranging knowledge can enter. 

To pursue medicine as a career, one must commit to helping others throughout one's life. Medicine is often chosen by students on account of its noble purpose. Job stability and respect in society are other factors. You usually need a high school background in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and you must meet minimum percentage standards for exam and country eligibility.

(Check out: An In-depth Guide to pursue MBBS abroad for Indian Students)

List of Medical Entrance Exams in India

Here's a list of major Medical Entrance Exams in India for students aspiring to pursue careers in medicine:

List of Medical Entrance Exams After 12th

Here's a list of entrance exams in India after the 12th for science students who want to pursue undergraduate medical courses:

Institute-Level Medical Entrance Exams

How to Prepare for Medical Entrance Exams (Like NEET):

Preparing for medical entrance tests involves a well-balanced mix of planning, discipline, and the ability to practice. The following steps will help you prepare:

1. Know the Syllabus Thoroughly

Before beginning your preparations, you must be familiar with the entire course. NEET is primarily based on the NCERT course for students in classes 11-12 in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You should make a list of the chapters. Mark the essential ones based on the previous year's exam papers. Understanding what you need to learn can help you stay away from wasting your hours on topics that are not relevant to you. Additionally, you can rely on study tips from toppers and also cross-reference the NEET syllabus and your board's syllabus to help you maximize your studying efforts on both.

2. Create a Study Schedule

An organized study schedule keeps you organized and focused. Set aside daily time for every subject to balance new knowledge and revising. Make sure to include breaks, physical exercise, and mock exams to prevent burnout. In particular, devote early mornings to Biology (the one with the highest scores), afternoons to Chemistry, and evenings to Physics. Follow your schedule consistently; however, you can be flexible if you have to brush up on missed subjects or review difficult chapters.

Know More: Breaking out fews myths about Studying Hard! 

3. Strengthen NCERT First

The NCERT textbooks are the best allies to prepare for NEET, specifically for Biology. 70%-80% of questions on NEET originate directly or indirectly directly or indirectly from NCERT materials. Review each paragraph and comprehend the meaning since questions are typically written subtly. Make a note of the key elements and note-taking notes. After you've mastered NCERT, you can move on to reference books such as MTG, HC Verma, or Trueman's. However, if you don't have an established NCERT foundation, the additional material will not work.

4. Practice Mock Tests & PYQs

The mock tests mimic the actual test environment and help train your brain to deal with time tension. Neet is one of the toughest exams in India, so try full-length tests regularly, weekly initially, and then more frequently when the time for taking your exam approaches. Examine your performance following each test to identify weak areas, such as silly errors or subjects you've forgotten. Complete at least 10 years of NEET exam papers to know the patterns and common topics. This practice helps build proficiency, confidence, speed, and endurance for the examination.

5. Focus on Concept Clarity

It's not enough, particularly for Physics or Chemistry. It is essential to know why the concept is effective and not only how it works. In other words, instead of only learning Newton's law, Try to visualize real-world instances or work on related issues. Clarity of thought helps you to solve the application-based challenges that test your logic. Use flowcharts, diagrams, and even videos to help simplify complex subjects. If concepts are clearly understood and clear, solving complex or confusing questions becomes simpler and quicker.

You may also like: Best apps for students to stay organized 

6. Revise Regularly

The process of revision transforms short-term memory into long-term recall. Make sure you set aside one or two days every week for revising. You should start with the subjects you've gone over, especially those you had previously struggled with. Take notes in a short form, and use mind maps or flashcards to help with brief overviews. It's also a great moment to master diagrams and complex numerical issues. If you can revisit an area, you'll appear more comfortable when you sit for the exam.

7. Stay Healthy & Manage Stress

Your brain needs sleep, nutrition, and a relaxed mind to perform at its peak. Do not sacrifice sleep to study. Aim to sleep for between 6 and 8 hours each night. Take care of your body by taking balanced meals and keeping hydrated. A regular break and a light physical exercise like yoga or walking will help you relax your brain. Stress is normal. However, managing it is essential. Engage in meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to keep mentally healthy. Healthy lifestyles boost the energy level, concentration, and mental balance in preparing.

8. Join a Coaching (Optional)

The coaching institutes offer an organized learning program, skilled teachers, how-to-solve doubts, and an atmosphere of competition. They usually provide frequent practice tests and methods to help students solve problems faster. But it's not required. Many students pass NEET by studying on their own. You could achieve the same feat if you're disciplined enough and can access study materials. Websites like Unacademy, Physics Wallah, and BYJU offer affordable alternatives. Make sure you choose a coach that matches your needs and objectives.

Conclusion

Medical entrance exams provide the opportunity to pursue an enviable and well-known profession in the medical field. A regular study schedule, clarity of concept, and regular revision are crucial for success. If you are determined, have an innovative approach to planning, and a well-balanced way of life, you'll not just pass the test but excel at the process. Concentrate on learning the basics, practice mock exams, and stay fit. Maintain a positive attitude while studying because your work and perseverance will eventually achieve your desired success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which entrance exam is best for medical?

NEET-UG is the best and most essential medical entrance exam in India. It is the only national-level exam for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary courses across government and private colleges, including AIIMS and JIPMER.

2. What is the list of medical entrance exams?

Here are the main medical entrance exams in India:

• NEET-UG – For MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses
• NEET-PG – For postgraduate medical courses like MD/MS
• INI CET – PG courses in AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, NIMHANS
• FMGE – For foreign medical graduates to practice in India
• AIAPGET – For PG in AYUSH systems
• ICAR AIEEA (UG) – For agri-medical sciences (B.Sc. Agri, etc.)
• PU-CET, SAAT, LPUNEST – For Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Health courses

3. Which entrance exam is required for a doctor?

To become a doctor (MBBS) in India, you must qualify for the NEET-UG exam. It is compulsory for all medical colleges, including AIIMS and JIPMER.

4. How many scores in NEET for MBBS?

To get an MBBS seat, the required NEET score varies:

• Government Colleges: 600+ for top-tier state/central colleges
• Private Colleges: 450–550 (may vary by state)
• Minimum Qualifying Marks (2024):
  • General: 720–164
  • SC/ST/OBC: 163–129

Cutoffs change each year based on competition and seat availability.

5. What is the age limit for MBBS?

• Minimum Age: 17 years (as of 31st December of admission year)
• Maximum Age: No upper age limit (as per latest NEET guidelines)

6. How many attempts are in NEET?

There is no limit to the number of NEET attempts. You can appear for NEET as often as you wish, provided you meet the age and eligibility criteria.