What comes next after NEET-UG?
In India, the National Eligibility and Common Entrance Test (NEET) is a key factor in standardizing medical education, as it is the sole exam for entry into medical and dental colleges nationwide. Despite this, many aspirants are unclear about the steps following NEET 2024. Medical undergraduate hopefuls often channel most of their efforts into NEET preparation but may not know what to expect once the exam concludes, including aspects like NEET answer keys, results, counseling, and admission.
After the NEET 2024 exam, candidates frequently feel uncertain about how to move forward. The immediate concerns are often about what happens after passing the exam, what to expect next, and how to secure admission into MBBS or BDS programs. Students who achieve the NEET cutoff will qualify for the admission process. In government colleges, 15% of seats are reserved under the All India Quota (AIQ), while 85% are allocated through the state quota. Private colleges also follow the state's admission regulations post-NEET-UG 2024, but only candidates meeting the state-specific domicile criteria are eligible for state quota seats.
Once the NEET exam is completed, candidates should calculate their scores using the provided answer keys. The results for NEET 2024 will be released about a month after the exam. With their actual rank and test results, candidates can estimate which colleges they might be offered. The admission process for NEET 2024 will commence roughly a week after the results are announced. The following section outlines the phases following NEET 2024, covering the period immediately after the exam and the process following the release of results.
Steps to Take After the NEET-UG Results
Once the NEET 2024 results are released, candidates should focus on two key tasks: calculating their NEET 2024 score and predicting their NEET 2024 rank. By examining trends from previous years and analyzing current data, candidates can estimate which medical or dental colleges they might be eligible for based on their score and predicted rank.
To begin, candidates can estimate their NEET exam scores by reviewing the NEET 2024 answer key. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will publish the NEET 2024 answer key on their official website, neet.nta.nic.in. This will be available in PDF format along with the OMR sheet.
How to Download the NEET 2024 Answer Key:
- Visit the official NEET website: [neet.nta.nic.in](https://neet.nta.nic.in).
- Locate and click on the link for the NEET 2024 answer key.
- The PDF of the NEET answer key will appear on your screen.
- Download the final answer key for the NEET 2024 exam.
The answer key will list the question numbers and the correct answers. Candidates can use this key to estimate their scores by comparing their responses to those listed in the answer key. Here’s how:
- Once the NTA releases the NEET answer key, compare your answers (from the NEET OMR sheet PDF) with the official NEET 2024 answer key.
- Ensure you match the question paper code and the answer key code correctly during this comparison.
- Identify the sets and language of the answer key, as indicated at the top of both the answer key and OMR sheet.
- Count the number of correct and incorrect answers to estimate your NEET score.
If multiple answers are marked for a single question, consider it as an unanswered question for scoring purposes. Use the provided marking scheme to calculate your estimated score accurately.
Challenging the NEET Answer Key
After the release of the NEET answer key by the NTA, if any candidate believes that an answer listed is incorrect, they can file a challenge. This process involves submitting an objection and paying a non-refundable fee for each question contested. The challenges will be reviewed by NTA with assistance from a panel of subject matter experts. If the challenge is deemed valid, the answer key will be updated accordingly. The final results will be based on this revised answer key.
Counseling Procedure
Admissions for undergraduate medical and dental programs for NEET (UG) 2024 will be conducted through the following quotas:
- - All India Quota Seats
- - State Government Quota Seats
- - Central Institutions/Universities/Deemed Universities
- - State/Management/NRI Quota Seats in Private Medical/Dental Colleges or Private Universities
- - Central Pool Quota Seats
Seats including NRI and Management Quota in private medical colleges are also included. For institutions such as AIIMS and JIPMER, counseling for the 15% All India Quota and 85% State quota seats in Central Institutions, Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and Deemed Universities will be managed by the MCC/DGHS. Counseling for state quota and other seats under the control of State Governments, UT Administrations, or State Universities will be conducted by the respective state authorities, following their specific notifications.
Documents Required for Counseling
Candidates preparing for the NEET 2024 counseling should be aware that various counseling authorities will issue merit lists detailing state ranks for eligible candidates. Some states might release separate merit lists for government and private institutions. Essential documents typically required during the counseling process include:
- - NEET 2024 Admit Card
- - NEET Rank Letter
- - Class 10 and/or 12 Certificate and Mark Sheets
- - ID Proof
- - Domicile Proof (for state quota seats)
Career Options After NEET
- MBBS: MBBS is one of the most sought-after paths for NEET qualifiers. Completing an MBBS degree prepares students to work as doctors, with the option to specialize in various fields of medicine. This career involves intense study and dedication but remains highly respected.
- BDS: For those interested in dentistry, pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a preferred route. Graduates can work in hospitals or establish their own dental practice.
- BAMS: The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course is ideal for those who wish to become Ayurveda doctors. This program focuses on holistic healing through Ayurveda, allowing graduates to practice as Ayurvedic physicians or surgeons.
- BHMS: Homeopathy is another field for NEET qualifiers, with the BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) course leading to a career as a homeopathic doctor. Homeopathy is gaining popularity both in India and internationally.
- BSMS: The Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) is part of the AYUSH system and focuses on Siddha medicine. This traditional system has seen a resurgence and offers opportunities for those interested in ancient medical practices.
What are the Top NEET Colleges in India?
- AIIMS, Delhi:
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi is renowned for its advanced medical education and research facilities. - Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore:
CMC Vellore is well-regarded for its diverse medical programs and hands-on learning approach. - Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune:
AFMC Pune is a leading medical college managed by the Indian Armed Forces, known for its excellent training and high global ranking. - Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry:
JIPMER offers comprehensive medical education and a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. - Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi:
MAMC is affiliated with the University of Delhi and provides extensive undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. - Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), Delhi:
Established in 1916, LHMC is a prominent institution offering various medical courses and associated with two major hospitals. - Madras Medical College (MMC), Chennai:
One of the oldest medical colleges in India, MMC provides a wide array of medical education and research opportunities. - Grant Medical College (GMC), Mumbai:
GMC Mumbai, affiliated with Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, offers comprehensive medical programs and is linked with the Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals. - Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal:
KMC Manipal is recognized for its quality education and affiliation with several international medical councils.