Every year approximately 16 lakh medical aspirants appear for a national level entrance-cum-eligibility assessment. This assessment is being conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) for medical courses like BDS, MBBS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS and BSMS. Aspirants who qualify this exam can enter their desired government or private medical institutes. Also, remember that the qualification rate for this entrance exam is approximately 50-60% every year. Thus, an immense effort has to be put to clear this. Here, let’s have a brief look at the pattern of the exam and question paper details.
Exam Pattern
Aspirants can write this entrance exam in 13 different languages. This national-level medical entrance exam is also popularly known as the NEET exam. Anyone who has cleared/appeared for Class 12 can apply for this exam. The core syllabus includes concepts from Biology, Physics and Chemistry of Class 11 and 12 as set down by the NCERT.
Each subject (Chemistry, Physics, Botany and Zoology) contains 45 questions and thus totals to 180 questions. Each question carries 4 marks, totalling 720 marks. Also, every incorrect answer costs a negative mark. The exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours).
Previous Years’ Question Paper
Recently (2021), the question paper pattern was slightly modified by adding two sections (A and B) in all four subjects. Section A contains 35 compulsory questions, and section B has 15 questions, out of which any 10 can be attempted. Solving previous years’ question papers will give an insight into the types of questions asked.
Analysis of 2021 Paper
The 2021 exam was conducted in the month of September. It was considered as an easy to moderate examination in terms of difficulty. The quality and the level of the exam has improved from the previous years. In the 2021 paper, there was an increase in match and assertion questions. Also, the Physics part was a bit challenging, while the others were a bit easy to moderate. The following table will provide an overall analysis of the 2021 exam.
| Physics | Questions Breakup |
| Modern Physics and Electronics | 8 |
| Magnetism | 7 |
| Optics | 4 |
| Heat and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| Electrostatics and Electricity | 11 |
| Mechanics | 13 |
| SHM and Wave | 3 |
| Chemistry | Questions Breakup |
| Organic Chemistry | 15 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 19 |
| Physical Chemistry | 16 |
| Biology | Questions Breakup |
| Diversity in Living Organisms | 11 |
| Structural Organisation | 8 |
| Ecology | 8 |
| Plant Physiology | 9 |
| Human Physiology | 12 |
| Cell Structure and Functions | 12 |
| Biotechnology | 11 |
| Biology in Human Welfare | 7 |
| Genetics and Evolution | 13 |
| Reproduction | 9 |
Preparation Tips
Solving questions papers should be a vital part of the preparation plan. Explore the NEET previous year question paper to get an insight into the new pattern. Also, tailor your study planner accordingly.
- Focus on the subject concepts given in Class 11 and 12 NCERT. First, thorough the NCERTs before moving on to any guide or textbooks. Also, master your basics before moving to difficult topics.
- Solve last years’ question papers simultaneously as it gives you speed while facing the exam. Also, practise online mock tests. Remember, you should be solving 180 MCQs in 180 minutes.
- Prepare short and clear notes while learning. This will help during regular as well as last-minute revisions.
- Have a realistic study planner with adequate breaks in between. This will motivate you to achieve the set goal faster.
This single common medical entrance test has reduced the pressure of attempting several exams for one medical seat. Hence give your 100% while preparing for it.
