NEET 2021 Exam Overview: Key Highlights and Changes
The NEET 2021 Exam is just around the corner, and medical aspirants across the country are gearing up for one of the most crucial tests of their careers. With several changes introduced this year, including an updated exam pattern and strict COVID-19 safety measures, candidates need to stay informed to maximize their chances of success.
In this article, we will explore everything about the NEET 2021 Exam—its key highlights, major changes, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and expected cut-off trends.
NEET 2021 Exam: A Crucial Step for Medical Aspirants
The NEET 2021 Exam (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the sole entrance exam for undergraduate medical and dental admissions in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it is mandatory for securing admission to MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programs in both government and private institutions.
This year, the NEET 2021 Exam is happening under unique circumstances due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has already caused multiple delays and speculations about the examination process. However, NTA has finally confirmed the exam schedule, and medical aspirants must now focus on their final preparations.
Key Highlights of NEET 2021 Exam
1. Exam Date and Mode
The NEET 2021 Exam is scheduled to take place on September 12, 2021.
Like previous years, the exam will be conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based).
The test will be held at 3,800+ centers across 202 cities in India and abroad.
2. Number of Applicants
This year, over 16.14 lakh students have registered for the NEET 2021 Exam, making it one of the most competitive editions of the exam.
3. Exam Pattern Changes
The NEET 2021 Exam has introduced a new exam pattern to accommodate the syllabus reductions in several education boards. The key changes include:
The paper will consist of 200 questions, out of which candidates will have to attempt 180 questions.
Each subject will have two sections:
Section A: 35 compulsory questions
Section B: 15 questions, of which only 10 need to be attempted
The overall marking scheme remains unchanged, with a total of 720 marks.
4. Syllabus Considerations
While the syllabus is still based on NCERT Class 11 and 12 topics, students will have internal choices due to syllabus reductions in CBSE and other state boards.
Candidates should carefully check the revised exam structure to optimize their preparation.
5. COVID-19 Safety Measures
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the NEET 2021 Exam will be conducted with strict COVID-19 guidelines:
Mandatory face masks and sanitization before entry.
Thermal screening at exam centers.
Social distancing measures inside the examination halls.
NTA has ensured that exam centers will be sanitized regularly to maintain hygiene.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET 2021 Exam
To appear for the NEET 2021 Exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
1. Age Limit
The minimum age to apply is 17 years (as of December 31, 2021).
The upper age limit is currently not fixed, as per the latest Supreme Court ruling.
2. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed or appeared for Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
Minimum qualifying marks:
50% for General category
40% for OBC/SC/ST
45% for PwD candidates
3. Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the NEET 2021 Exam.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The NEET 2021 Exam will follow the structured marking scheme as shown below:
| Subject | Number of Questions (Attempted) | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 + 10 | 4 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 + 10 | 4 | 180 |
| Biology | 35 + 10 (Botany) + 35 + 10 (Zoology) | 4 | 360 |
| Total | 180 Questions | 4 Marks Each | 720 Marks |
Negative Marking: 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
No negative marking for unattempted questions.
Changes in NEET 2021 Exam Compared to Previous Years
Optional Questions: For the first time, NEET has introduced internal choices in each subject.
Increased Exam Centers: Additional centers have been set up to ensure social distancing.
Digital Admit Cards: Candidates must carry their self-declaration form along with the admit card.
NEET for Foreign Studies: The exam remains mandatory for Indian students seeking MBBS admission abroad.
Expected Cut-Off for NEET 2021 Exam
The cut-off marks for the NEET 2021 Exam will be determined based on the difficulty level of the exam and the number of candidates appearing. However, based on past trends, here are the expected cut-offs:
| Category | Expected Cut-off Percentile | Expected Cut-off Marks (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50th percentile | 720-138 |
| OBC | 40th percentile | 137-108 |
| SC/ST | 40th percentile | 137-108 |
| PwD | 45th percentile | 137-122 |
Students scoring above 650 will have a high chance of securing government medical seats.
Candidates aiming for AIIMS and other top colleges should aim for 680+ marks.
NEET 2021 Counseling Process
Once the NEET 2021 Exam results are announced, candidates will go through the counseling process to secure their medical seats.
All India Quota (AIQ): 15% of total seats are reserved for AIQ candidates.
State Quota: 85% of seats are allotted based on state domicile rules.
Private Colleges: Admissions will be based on NEET 2021 Exam ranks and seat availability.
The NEET 2021 Exam score will also be valid for MBBS admissions abroad, making it an essential test for students planning to study medicine overseas.
Final Thoughts on NEET 2021 Exam
The NEET 2021 Exam is a crucial milestone for medical aspirants. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the exam will go ahead with necessary safety measures in place. With a changed exam pattern, optional questions, and increased competition, students must stay focused and practice smart preparation strategies.
If you are appearing for the NEET 2021 Exam, ensure that you:
✅ Revise NCERT thoroughly
✅ Practice mock tests regularly
✅ Stay updated on official notifications from NTA
✅ Follow COVID-19 guidelines on exam day
We wish all NEET aspirants the best of luck! 🎯
Are you preparing for the NEET 2021 Exam? Share your thoughts and doubts in the comments below! 🚀
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