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Medical Entrance Exams

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Undoubtedly, the medical field is a prestigious and impactful career path, but the journey to becoming a doctor is not for the faint of heart. The very first hurdle of this journey is the beginning, which is - Medical Entrance Exams.

Medical Entrance Exams are incredibly demanding and competitive. These exams serve as the gateway to prestigious medical colleges.

Do you know in India, over 20 lakh students compete for a limited number of medical seats annually? This statistic alone highlights the importance of strategic preparation and a deep understanding of the exam landscape.

Whether you're a high school student or a graduate preparing for the medical entrance exam, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the essential information. From eligibility criteria and syllabus details to preparation tips and career guidance, here is everything you should know to unlock the secrets to qualify for competitive medical entrance exams.

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List of Medical Entrance 2024

Medical entrance exams are a crucial step for students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. Some of the most popular medical entrance exams in India that are mandatory to get admission to medical colleges are listed below:

  • AFMC: Armed Forces Medical College MBBS Entrance Exam
  • AIMS CET: Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Common Entrance Test
  • AIIMS PG: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Post Graduate Entrance Test
  • AU MEE: Annamalai University Medical Entrance Exam
  • BHU PMT: Banaras Hindu University Pre-Medical Test
  • CET Punjab: Common Entrance Test Punjab
  • HPCPMT: Himachal Pradesh Combined Pre-Medical Test
  • NEET: National Eligibility cum Entrance Exam
  • NEET PG: National Eligibility cum Entrance Exam Post-Graduate
  • PGMAT: Post Graduate Medical Admission Test Bihar
  • PGMET J&K: Post Graduate Medical Entrance Test Jammu & Kashmir
  • PMET Punjab: Punjab Medical Entrance Test Punjab
  • PMT Haryana: Pre-Medical Test Haryana
  • PMT Madhya Pradesh: Pre-Medical Test Madhya Pradesh
  • PMT Rajasthan: Pre-Medical Test Rajasthan
  • UPCPMT: Uttar Pradesh Combined Pre-Medical Test
  • UPMT: Uttaranchal Pre-Medical Test
  • UPPGMEE: UP Post Graduate Medical Entrance Examination

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the centralised entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical courses (MBBS) in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is a highly competitive exam with over 20 lakh students competing for a limited number of medical seats.

Exam Name

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)

NEET Eligibility
  • The candidate must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects from a recognized board.
  • Class 12 or equivalent appearing aspirants are also eligible to apply for NEET.
  • The candidate must have an aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Mode of the Examination 

Computer-Based

NEET Exam Syllabus

Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) topics from Class 10 to Class 12. 

NEET Exam Duration

3 hours and 20 minutes

Total Questions in NEET Exam

200 MCQ out of which 180 questions have to be answered.

Total Marks

720 Marks

NEET Exam Marking Scheme

+4 marks for each correct answer

-1 for each incorrect answer

NEET Preparation Tips
  • Master the NCERT.
  • Practise MCQs from previous year's papers, and question banks.
  • Take regular mock tests 

Related Article: Courses in Biology After 12th Except Mbbs

NEET PG (Post Graduate)

NEET PG paves the way for admission to postgraduate medical courses (MD/MS/Diploma). The National Board of Examinations (NBE) conducts NEET PG, and this is another highly competitive exam. 

Exam Name

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate)

NEET PG Eligibility
  • The candidate must have an MBBS degree or Provisional MBBS Pass Certificate recognized by the Indian Medical Council Act 1956.
  • The candidate must have a MBBS qualification registration (permanent/provisional) issued by MCI or State Medical Council (SMC) or Medical Council of India (MCI).
  • The candidate must have completed their one-year internship.

Mode of the Examination 

Computer-Based

NEET PG Exam Syllabus

Pre-Clinical, Clinical, and Para-Clinical subjects taught in the MBBS curriculum.

NEET PG Exam Duration

3.5 hours

Total Questions in NEET PG Exam

200 MCQ questions

Total Marks

800

NEET PG Exam Marking Scheme

+4 marks for each correct answer

-1 for each incorrect answer

NEET MDS

NEET MDS exam serves as the gateway to Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs in India. Conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), NEET MDS is a competitive exam that opens doors to advanced dental education. 

Exam Name

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Masters of Dental Surgery 

NEET MDS Eligibility
  • The candidate must have a BDS degree awarded by the university recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI) with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
  • Applicants should possess a provisional or permanent registration certificate issued by DCI or State Dental Council (SDC).
  • The candidate must have completed 12 months of internship.

Mode of the Examination 

Computer-based

NEET MDS Exam Syllabus

BDS syllabus, which includes Pre-Clinical, Clinical, and Paraclinical topics

NEET MDS Exam Duration

3 hours

Total Questions in NEET MDS Exam

240 Multiple Choice Questions

Total Marks

960 marks

NEET MDS Exam Marking Scheme

+4 marks for each correct answer

-1 for each incorrect answer

Related Article: MBBS in Canada

AIIMS INI CET

Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi. INI CET is held twice a year for admission in PG courses such as Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), Doctorate of Medicine (DM), Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) in 8 AIIMS institutes.

Exam Name

AIIMS Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test

AIIMS INI CET Eligibility
  • The candidate must have completed MBBS at an institution that has received National Medical Commission (NMC) recognition.
  • The candidate needs to have completed a rotating one-year internship.
  • The candidate must have obtained 55% for the General/OBC/EWS category in the MBBS degree.

Mode of the Examination 

Computer-based 

AIIMS INI CET Exam Syllabus

MBBS syllabus, which includes Pre-Clinical, Clinical, and Paraclinical topics. 

AIIMS INI CET Exam Duration

3-hours

Total Questions in AIIMS INI CET Exam

200 MCQ

Total Marks

200

AIIMS INI CET Exam Marking Scheme

For each correct answer: +1

For each incorrect answer: -1/3

Related Article: MBBS Subjects

FMGE

For medical graduates who have obtained their MBBS degree from outside India but aspire to practise medicine in the country, the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) serves as the crucial gateway.  

Exam Name

Foreign Medical Graduates Examination

FMGE Eligibility
  • To be eligible for the FMGE exam, the candidate must be a citizen of India or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). 
  • The candidate must possess a primary medical qualification from a recognized medical institution outside India.

Mode of the Examination 

Computer-based

FMGE Exam Syllabus

Based on the MBBS curriculum

FMGE Exam Duration

5-hours

Total Questions in FMGE Exam

300 MCQ

Total Marks

300

FMGE Exam Marking Scheme

1 Mark for every question with no negative marking

Related Article: Study MBBS in Abroad

MCAT

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardised exam conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for pursuing medicine in the United States.

This abroad medical entrance exam assesses the knowledge and skills of aspiring medical students to ensure they're well-prepared for what's coming ahead. 

Exam Name

Medical College Admission Test

MCAT Eligibility

The candidate must hold or be studying towards a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

Mode of the Examination 

Computer-based

MCAT Exam Syllabus

The MCAT syllabus consists of four key science sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.

MCAT Exam Duration

7 hours and 30 minutes

Total Questions in MCAT Exam

230

MCAT Exam Marking Scheme

1 Mark for every question with no negative marking

Related Article: Bachelor of Dental in Canada

FPMT

Organised by the Gurukul Abroad Education and Services, the Foreign Pre-Medical Entrance Test is a two-in-one scheme through which aspirants can avail the chance to get a scholarship for study in prestigious universities abroad. This medical exam for abroad is valid in 20 countries and for over 400 medical institutions recognized by MCI and WHO.

This International Medical Entrance Exams for Mbbs constitutes a total of 4 sections with 120 questions. Also, the test is conducted in English and Hindi as the mediums of instruction. 

JIPMER

The JIPMER MBBS Entrance Exam is among the most popular options for aspiring doctors. This exam grants admission to the esteemed Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry. 

Exam Name

Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research

JIPMER Eligibility
  • The candidate must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. 
  • The candidate must have obtained at least 50% Marks in aggregate in PCB (40% for SC/ ST/ OBC/ PwBD).

Mode of the Examination

Computer-Based

JIPMER Exam Syllabus

Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) topics from Class 10 to Class 12. 

JIPMER Exam Duration

2 hr 30 min

Total Questions in JIPMER Exam

200 MCQ

Total Marks

800

JIPMER Exam Marking Scheme

For each correct answer: +4

For each incorrect answer: -1

OJEE Exam

Conducted by the Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Committee (OJEE) is a single exam for entry to prestigious institutions across the state for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Medicine, Management, Engineering, Pharmacy, and more, 

Exam Name

Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE)

OJEE Eligibility
  • The candidate must be an Indian citizen, NRI, or PIO.
  • Must have a minimum of 45% marks in class 12th.

Mode of the Examination

Computer based

OJEE Exam Syllabus

Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) topics from Class 10 to Class 12. 

OJEE Exam Duration

2 hours

Total Questions in OJEE Exam

120 MCQ

Total Marks

480

Combined Medical Services Examination

The Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) is a gateway for MBBS graduates seeking fulfilling careers in government healthcare services across India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this prestigious exam opens doors to a wide range of positions in various organisations, including:

  • Indian Ordnance Factories
  • Indian Railways
  • Municipal Corporations
  • Delhi Metro Rail Corporation 

Exam Name

Union Public Service Commission Combined Medical Service (UPSC CMS)

CMS Eligibility

The candidate must have passed the final MBBS Examination to be eligible for the Combined Medical Services Examination.

Mode of the Examination

Computer based

CMS Exam Syllabus

The UPSC CMS exam syllabus is divided into two papers, i.e., Paper I and Paper II. 

Paper I covers general medicine and paediatric subjects, and Paper II covers surgery, gynaecology & obstetrics, and preventive & social medicine. 

CMS Exam Duration

2 hrs

Total Marks

Computer Based Exam: 500

Personality Test: 100

Conclusion 

The path to becoming a doctor is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding one. While the initial hurdle of medical entrance exams can seem daunting, with preparation, dedication, and a strategic approach, you can conquer these challenges and unlock your potential in the medical field.

So, equip yourself with the information and resources outlined in this article, and begin your medical journey today.

For any further questions about Medical Entrance Exams, contact our counsellors at AECC and turn your dream into reality.

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