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Pursuing a career in medicine in India is a dream for many, but it begins with navigating a series of highly competitive entrance exams. These exams are the gateway to prestigious medical colleges offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialized programs like MBBS, BDS, MD, MS, and more.
In 2025, the landscape of medical entrance exams continues to evolve, with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) dominating undergraduate admissions and a range of exams catering to postgraduate and niche fields.
This article provides a comprehensive, authoritative guide to the medical entrance exams in India for 2025, detailing eligibility, exam patterns, key dates, and resources to help aspirants succeed.
Check Out – How to Crack NEET 2025 in First Attempt
Key Medical Entrance Exams for 2025
The following table summarizes the major medical entrance exams for 2025, including courses, conducting bodies, and key dates:
Exam Name | Courses Offered | Conducting Body | Important Dates for 2025 |
---|---|---|---|
NEET UG | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, veterinary, paramedical | NTA | Registration: Feb 7–Mar 7; Exam: May 4; Result: By Jun 14 |
NEET PG | MD, MS, PG Diploma, DNB post-MBBS | NBE | Registration: Apr 17–May 7; Exam: Jun 15; Result: Fourth week of Jun |
NEET MDS | MDS, PG Diploma (Dental) | NBE | Registration: Feb 18–Mar 10; Exam: Apr 19; Result: By May 19 |
AIAPGET | MD, MS, PG Diploma (AYUSH) | NTA | Registration: May 1–Jun 20; Exam: Jul 1; Result: Aug 1 |
FMGE | Licensing for foreign graduates | NBE | Registration: Apr 28–May 17; Exam: Jul 26; Result: By Aug 26 |
DNB PDCET | DNB post-diploma | NBE | Registration: Jan 30–Feb 19; Exam: Mar 25; Result: Apr 22 |
NEET SS | DM, MCh | NBE | Registration: Feb 4–Feb 24; Exam: Mar 29–30; Result: Apr 25 |
FET | FNB | NBE | Details not fully available for 2025 |
INI CET | MD, MS, DM, M.Ch, MDS | AIIMS, Delhi | Registration: Mar 10–Apr 15; Exam: May 17; Result: Fourth week of May |
AIIMS INI SS | DM, MCh, MD (Hospital Administration) | AIIMS, Delhi | Details not fully available for 2025 |
Note: Dates are based on available information and may be subject to change.
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Take the Career TestUndergraduate Medical Entrance Exams
1. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG
NEET UG is the cornerstone of undergraduate medical admissions in India, mandatory for all aspirants seeking MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), veterinary, and other paramedical courses.
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Courses Offered: MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, veterinary, and paramedical courses
- Key Dates for 2025:
- Registration: February 7 to March 7
- Exam: May 4
- Result: By June 14
- Eligibility: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, securing at least 50% marks (40% for reserved categories). The minimum age is 17 years by December 31, 2025, with no upper age limit.
- Exam Pattern: A 3-hour offline (paper-based) test with 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Each subject has 45 questions, totaling 720 marks. Correct answers earn 4 marks, while incorrect ones deduct 1 mark. The exam is offered in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages.
- Significance: Since 2016, NEET UG has been the only exam for MBBS and BDS admissions, replacing institution-specific tests like AIIMS MBBS and JIPMER MBBS. It also facilitates BSc Nursing admissions since 2021 (Shiksha NEET UG).
- Preparation Tips: Focus on NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12, practice mock tests, and manage time effectively.
2. State-Level and University-Level Exams
While NEET UG is the primary exam, some states and universities conduct their own tests or use NEET scores for admissions, often with additional criteria or quotas.
- Rajasthan Pre-Veterinary Test (RPVT):
- Purpose: Admission to Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & A.H.) in Rajasthan.
- Conducting Body: Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, plus a minimum of 50% marks.
- Details: A state-specific exam for veterinary aspirants, distinct from NEET UG (Jagran Josh Medical).
- UP Pre-Veterinary Entrance Test:
- Purpose: Admission to B.V.Sc & A.H. in Uttar Pradesh.
- Conducting Body: Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Entrance Test (UPCATET) authorities.
- Eligibility: Similar to RPVT, requiring 10+2 with PCB.
- Details: Focuses on veterinary education in UP, catering to local students (Jagran Josh Medical).
- University-Level Admissions (NEET-Based):
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) MBBS: Uses NEET scores for MBBS and BDS admissions, with possible additional counseling processes (Sarvgyan Medical).
- Indraprastha University (IPU) CET MBBS: Relies on NEET scores for MBBS admissions (Sarvgyan Medical).
- Delhi University (DU) MBBS Admission: Admits students based on NEET scores (Sarvgyan Medical).
- Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore: Requires NEET scores plus an aptitude test for MBBS (Sarvgyan Medical).
- Bharati Vidyapeeth (BVP) CET: Uses NEET scores for MBBS and BDS (Sarvgyan Medical).
- SAAT MBBS: NEET-based admissions for MBBS and BDS (Sarvgyan Medical).
- Manipal Entrance Test (MET): Uses NEET/NEET PG scores for MBBS, BDS, and PG medical courses (Sarvgyan Medical).
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Exam (KIITEE): NEET-based for MBBS, BDS, and PG medical/dental courses (Sarvgyan Medical).
- CENTAC: NEET-based admissions for MBBS in Puducherry (Sarvgyan Medical).
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) MBBS: Admits 130 students (105 boys, 25 girls) based on NEET scores, followed by additional screening (Sarvgyan Medical).
These exams or processes often cater to specific regional or institutional needs, such as domicile quotas or unique course offerings.
Postgraduate Medical Entrance Exams
Postgraduate medical education in India is highly specialized, with exams like NEET PG and INI CET determining entry into MD, MS, and super-specialty programs.
1. NEET PG
- Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Courses Offered: MD, MS, PG Diploma, and Diplomate of National Board (DNB) post-MBBS
- Key Dates for 2025:
- Registration: April 17 to May 7
- Exam: June 15
- Result: Fourth week of June
- Eligibility: MBBS degree with a minimum of 55% marks and completion of a one-year internship.
- Exam Pattern: A computer-based test with 200 MCQs, focusing on clinical and pre-clinical subjects, conducted over 3.5 hours.
- Significance: NEET PG is the primary exam for postgraduate medical admissions, covering government and private colleges (Shiksha NEET PG).
2. NEET MDS
- Conducting Body: NBE
- Courses Offered: Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) and PG Diploma (Dental)
- Key Dates for 2025:
- Registration: February 18 to March 10
- Exam: April 19
- Result: By May 19
- Eligibility: BDS degree with a minimum of 55% marks and internship completion.
- Exam Pattern: A computer-based test with 240 MCQs on dental and related medical subjects.
- Significance: Essential for dental postgraduate aspirants (Shiksha NEET MDS).
3. Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET)
- Conducting Body: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi
- Courses Offered: MD, MS, DM (6 years), M.Ch (6 years), MDS
- Key Dates for 2025:
- Basic Registration: March 10 to April 15
- Exam: May 17
- Result: Fourth week of May
- Eligibility: MBBS/BDS degree with 55% marks and internship completion.
- Exam Pattern: A computer-based test with 200 MCQs, covering medical and dental subjects.
- Significance: Facilitates admissions to premier institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, NIMHANS, and PGIMER (Shiksha INI CET).
4. Other Postgraduate Exams
- DNB Post-Doctoral Centralized Entrance Test (DNB PDCET):
- Purpose: Admission to DNB post-diploma courses.
- Key Dates for 2025: Registration: January 30 to February 19; Exam: March 25; Result: April 22.
- Details: Conducted by NBE for specialized postgraduate training (Shiksha DNB PDCET).
- NEET Super Specialty (NEET SS):
- Purpose: Admission to DM and M.Ch courses.
- Key Dates for 2025: Registration: February 4 to February 24; Exam: March 29-30; Result: April 25.
- Details: For super-specialty aspirants (Shiksha NEET SS).
- Fellowship Entrance Test (FET):
- Purpose: Admission to Fellowship of National Board (FNB) courses.
- Details: Conducted by NBE for advanced training (Shiksha FET).
- AIIMS Institute of National Importance Super Specialty (AIIMS INI SS):
- Purpose: Admission to DM, M.Ch, and MD (Hospital Administration).
- Details: Conducted by AIIMS, Delhi, for super-specialty programs (Shiksha INI SS).
Other Medical Entrance Exams
1. Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)
- Conducting Body: NBE
- Purpose: Licensing exam for foreign medical graduates to practice in India.
- Key Dates for 2025:
- Registration: April 28 to May 17
- Exam: July 26
- Result: By August 26
- Eligibility: A medical degree from a recognized foreign institution.
- Exam Pattern: A computer-based test with 300 MCQs, divided into two parts.
- Significance: Mandatory for foreign graduates to register with the Medical Council of India (Shiksha FMGE).
2. All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET)
- Conducting Body: NTA
- Courses Offered: MD, MS, PG Diploma in AYUSH courses (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy)
- Key Dates for 2025:
- Registration: First week of May to third week of June
- Exam: First week of July
- Result: First week of August
- Eligibility: BAMS/BUMS/BSMS/BHMS degree with internship completion.
- Exam Pattern: A computer-based test with 120 MCQs.
- Significance: Essential for postgraduate AYUSH education (Shiksha AIAPGET).
3. Nursing Entrance Exams
- AIIMS Nursing:
- Purpose: Admission to B.Sc Nursing at AIIMS.
- Conducting Body: AIIMS, Delhi.
- Details: A competitive exam for nursing aspirants, distinct from NEET UG (Jagran Josh Medical).
- State-Level Nursing Exams: Many states conduct exams for B.Sc Nursing and paramedical courses, varying by region.
4. Veterinary Entrance Exams
- Rajasthan Pre-Veterinary Test (RPVT): For B.V.Sc & A.H. in Rajasthan, as mentioned earlier.
- UP Pre-Veterinary Entrance Test: For B.V.Sc & A.H. in Uttar Pradesh, as noted above.
Exam Landscape Changes
The medical entrance exam landscape has consolidated significantly. Exams like AIIMS MBBS, JIPMER MBBS, AIIMS PG, JIPMER PG, and PGIMER have been discontinued, with institutions now using NEET UG, NEET PG, or INI CET scores. This streamlining aims to reduce the burden on students and standardize admissions (Sarvgyan Medical).
Preparation Strategies
- Understand the Syllabus: For NEET UG, focus on NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks. Postgraduate exams require in-depth medical knowledge.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regular practice with past papers and online tests improves speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely during preparation and the exam itself.
- Stay Updated: Monitor official websites for notifications on dates, syllabus changes, or eligibility criteria.
- Seek Guidance: Coaching institutes, online courses, and study groups can provide structure and support.
Conclusion
The medical entrance exams for 2025 in India offer diverse pathways for aspiring doctors, dentists, and allied health professionals. NEET UG remains the linchpin for undergraduate admissions, while NEET PG, INI CET, and others cater to postgraduate and super-specialty aspirations.
Specialized exams like FMGE, AIAPGET, and state-level veterinary tests address niche needs. Success in these exams requires strategic preparation, awareness of eligibility and dates, and leveraging reliable resources.
By staying informed and dedicated, aspirants can turn their medical dreams into reality, securing seats in India’s top institutions.