NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and serves as a gateway for admission to various medical and dental colleges across India. The exam is a three-hour long multiple-choice question (MCQ) based test that evaluates a student’s knowledge in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
One of the most common questions that arise among students preparing for NEET is how many marks are required to clear the exam. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as the minimum qualifying marks for NEET vary each year based on factors like the difficulty level of the exam, the number of students appearing for the exam, and the reservation policy. However, it is important to note that merely passing the exam does not guarantee admission to a medical or dental college.
According to the best NEET coaching in Agra, to qualify for NEET, a student must secure the minimum qualifying marks set by the NTA. However, securing the minimum qualifying marks only ensures that a student is eligible to participate in the counseling process for admission to medical and dental colleges. The actual marks required to secure admission to a desired college would depend on various factors like the college’s cut-off marks, the number of seats available, and the number of students applying for the same college.
While it is important to aim for the highest possible marks in NEET, students must also keep in mind the minimum qualifying marks required for eligibility and the other factors that determine admission to medical and dental colleges. Today we’ll be exploring the minimum marks required to clear NEET. So, let’s begin!
Table of Content
Brief Overview of the NEET Exam Pattern
How many marks are required to clear NEET?
Brief Overview of the NEET Exam Pattern
Before we get into how many marks are required to clear NEET, let’s first take a look at the exam pattern. The NEET exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, with a total of 720 marks. The questions are primarily divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Each section has 45 questions, and each question carries four marks. There is also a negative marking, and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
NEET Cut-off Marks Required
The cut-off for NEET varies every year and depends on various factors, such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of students appearing for the exam, and the number of seats available. The cut-off marks are the minimum marks required to be eligible for admission to medical colleges. It is important to note that clearing the cut-off marks does not guarantee admission to a medical college, as the admission process also takes into consideration other factors such as merit, reservation criteria, and availability of seats.
The NEET cut-off for the year 2021 for different categories is as follows:
- General category – 147 marks
- General-PH category – 129 marks
- OBC/SC/ST category – 113 marks
- OBC/SC/ST-PH category – 96 marks
How many marks are required to clear NEET?
Now that we have understood the NEET exam pattern and cut-off, let’s answer the question, how many marks are required to clear NEET? To clear NEET, a student needs to score above the cut-off marks. As mentioned earlier, the cut-off marks vary every year, but on average, a student needs to score around 50% marks to clear NEET. This means a student needs to score a minimum of 360 marks out of 720 to be eligible for admission to medical colleges.
However, to secure a seat in a government medical college, a student needs to score much higher than the cut-off marks. This is because the competition for government medical colleges is fierce, and only the top-ranking students get admission to these colleges. On average, a student needs to score around 600 marks or more to get admission to a government medical college.
How To Crack NEET?
NEET is a very renowned and popular exam for students who wish to enter the medical sector. Clearing this exam isn’t a mere cakewalk. Here are some of the tips that will help you crack the NEET exam on your first attempt.
1. Understand the syllabus and exam pattern
NEET syllabus includes topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) of classes 11th and 12th. The exam is conducted in a pen-and-paper format and consists of 180 multiple-choice questions with a total of 720 marks.
2. Develop a study plan
You need to allocate sufficient time to cover all the topics and revise them. Divide your time equally for all the subjects, and make sure to set aside time for regular practice tests.
3. Focus on conceptual clarity
NEET is a concept-based exam. You need to focus on developing a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Practice problems from different sources to improve your problem-solving abilities.
4. Revision is the key
Revise your notes regularly. Make short notes on important formulas, concepts, and facts, and revise them regularly. The revision will help you retain the concepts in your memory for a longer time.
5. Time management
NEET is a time-bound exam. You need to solve 180 questions in 180 minutes, which means you have less than a minute for each question. Time management is crucial in NEET. Learn to manage your time effectively while solving questions during the exam.
6. Stay healthy and take breaks
Preparing for NEET can be stressful. Take breaks in between your study sessions and engage in activities that help you relax and rejuvenate.
Wrapping Up
Clearing NEET requires hard work, dedication, and consistent effort. It is important to remember that the cut-off marks vary every year, and the competition for medical seats is high. Therefore, students must aim to score as high as possible to secure a seat in their preferred medical college. With proper preparation, guidance, and perseverance, anyone can crack the NEET exam and pursue their dream of becoming a doctor or dentist.
FAQs
1. Who conducts the NEET exam?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NEET exam on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for NEET?
A candidate must be at least 17 years old as on December 31 of the admission year, have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects, and be an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).