NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), formerly known as AIPMT, is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Serving as the primary entrance exam for medical science courses in India, NEET attracts a significant number of applicants each year. The competition for limited seats in admission to medical college has intensified, making the journey more challenging with each passing year.
Recently, aspirants have become more ambitious, prompting some to explore alternative options even before taking the NEET exams. The question of “What after NEET?” or “What to do after the NEET results?” can be anxiety-inducing. In 2020, NEET witnessed nearly 16 lakh applications vying for admission to approximately 75,893 MBBS seats, 26,693 BDS seats, and 52,700 AYUSH seats nationwide in government and private institutes. The numbers surged in 2021, with 16,14,777 candidates registering for the exam.
Post-NEET exams, candidates often seek answers to queries such as:
- What comes next after NEET?
- What are the subsequent steps after qualifying and meeting the NEET cut-off?
- Which forms are required for admission after the conclusion of NEET?
- Can I apply for counselling in a state different from my domicile state?
This article will answer these questions and help you with admission to medical college.
Results Declared – What’s Next?
Following the declaration of NEET results, candidates can take the following immediate steps:
- Compute NEET Scores: Calculate your NEET scores based on the results.
- Predict NEET Rank: Utilise the score to predict a tentative NEET rank. This estimation can provide an idea of potential admissions to medical and dental universities. Although this prediction relies on past trends, it is a general guide.
- Check Answer Keys: While awaiting the official answer keys, candidates can refer to unofficial answer keys to estimate their scores and predict ranks.
NEET Counselling Process – Key Insights:
Throughout the NEET counselling process, candidates will grapple with the question “What next after NEET?” This uncertainty persists, offering numerous options. The dilemma continues during counselling sessions, application form submissions, and the period leading up to NEET admissions.
NEET Counselling
Only candidates meeting the NEET cut-off set by the NTA are eligible for counselling. The cut-off is the minimum score required to qualify for NEET. The qualifying percentiles for different categories are as follows:
- General category – 50th percentile
- OBC/SC/ST category – 40th percentile
- Physically handicapped: General category – 45th percentile
- Physically handicapped: OBC/SC/ST category – 40th percentile
Application for Counselling
Clear the NEET cut-off score to qualify for counselling.
- Apply for the NEET counselling process.
- Actively engage in the counselling process.
- Pursue admission in medical institutes based on counselling outcomes.
| Name Of The Counselling Authority | Seat (type) |
| DGHS | All AIQ (All India Quota) seats All seats in deemed and central universities |
| State Counselling Authority | All private colleges across India (except for state quota seats that are to be availed only by domiciled candidates)State quota seats in State government colleges (to be availed only by domiciled candidates) |
Process Of Application For Different Types Of Seats for NEET
All India Quota (AIQ) seats
The NEET AIQ scheme encompasses 15% of MBBS/BDS seats in all government dental and medical colleges across India, excluding Jammu and Kashmir. All candidates qualifying for the NEET exam are eligible to apply. Candidates from J&K can apply if they have submitted a self-declaration form during the NEET application process. Candidates from a specific state can seek admissions in government institutes of different states, including their state, under AIQ.
To apply under AIQ counselling, candidates must provide details in the application form issued by the DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services) representing the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC). The tentative time frame for AIQ counselling for NEET is scheduled soon.
Seats at Central and Deemed Universities
All seats are available for candidates qualifying for the NEET exams. The central universities covered under admission to medical college include:
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
- Colleges affiliated with Delhi University (DU)
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
Similar to AIQ, DGHS is the counselling authority for Central and Deemed Universities. When counselling for Deemed & Central Universities begins, candidates must submit an application form for counselling as issued by the DGHS.
Counselling for successful candidates for seats under 15% All India Quota and 100%, including 85% State quota seats of Central Institutions (ABVIMS & RML Hospital/ESIC/VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital)/ Central Universities (including BHU/ DU/ AMU)/ JIPMER/ AIIMS and Deemed Universities, will be supervised by the MCC/DGHS for Undergraduate MBBS and BDS courses. MCC only conducts registration for AFMC and passes the data of registered candidates to AFMC Authorities for admission.
State in Government Colleges – Admission to Medical College
After allocating 15% of seats in AIQ, the remaining 85% of seats in government institutes for dental and medical courses come under the state quota seats. These seats are typically for candidates belonging to the respective states. To obtain admission under the state quota seats, candidates must fill in the form issued by their corresponding state counselling officials.
Some states may commence the application process before NEET alongside releasing the NEET state quota counselling applications once the results are declared. The links for the same will be updated here as and when released.
Seats In Private College – Admission to Medical College
Private colleges offer flexibility to students, allowing NEET-qualified candidates to apply for seats regardless of their state of residence. Some private colleges may reserve seats for state quota applicants from specific states. Candidates can apply by filling out application forms provided by corresponding state counselling officials.
The authorities for state counselling and counselling for private colleges are the same. Some states start their process of applying for state counselling (private colleges) before the NEET results are declared. Direct links for applying to private colleges for medical courses will be provided.
Seats With Particular Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the categories mentioned above, there are specialised seats with specific eligibility criteria. These include seats in AFMC (Pune) and seats reserved for Insured Person (IP) wards in ESIC colleges. For MBBS admissions at AFMC, Pune, and for IP wards applying to ESIC colleges for MBBS/BDS seats, DGHS is the official conducting authority for counselling.
Candidates eligible and interested in pursuing admissions in AFMC or under the IP wards quota in ESIC colleges are invited to apply for the respective counselling processes separately through the DGHS official website.
Please refer to the unique eligibility criteria for AFMC, Pune, and IP wards seats in ESIC mentioned below:
| Seat type | Eligibility Criteria |
| AFMC, Pune | AFMC shortlists candidates after it reviews applications through the DGHS application process, after which it conducts screening rounds for candidates to take up admissions. Eligibility criteria – height, age limit criteria etc. |
| IP Wards seats in ESIC | The DGHS has a different application form for this hence the admission process. But basic eligibility criteria need one of the parents to be an Insured Person as specified by the ESI Act, constituting continuous insurable employment for 3, 4 or 5 years as of 2019, 1st January |
Documents Required for the Counselling Process
Counselling officials will release the merit list and state ranks for eligible candidates who have applied through one of the aforementioned counselling types. In some cases, state counselling officials may issue two sets of NEET Merit lists – one for private and one for government medical colleges.
Candidates must be well aware of the essential documents to carry during the counselling sessions. The required documents include:
- Valid ID proof
- NEET Admit Card
- NEET Rank Letter
- Marksheet and certificate of classes 10 and 12
- Domicile proof – applicable only for state quota seats
What to do if I am unable to secure a seat in MBBS after NEET?
In reality, not every individual attempting and appearing for NEET exams will successfully crack them on the first attempt. However, this does not imply that one should give up. The latest information regarding the number of attempts and upper age limits indicates that there is no such restriction on the number of attempts or an upper age limit. Candidates can always attempt NEET again with better preparation and increased confidence.
If one fails to secure an MBBS seat, they can reappear for the NEET exams. Candidates need to note that the NEET score is not only applicable for securing a seat in MBBS/BDS courses but also serves as a qualifying exam for other courses such as BAMS, BYMS, BHMS, BSBS, and veterinary sciences. With a variety of available options, candidates no longer need to worry about the typical post-NEET uncertainties.
Additionally, candidates should be aware that the field of medicine extends beyond its conventional streams. There are allied medical fields crucial for the efficient functioning of the medical field.
Some of these programs, which students can pursue without having to attempt NEET exams, include Nursing, Clinical Psychology, Optometry, Medical Lab Technologist, Occupational therapy, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, and more. The current trends in science and technology offer even more opportunities.
With a multitude of options, individuals passionate about medicine do not have to worry about limited career paths. Best of luck!
FAQs
Q1. How many marks are required for admission to medical college in NEET?
According to historical trends, candidates in the General category are typically required to secure a minimum of the 50th percentile, equivalent to 550+ marks.
- General-PH candidates should aim for the 45th percentile, while candidates from the SC/OBC/ST categories must achieve the 40th percentile.
- For unreserved category candidates seeking admission to government medical colleges, a minimum of 575 – 600 marks is generally advised.
However, these figures may vary as the NEET cut-off is determined each year.
Q2. How much percentage is required for NEET in 12th?
To be eligible to appear for NEET, candidates must have a minimum aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in class 12, for those in the unreserved category. Physically handicapped (PH) candidates are required to secure a minimum of 45%, while candidates from reserved categories, including (PH), need to meet a 40% criterion.
Q3. How many marks are needed to qualify for admission to medical college in NEET?
The answer to this question can be broadly categorised into two aspects – one involves obtaining marks to meet the cutoff, and the other relates to securing seats in various colleges, where government colleges typically have higher cutoff ranges. NTA announces the NEET cutoff annually, based on which candidates qualify for the exam and proceed with the subsequent counselling processes.
