For medical graduates in India, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) is one of the most important steps toward a successful medical career. Conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), NEET PG is the only entrance examination that determines admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in most medical colleges across the country.
Before a candidate can appear for the exam, one essential step is filling out the NEET PG application form accurately and on time. This article provides a comprehensive guide about the NEET PG exam and the complete process related to its application form.
What is NEET PG?
NEET PGis a national-level examination that evaluates the knowledge of medical graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in various specializations such as Medicine (MD), Surgery (MS), and other postgraduate diploma courses. It is a computer-based exam that covers all the subjects studied during the MBBS course.
NEET PG is mandatory for admission to postgraduate medical courses in both government and private colleges in India (except institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS, which conduct separate entrance exams). The exam is highly competitive, and lakhs of students apply every year to secure a limited number of seats.
NEET PG Eligibility Criteria
Before filling out the NEET PG application form, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have an MBBS degree or a provisional MBBS pass certificate recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC).
- Internship: A compulsory rotatory internship of one year must be completed on or before March 31 of the academic year in which the candidate is applying.
- Registration Certificate: The candidate must have a permanent or provisional registration certificate issued by the MCI/NMC or a State Medical Council (SMC).
- Nationality: Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and even foreign nationals are eligible. However, foreign nationals must be registered with the appropriate medical regulatory authority before they are granted admission.
The NEET PG Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide
The NEET PG application formis released online on the official NBEMS website: www.nbe.edu.in. The application process typically begins in the first quarter of the year. Here are the steps to complete the form:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official website and register as a new user.
- Provide your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
- Upon successful registration, you will receive a user ID and password.
Step 2: Fill in the Application Form
- Log in with your credentials and complete the form with personal, academic, and internship-related details.
- Select your preferred exam city based on availability.
Step 3: Upload Documents
You must upload scanned copies of the following:
- Passport-sized photograph (recent)
- Signature
- Left thumb impression
- MBBS degree/provisional certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc.)
- Medical registration certificate
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Fees can be paid online via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
- General/OBC: ₹5,015 (including GST)
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹3,835 (including GST)
Step 5: Submit and Print Confirmation
- Review all the information before submitting the form.
- Once submitted, download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
NEET PG Exam Pattern
Understanding the structure of the exam is essential for better preparation:
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
- Number of Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer
The questions cover all 19 subjects taught in the MBBS curriculum, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Surgery, Medicine, Pediatrics, and more.
Important Dates (Tentative)
While the official dates may change each year, here is a general timeline for NEET PG:
- Application Form Release: January
- Last Date to Apply: January/February
- Correction Window: February
- Admit Card Release: March
- Examination Date: March
- Result Declaration: April
Candidates must check the official NBEMS website regularly for updates and announcements.
What Happens After NEET PG?
Once the NEET PG results are announced, candidates receive a scorecard with their rank. Based on the scores, candidates participate in counseling sessions conducted by:
- Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for the 50% All India Quota
- State Counseling Authorities for the remaining 50% of seats
- Private/Deemed Universities conduct separate counseling processes
During counseling, candidates choose their preferred colleges and specialties. Seat allocation is based on merit, category, and availability.
Tips for NEET PG Preparation
- Start preparation during your internship or final MBBS year.
- Follow a structured timetable with dedicated time for each subject.
- Use standard textbooks and NEET PG coaching materials.
- Take regular mock tests to improve time management.
- Focus more on high-weightage subjects and frequently asked questions.
