In the wake of 2013, Indian medical students saw a revolutionary change. It changed the way they obtained a medical seat in the premier medical colleges of India. The two-tier examination was replaced by a single NEET(National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam. In more ways than one, this decision proved to be fruitful for the aspirants and the medical colleges. Now that it has been close to a decade since exams are conducted in this format, let us take a look at how things have changed and why a single NEET exam has proved to be a welcome decision:

1. Easier method of application:

A single NEET exam means that students no longer need to check their eligibility for multiple exams such as AIPMT Prelims followed by AIPMT Mains. This means that the students have a hassle-free way of finding their eligibility. It will lead to the students having more time to prepare for the exams. Moreover, students do not have to apply and study for two different examinations and can focus their attention on a single syllabus.

2. No barriers to Age limit:

The single NEET exam has seen multiple changes and reforms over its ten-year period. One major reform that was announced this year, for NEET-UG 2022 was the removal of any age restriction for the applicants. This is in line with the age-old saying that, ‘Education has no age.’ This will encourage more aspirants to enroll themselves. However, the minimum age to be eligible for admission is still 17 years.

3. No barriers to the Number of Attempts:

The National Testing Agency(NTA), very recently, lifted restrictions on the number of attempts that would limit students from realizing their dreams. This is yet another welcome change in the right direction. It will allow the aspirant to have multiple attempts to have the career of their dreams.

4. Eligibility Criteria:

The eligibility criteria are similar to what it was previously. In this sense, every student must have passed their class 12th examination with pure science, that is Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. They must have also completed a certain number of hours giving practice tests.

5. Eligibility of NRI’s (Non-Resident Indians)

The eligibility criteria for NRIs have been made less strict. NRI’s can now apply for NRI scholarships as well. This will enable more NRI and Indian-origin students living abroad to pursue world-call medical education from the best Indian medical colleges.

6. All India Quota Seats and State Quota:

With the introduction of a single examination, NEET, all the medical seats throughout the country were categorized into two merit lists. The major portion of the seats was under the State quota (85%) and a smaller portion was under the All India Quota (15%). This method of selection ensured equal opportunities for all candidates, from every section of society.

A single exam, in the form of NEET, has seen positive impacts in multiple sections of society. Especially with the minimum age down to 17 years and, no upper age limit, NEET has seen an astronomical rise in the number of registrations. Students and aspirants from multiple sections of society are now applying for the examination. Applicants are now free to give the test in languages they are comfortable with. This has given opportunities to more aspirants to apply. This was previously restricted and aspirants were allowed to choose their language only at the time of admission.