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NEET has become one of the most important exams that students want to pass in order to become doctors in India. However, prior to NEET, students would have to prepare for multiple different entrance exams depending on what state, or college they want to get into. This made things very confusing and costly for many families.
Over the years, NEET, or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, has undergone some changes. It has also gone through some legal disputes, had different authorities running the exams, new eligibility and major changes. Knowing the history of NEET will help those preparing for the exam, or helping someone plan their medical career understand why the admissions have changed the way they are now.
Prior to NEET
Prior to 2013, medical admissions in India involved many different entrance exams. Some seats would be filled via the All India Pre-Medical Test whilst others would be run by various states and institutions.
This meant that if you wanted to apply to colleges in 3 different states, you would have to complete 3 separate applications. Paying multiple fees, attending different centres and having different timetables. This can make things very difficult for families on a tight budget.
The idea of a common entrance exam for medical was simple; however, it took years to implement throughout the varying education system in India. Not all states and institutions agreed.
Year by Year NEET History
2010-2012
The Medical Council of India and relevant authorities began to implement a common entrance exam for undergraduate and postgraduate medical admissions.
This sparked some discussion amongst students, colleges and states. Some were happy with the idea of a common entrance exam whilst others were concerned about admissions within states.
2013
The year 2013 was a major milestone. The first NEET-UG exam was held in May 2013.
Unfortunately, this didn’t last long. The original NEET framework was struck down by the Supreme Court in July 2013.
A key takeaway from this is that there are legal aspects to the history of NEET. It has developed over time.
2014
Following the decision made by the Supreme Court in 2013, medical admissions became more fragmented. AIPMT and state entrance exams were still key.
Students had to be careful when looking at individual admission requirements. It proved to be quite difficult to have a common entrance exam.
2015
AIPMT was conducted for undergraduate medical admissions. This year was a key year as the Supreme Court later recalled their order in April 2016.
This allowed NEET to come back into place. Students had to be aware of any official announcements regarding the exam.
2016
NEET came back in 2016. There were two phases to the exam. Phase 1 was linked to AIPMT and phase 2 gave eligible candidates another chance.
The Supreme Court decisions helped to implement NEET as the common entrance exam for undergraduate medical admissions. Whilst it was an unusual transition, this marked the start of the system we know today.
2016 is one of the most important years to research when looking at the NEET exam history. It created the foundations for common medical admissions across the nation.
2017
From 2017 NEET-UG became the common entrance exam for MBBS and BDS admissions in India. (Subject to legal requirements and institutional requirements)
This reduced the need to sit different entrance exams for different medical colleges. Students could focus their revision on one national exam.
NEET became a key part of admissions for government and private medical colleges. Counselling would be done by the relevant central and state authorities. Students still had to be aware of quotas, eligibility and counselling.
2018
There was a lot of focus on the application requirements, identification and exam requirements. There were also some changes to the Aadhaar requirements.
It showed that whilst the syllabus may stay the same, there can be changes to the application requirements. Never fully trust the instructions from previous admission years.
2019
A major change happened in 2019. The National Testing Agency took over from CBSE in running NEET-UG.
This meant that NEET was being run by the same agency that runs several national entrance exams. Students will still mainly revise the required Physics, Chemistry and Biology syllabus.
2020
The pandemic had an impact on almost all areas of education in India. NEET was delayed and was held in September 2020.
Many students found this year challenging due to schools being closed, uncertainty around exam dates and lack of support for coaching/ practical studies.
Whilst the syllabus is still based on the relevant science subjects from school, students should remain aware of any official updates.
2021
NEET-UG 2021 was held in September. NEET continued to be the common entrance exam for undergraduate medical admissions. However, health and safety considerations still played a factor in the education environment.
This year also showed how big the exam has become. Everything has to be carefully organised for the exam centres, applications, question papers and results.
A sensible approach would be to focus on the official syllabus and information bulletin.
2022
NEET-UG 2022 was held in July. Around 18.7 lakh candidates registered for the exam. This shows how popular medical education is becoming in India.
With more applicants, there was intense competition. Especially for government MBBS places as the fees are generally much cheaper than many private colleges.
One thing to note is that passing the NEET doesn’t guarantee an MBBS place. Passing the qualifying cutoff means you are eligible to take part in the relevant admissions process. However, your actual place will depend on your rank, category, availability of seats, quotas and counselling.
2023
NEET-UG was held in May 2023. Around 20.9 lakh candidates registered. NEET continued to be the main entrance exam.
With more applicants, careful planning was required for counselling. Students will need to compare their rank to previous admission trends, understand the difference between All India Quota and state quota places and know the eligibility requirements for their preferred colleges.
Whilst knowing the cutoff from previous years can help with planning, there is no guarantee you’ll get in next year. Availability of seats and preferences can vary greatly.
2024
NEET-UG 2024 was one of the most controversial exam cycles. The exam took place on the 5th May with around 24 lakh candidates registering.
The results were announced on the 4th June and caused a lot of attention. Unusually high scores were achieved, some candidates were given grace marks for the time they lost at the exam centres and there were allegations of paper leaks. This led to investigations and lots of legal processes.
The National Testing Agency ran a re-exam for the 1563 candidates who received grace marks, following the directions of the Supreme Court. This raised some serious questions around exam security.
2024 reminded students that official notices and court decisions can have an impact on the admissions process.
2025
NEET-UG 2025 was held on the 4th May. It was held in the traditional pen and paper format. NEET continues to determine eligibility and merit.
Due to the concerns from last year, exam security and transparency became a hot topic. The government have also announced that they want to run NEET-UG in computer based format from 2026.
It is important to understand that just because there is an announcement doesn’t mean the exam will be run in this way. Refer to the relevant information bulletin for details.
2026
For the 2026 admission cycle, students should check the official NEET website for details on the exam format, syllabus, eligibility, application dates and counselling. Just because there are announcements around policies, doesn’t mean the exam will be run in this way.
The amount of MBBS places, passing marks and cutoffs can vary each year. Students should also check any changes to reservations, documentation and counselling.
Students can use MBBS Advisor to research the relevant guidance around medical education. However, always refer to official exam and regulation sources.
How has NEET changed medical admissions in India?
Having a common entrance exam has changed the way students approach medical education. Key changes include:
Having one main national entrance exam. Most students won’t have to sit multiple state entrance exams for the same undergraduate medical admissions pathway.
Common exam syllabus. Students will revise Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The relevant syllabus will be detailed in official documents.
Central / State counselling. Seat allocations will be done following the relevant counselling authority, quotas and merit lists.
Increased competition. Everyone is sitting the same exam so rank and counselling choices are key.
More focus on official rules. Eligibility, category certificates, passing criteria and admission requirements will need to be checked each year.
Overall, it has made things more standardised. However, there are still factors to consider such as differing fees for colleges, availability of seats, access to coaching and state admissions.
NEET Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Most students applying for undergraduate MBBS will need to have completed their Class 12 / equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English. (Subject to regulations) They will also need to be at least 17 years old by the 31st December of the admission year. Additional eligibility and passing criteria may apply depending on the category.
Qualifying NEET is crucial to getting into MBBS in India. (Subject to framework) However, just because you qualify doesn’t mean you will get a place. The National Medical Commission are the key regulating body for medical education standards. You can check any relevant updates on their website. If you are considering studying medicine internationally you should also check the relevant licensing requirements in India.
Is NEET important for studying MBBS abroad?
Yes! For Indian students wanting to study medicine abroad, under the relevant Indian rules, Indian or eligible overseas candidates wishing to undertake a primary medical qualification will generally need to meet the relevant NEET qualification requirements.
Before paying any deposits for admission, students should ensure they know the course structure, length, internship and any recognition requirements. The World Directory of Medical Schools can help you find medical schools. However, this does not guarantee recognition. The World Health Organization can provide more general information around global health. Licensing requirements should be checked with the relevant Indian authorities.
NEET Exam History FAQs
When was NEET first introduced in India?
NEET-UG was first held in 2013. However, it faced legal disputes and came back in 2016. From 2017 it became the common national entrance exam for undergraduate medical admissions.
What did NEET replace?
NEET replaced several existing medical entrance pathways. AIPMT and various state entrance exams. This will depend on the year and relevant regulations.
Who runs NEET-UG?
NEET-UG is run by the National Testing Agency. It was taken over from CBSE in 2019.
Has the syllabus changed every year?
No, the syllabus doesn’t necessarily change every year. However, there may be some changes / clarifications. Ensure you follow the official syllabus for your exam.
Will I get an MBBS place if I qualify?
No. Qualifying means you are eligible to take part in the relevant admissions process, providing you meet all other criteria. Your actual place will depend on your rank, category, availability of seats, quotas, college preferences and counselling.
Where can I check official NEET updates?
Please refer to the official NEET-UG website for any exam announcements and information bulletins. Regulation requirements can be found on the NMC website.
Conclusion
Looking at the history of NEET, from its introduction in 2013 to the major exam controversies in 2024, we can see how much the medical admissions in India have changed. Whilst having a common exam has made things simpler, students should still be aware of eligibilities, passing marks, counselling, seat allocations and regulation requirements.
If you are preparing for NEET or planning your MBBS admission, focus on the current official syllabus, create a realistic revision plan and keep up to date with any notifications. For further guidance around medical education, visit MBBS Advisor and ensure you check all important decisions against the relevant official rules.
