In a significant move impacting over 23 lakh medical aspirants across India, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced two key changes in NEET 2025 (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). These changes aim to enhance transparency and bring consistency to India’s most crucial entrance exam for medical admissions.
NEET 2025 Exam Date Confirmed: May 4
This year, NEET 2025 will be conducted on May 4, and it will be notably different from the previous editions. As shared by Alpesh Shah, Academic Director of Modi Group of Schools, these new updates are vital for both students and parents to understand before entering the exam hall.
Only Government Institutions to Host NEET 2025 Exam
One of the most impactful changes is that private institutions will no longer be allocated as exam centers. This decision comes in the wake of last year’s malpractice incidents reported from various locations, including Godhra in Gujarat.
In several cases, answer sheets were allegedly submitted late or leaked, and students were found to have been coached during the exam. To prevent any such irregularities, NTA has restricted all NEET 2025 centers to government-owned institutions, ensuring greater transparency and accountability during the test.
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Optional Questions Removed from the NEET 2025 Paper Pattern
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, NEET candidates were given flexibility in the form of optional questions. From 2021 to 2024, students could attempt 180 questions out of 200, selecting their strongest areas in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
However, starting this year, the NEET 2025 question pattern will revert to its original format:
- 180 MCQs, no optional questions
- Total marks: 720
- +4 for each correct answer
- -1 for each wrong answer
- No attempt = -4 marks (new rule)
First Drop in NEET Registrations After 7 Years
For the first time since 2017, NEET registration numbers have seen a decline. While NEET 2024 recorded over 24 lakh applicants, NEET 2025 is expected to witness around 23 lakh registrations, showing a dip of approximately 1.6 lakh candidates.
Experts attribute this drop to the fading impact of mass promotions given during the COVID-19 era and a shift in student interest. Some may also be deterred by the increased competition and stringent marking.
NEET: The Single Gateway to Medical Admissions
Before NEET was made mandatory, medical admissions in Gujarat and other states were based on state board exams and entrance tests like GUJCET and AIPMT. Since 2017, however, NEET has become the unified entrance exam for all medical, dental, and AYUSH courses across India.
In Gujarat:
- 85% seats in government medical colleges are reserved under the State Merit Quota
- 15% seats fall under the All India Quota (AIQ), including prestigious institutions like AIIMS and medical colleges outside the state
Eligibility Criteria for NEET 2025
To appear for NEET 2025, students must meet the following minimum academic qualifications:
| Category | Minimum Marks (PCB Subjects) |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| OBC | 45% |
| SC/ST | 40% |
Rajkot: A Rising Star in NEET Performance
Rajkot has been scintillating on the national level. In recent years, its students have excelled in NEET, with many securing seats at AIIMS Rajkot, which is going to announce its first batch of doctors next year. In 2024, 15 students from Rajkot entered AIIMS Rajkot, exemplifying the academic brilliance of the city.
NEET Registration Trends Over the Years
Here’s a look at how NEET registrations have grown over time:
| Year | Total Registrations |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 11,38,890 |
| 2018 | 13,26,725 |
| 2019 | 15,19,375 |
| 2020 | 15,97,435 |
| 2021 | 16,14,777 |
| 2022 | 18,72,343 |
| 2023 | 20,87,462 |
| 2024 | 24,06,079 |
| 2025 | 23,00,000 (est.) |
Medical Education in Gujarat: Seat & Fee Structure (2025)
MBBS
| Type | Seats | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Government | 1,408 | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 |
| GMERS | 2,100 | ₹3.30 – ₹9.75 lakh |
| Private | 3,350 | ₹5.93 – ₹18.40 lakh |
BDS (Dental)
| Type | Seats | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Government | 250 | ₹20,000 |
| Private | 1,005 | ₹2 – ₹7.98 lakh |
BAMS (Ayurvedic)
| Type | Seats | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Government | 387 | ₹4,000 |
| Private | 2,569 | ₹2.25 – ₹4.97 lakh |
BHMS (Homeopathy)
| Type | Seats | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Government | 500 | ₹4,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Private | 3,790 | ₹71,000 – ₹1.84 lakh |