The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced that the NEET UG 2025 will be conducted in the traditional pen-and-paper mode (OMR-based). This decision comes after extensive deliberations between the Education and Health Ministries, following controversies surrounding alleged malpractices in the 2024 examination. The move aims to ensure transparency and accessibility for all candidates while maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
NEET UG is India’s largest medical entrance exam, serving as a gateway for undergraduate courses such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, and B.Sc. Nursing. With over 24 lakh registrations in 2024, this exam continues to be a critical milestone for aspiring medical professionals.
Article Contents
- 1 NEET UG 2025
- 1.1 Key Highlights of NEET UG 2025
- 1.2 Exam Pattern for NEET UG 2025
- 1.3 Important Dates for NEET UG 2025
- 1.4 Statistical Insights
- 1.5 Benefits of Pen-and-Paper Mode
- 1.6 Challenges and Concerns
- 1.7 Key Changes Introduced in NEET UG 2025
- 1.8 Courses Offered Through NEET UG Scores
- 1.9 Preparation Tips for Aspirants
- 2 Conclusion
- 3 Author
NEET UG 2025
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper OMR-based) |
| Exam Date (Tentative) | May 4, 2025 |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology) |
| Languages Available | 13 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and more |
| Application Start Date | February 2025 |
| Official Website | exams.nta.ac.in/NEET/ |
Key Highlights of NEET UG 2025
- Single-Day Examination: The exam will be conducted on a single day and in a single shift across all centers.
- Traditional Format: The pen-and-paper format ensures familiarity for students and reduces technological barriers.
- Enhanced Security Measures: The NTA has implemented stricter protocols to prevent paper leaks and malpractices.
- Mandatory Aadhaar Linkage: Candidates must update their Aadhaar details for seamless registration and verification.
Exam Pattern for NEET UG 2025
| Subject | Section A Questions | Section B Questions | Marks Per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 | 15 | +4 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 | 15 | +4 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany) | 35 | 15 | +4 | |
| Biology (Zoology) | 35 | 15 | +4 | |
| Total | 140 | 60 | 720 |
Important Dates for NEET UG 2025
- Application Form Release: February 2025
- Last Date to Apply: March 2025
- Admit Card Release: First week of May 2025
Statistical Insights
- In NEET UG 2024:
- Total Registrations: Over 24 lakh
- Candidates Appeared: Approximately 23.3 lakh
- Qualification Rate: Around 56.4%
- Gender Distribution:
- Male: ~44%
- Female: ~55%
- Transgender: ~0.01%
Benefits of Pen-and-Paper Mode
- Accessibility: Ensures inclusivity for students from rural areas with limited access to technology.
- Familiarity: Reduces stress as students are accustomed to offline exams during school.
- Reduced Technical Issues: Eliminates risks like server crashes or connectivity problems.
- Transparency: Allows physical verification of answer sheets if disputes arise.
Challenges and Concerns
- Potential risks of paper leaks despite enhanced security measures.
- Logistical challenges in managing over thousands of test centers nationwide.
- Calls from experts for a gradual shift to hybrid or computer-based testing for better scalability.
Key Changes Introduced in NEET UG 2025
- Introduction of the APAAR ID system for academic tracking.
- Mandatory Aadhaar linkage for streamlined registration and attendance verification.
- Stricter invigilation protocols at exam centers.
Courses Offered Through NEET UG Scores
| Course | Approximate Seats Available |
|---|---|
| MBBS | ~1,09,170 |
| BDS | ~27,868 |
| AYUSH Programs (BAMS, BHMS, etc.) | ~52,720 |
| BVSc & AH | ~603 |
Preparation Tips for Aspirants
- Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Create a study schedule covering all subjects equally.
- Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
- Focus on NCERT textbooks for conceptual clarity.
- Revise regularly and take breaks to avoid burnout.
Conclusion
The decision to conduct NEET UG 2025 in pen-and-paper mode underscores the NTA’s commitment to maintaining fairness and accessibility in one of India’s most competitive exams. With over a million aspirants vying for limited seats across prestigious medical institutions, thorough preparation and awareness of key updates are crucial for success.
