Introduction
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) eligibility criteria 2024 is a highly competitive examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in India. It serves as the gateway for aspiring medical and dental students to secure admissions in undergraduate courses offered by various medical colleges across the country. In order to appear for NEET 2024, candidates must fulfill certain eligibility criteria set by the NTA. This article will provide an overview of the NEET eligibility criteria 2024, including age limit and number of attempts.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024
To be eligible for NEET 2024, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
Age Limit
The minimum age limit for NEET 2024 is 17 years as of December 31, 2024. There is no upper age limit for candidates appearing in NEET. However, the eligibility criteria for admission to MBBS/BDS courses vary depending on the respective state/union territory regulations.
Academic Qualification
Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. The minimum aggregate marks required in the qualifying examination vary for different categories:
– General category: 50%
– General-PH category: 45%
– SC/ST/OBC category: 40%
Number of Attempts
As per the latest guidelines, there is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can appear for NEET as many times as they wish, provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
Important Points to Note
While understanding the eligibility criteria for NEET 2024, it is important to keep the following points in mind:
Admission Process
NEET is the first step towards securing admission in medical and dental courses. However, qualifying NEET does not guarantee admission to any particular college or course. Admission to medical and dental colleges is subject to the respective state/union territory regulations, counseling processes, and availability of seats.
Reservation Policy
The reservation policy for NEET is governed by the regulations of the respective state/union territory. Candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) must fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the concerned authorities to avail the benefits of reservation.
Foreign Nationals/PIO/OCI
Foreign nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizen of India (OCIs) are eligible to appear for NEET subject to compliance with the rules and regulations of the respective state/union territory and the Government of India.
Qualifying Marks
In order to qualify NEET, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks as specified by the NTA. The cutoff marks vary each year and are determined based on various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, number of candidates, and overall performance.
Admit Card
Candidates who fulfill the NEET eligibility criteria 2024 and successfully register for NEET will be issued an admit card by the NTA. The admit card serves as a crucial document for appearing in the examination and must be carried to the examination center along with a valid photo ID proof.
Conclusion
NEET is a highly competitive examination that requires candidates to meet certain eligibility criteria in order to appear for the exam. The eligibility criteria for NEET 2024 include age limit, academic qualification, and the number of attempts. It is essential for aspiring medical and dental students to thoroughly understand and fulfill these criteria to ensure a smooth application process. It is also important to note that qualifying NEET does not guarantee admission to any specific college or course, as the final admission is subject to various factors and regulations set by the respective authorities.
