NEET 2024 exam will be conducted on May 5. Some of you are yet to start the preparation and are wondering how to start the NEET preparation journey. Here on this article of Shiksha, we bring the tips and strategies to start the NEET UG 2024 preparation strategy.
Are You Ready for NEET UG 2024? Start Your Preparation Journey Now
NEET UG 2024 exam date has been announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA), to be held on May 5, 2024. With over six months left for the exam, you must have started NEET preparation at full swing. If not, it is high time to start your preparation journey now.
Explore colleges based on NEET
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Recently, the National Medical Commission (NMC) released the NEET 2024 syllabus and it has been revised as compared to last year. Hence, if you have yet to start the NEET preparation, fret not, as you still have ample time to prepare and be ready for NEET UG 2024.
Q: What is the total number of NEET 2024 exam centres?
The exact numbers of NEET 2024 exam centres was 4,750, for the original exam date of May 5, 2024. The NEET 2024 re-exam was conducted in seven exam centres located in five states across India. It is expected that the total number of the NEET exam centres in 2024 will be above 5,000. Last year, the total number of exam cities was 4,097. The number of exam cities in India has also increased this year.
Q: What is the date of NEET 2024?
NTA announced the NEET 2024 exam date on September 19, 2023. NEET 2024 exam was conducted on May 5. The result of NEET 2024 was declared on June 4, 2024. After the result declaration, several irregularities and anomalies were found in the result and the scoring system. Hence, NTA is reconducting NEET 2024 on June 23, 2024, for 1,563 candidates who were awarded grace marks. The result will be declared on June 30, 2024. The NEET 2024 counselling process for the 15 per cent All India Quota (AIQ) seats is likely to be conducted from July 6, 2024 onwards.
The NEET 2024 application process was conducted from February 9, 2024, to March 16, 2024. The last date of application was extended from March 9, by a week. The application and correction windows were reopened in April. While the NEET exam dates were scheduled in September and July a couple of years ago owing to the pandemic situation, it took a toll on the medical admission schedule. To bridge this gap, NTA conducted NEET in May last year. The trend is being continued for NEET 2024 as well.
Q: When was NEET 2024 conducted?
NEET 2024 was conducted on May 5, 2024, from 2 PM to 5.20 PM (IST). NTA conducted the exam in 571 cities across India and abroad. Around 20 lakh candidates appeared for the exam. The difficulty level of the exam was moderate to tough. NEET is a paper-pencil based test (PBT) consisting of a total of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Out of this, candidates had to attempt 180 questions. The total marks of the exam is 720.
Also Read: NEET 2024 Syllabus Released by NMC
NEET 2024 Exam Pattern
Even though the NEET 2024 syllabus has been revised, it is likely that the NEET exam pattern 2024 will remain the same. However, the chances of the exam pattern or structure getting modified cannot be ruled out completely. The pattern will be announced along with the NEET 2024 notification and information bulletin, tentatively in the first week of March 2024. Refer to the current NEET exam pattern below.
Explore more Medicine & Health Sciences exams with upcoming dates
8 Jan '25 - 12 Jan '25
21 Feb '25
5 Mar '25 - 25 Apr '25
14 Nov '24 - 31 May '25
19 Jul '25
| Sections |
Number of Questions |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics Section A |
35 |
140 |
| Physics Section B |
15 |
40 |
| Chemistry Section A |
35 |
140 |
| Chemistry Section B |
15 |
40 |
| Botany Section A |
35 |
140 |
| Botany Section B |
15 |
40 |
| Zoology Section A |
35 |
140 |
| Zoology Section B |
15 |
40 |
NEET 2024 Exam Highlights
Here we bring the key information or the highlights of the NEET 2024 exam which you must be aware of before starting the NEET preparation journey.
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of the examination |
Offline |
| Duration of the examination |
Three hours and Twenty Minutes (3.20 hours) |
| Exam timing |
2 pm to 5.20 pm |
| Type of questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total number of Questions |
200 (180 applicable questions for attempt) |
| Question Paper language/Medium of question paper |
13 – English, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Malayalam and Kannada |
| Total Marks |
720 |
| Negative marking |
Yes |
| Marking Scheme |
+4 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer 0 for unattempted or extra attempted question |
| Total sections in the question paper |
3 (Two sections for each subject) Section A - 35 questions Section B- 15 questions (10 to be attempted) |
| NEET Subjects |
Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Botany + Zoology) |
How to Start NEET UG 2024 Preparation Journey
Let us now bring to you tips on how to start your preparation journey for NEET UG 2024.
Check the new NEET 2024 syllabus: First and foremost, you should go through the NEET 2024 syllabus thoroughly and understand the difference. Some of you must have already started the preparation and hence, it is important to note the chapters which have been removed and those which have been added. Unless you note the differences, you will not be able to revise the preparation strategy.
Q: What is the timing of the NEET examination?
The duration of NEET exam is three hours and 20 minutes. The exam will commence at 2 PM and conclude at 5.20 PM as per the Indian Standard Time (IST). The timing for the international centres varied as per the local timings. NEET is a continuous test with no breaks allowed in between. Candidates needed to report to the exam centre at least one hour prior to the exam timing. Moreover, candidates were not be allowed to leave the exam hall before the stipulated duration as well.
Q: Will NEET 2024 be delayed?
NEET 2024 was conducted on May 5, 2024. NTA announced the exam date on September 19, approximately eight months in advance. NTA has decided the exam date after much deliberation and assessing situations such as Board exam schedule, other exams, etc. Over the past few years, NEET exam date was delayed owing to the pandemic situation, which affected the overall academic calendar. To bring back normalcy, NTA conducted NEET UG 2024 in May, similar to the pre-pandemic era after much brainstorming and assessing other entrance exam dates. Howrver, NEET 2024 will be reconducted on June 23, 2024, for 1,563 candidates who were given grace marks. The Supreme Court of India has asked NTA not to delay the admission process. Hence, NTA will release the result of the retest on June 30, 2024, and the counselling process will begin in July 2024.
Q: What is the schedule for NEET exam 2025?
NEET or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test involves various stages or events. The dates for each event are announced by the exam conducting body, National Testing Agency (NTA), in advance. The following table brings the sequence-wise upcoming events and the dates (official and tentative) of NEET.
Events | Dates |
|---|---|
NEET 2025 exam date announcement | Second week of November 2024 |
NEET 2025 application form release | First week of March 2025 |
NEET 2025 application form last date | Fourth week of March 2025 |
NEET 2025 application correction window | First week of April 2025 |
NEET 2025 city intimation slip | Fourth week of April 2025 |
NEET 2025 admit card | First week of May 2025 |
NEET 2025 exam | First week of May 2025 |
NEET 2025 provisional answer key release and objection submission | Fourth week of May 2025 |
NEET 2025 result and final answer key | Second week of June 2025 |
Q: How much time will I get to solve each section of NEET 2025?
Candidates will get 3 hours and 20 minutes to solve the entire question paper of NEET. They can divide the time between the NEET subjects or sections as per their convenience. There is no sectional time limit in the NEET exam pattern. According to the experts, candidates should keep around one hour for each subject and 20 minutes for revision. Candidates must prepare a fool proof time management strategy while taking mock tests. They must follow different approaches and then finalise on the most convenient one.
Q: What is the total number of NEET 2024 exam cities?
The total number of exam cities for NEET 2024 was 568. The number of exam cities increased from last year, which was 499, including 14 international cities. This year, the total number of NEET exam cities in India is 554, wherein 69 new cities have been added in India. The states which has seen high increase in the exam cities are Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, among others. The number of NEET exam cities outside India has remained 14.
Also Read: NEET 2024 Centres: Exam Cities Increased to 568; Know Cities Added This Year
Gather books and Study Materials: As you must be aware by now, NCERT books are considered to be the best books for NEET preparation. Hence, you must ensure that you have collected the NCERT books for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Apart from these, there are several other reference books for NEET which not only consist of theoretical chapters but practice materials as well. It is important to shortlist such books and practice materials carefully as just hoarding books might pose a problem of plenty. Only choose those books and study materials which are recommended by your teachers or seniors, and collect the latest edition catering to the updated syllabus.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Before starting the NEET UG 2024 preparation journey, you must ensure that you have identified your strengths and weaknesses among the three subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Within these subjects also, you should note the chapters or topics which is not your forte. Start your preparation with the weak subjects. Dedicate ample time to those topics till the time you are absolutely confident with those. Suggesting on managing the weak areas, Anurag Tiwari, National Academic Director of Aakash Institute states, “The first thing is to identify your weak and strong areas. Revising the theory and then question practice will help the students cope up with the weak areas while the strong areas can be re-strengthen by practicing as many questions as possible.”
Prepare Timetable: Discipline is the key to success in whatever you endeavour. The same is applicable for NEET 2024 preparation as well. Even if you start preparation way early and refer to multiple books and study materials, unless you prepare a timetable or follow a disciplined approach, it will be hard to achieve success. Make a broad timetable for your daylong activities including NEET preparation, school or college timings, food intake, leisure, etc. “Seven to eight hours of effective daily study schedule will help students in covering the NEET syllabus and keeping the pace of preparation intact. It is essential to choose the study hours and timings as per the convenience,” says Tiwari.
Decide about joining coaching: While joining coaching has been proven to be a tried and tested formula for success, there are several examples of successful NEET candidates who did not join a coaching institute. It is the approach and strategy that can make a difference. Hence, if you think you are capable enough to crack NEET 2024 without coaching, then you may do so. Otherwise, you may join a part-time or weekend coaching class, or enrol just for the test series. Analyse all the factors and choose the most convenient mode of coaching, or whether to prepare on your own.
Connect with peers and seniors: Build your network of peers or fellow NEET takers, as well as seniors who have already cleared NEET and are pursuing a medical course. This will help you stay updated with the latest information on NEET 2024, get guidance on preparation and also aid in exchanging notes, study materials or question papers. Regular interaction with them will also keep you aware of where you stand in comparison to your peers and what more to do in order to improve your NEET preparation strategy.
Utilise social media platforms: While social media platforms have a tendency to distract you during your preparation, utilising these for preparation will only benefit you. Join the groups or pages on NEET preparation to stay connected with peers, participate in quizzes, get the latest news and updates, study materials, NEET question papers and mock tests, etc.
Stay confident: While starting the NEET preparation journey, it is of utmost importance to be confident. Have faith in yourself about achieving success in NEET. If at any stage you get demotivated or lose focus, take a break and indulge in any activity that will bring a positive change in your mind. You can listen to music, read some inspiring books, watch some motivational movies or programmes, or simply have a chat with parents or friends.
Read More:
- How to score 600+ marks in NEET?
- NEET 2024 Preparation: Five Common Mistakes That Bring Your Score Down
- NEET Preparation Tips for Droppers
Sreetama has over a decade of editorial experience in the higher education beat. A wanderlust by passion, she is also an avid reader and a music lover. Among friends, she is popular for her sense of humour.
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jun '20 | AIIMS MBBS 2020 Results |
May '20 | AIIMS MBBS 2020 Exam |
Jun '20 | JIPMER 2020 exam (tentative) |
8 Jan '25 - 12 Jan '25 | FMGE 2024 Admit Card for Decem... |
12 Jan '25 | FMGE 2024 Exam December Sessio... |
Jan '25 | OJEE 2025 registrations |
Apr '25 | OJEE 2025: Admit Card Release |
Jul '22 | DAVV CET 2022 Registration |
Mar '25 | PU CET (UG) 2025 Application F... |
Mar '25 | PU CET (UG) 2025 Registration ... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 17 hours ago
Dear Kappish,
Madras Medical College (MMC) in Chennai offers a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) program with 60 seats.
The NEET cutoff scores for the B.Pharm course at MMC are as follows:- General Category: 132.5
- SC Category: 97.5
These scores represent the minimum required to be considered for admission.
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 18 hours ago
Dear Pranav,
To enhance your NEET Physics preparation, consider utilizing the Vijyam NEET Chapterwise Test Series 2025, which offers 85 tests, including 28 chapter-wise tests for Physics, aligned with the latest NTA pattern.
Additionally, online platforms like CareerOrbits provide subject-wise mock t
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
Dear Siva,
To be eligible for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in India, candidates must have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Since you have completed 12th with only Physics and Chemistry, you would need to fulfill the Biology requirement.
In Singapor
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
The application for NEET UG 2025 will be available from January 2025, and the examination is scheduled to be held on May 4, 2025;
Important Dates
Application Form Issued: January 2025
Application Last Date: February 2025
Correction Window: March 2025
Admit Card Release: April 2025
Exam Date: May 4, 2025
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is one of the most sought-after undergraduate courses in the medical stream. In India, admission to this program generally requires candidates to qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG);
NEET-UG Qualifying Marks for General Category (2024)
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
Hi Dr Saab,
Admission to the BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) programme in India, including Shimla, requires NEET as per the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) guidelines. Without a valid NEET score, admission to BVSc is not possible in government veterinary colleges.
However, some private unive
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
As per BHU cutoff 2024 for the last-round seat allotment, the minimum rank stood at 1098 for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) course for the General AI category candidates. Similarly, for the OBC category, the minimum rank stood at 1585 for the MBBS course.
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
You can apply for NEET with a United States high school Diploma if you have AIU equivalence and meet all required criteria. Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English must be included in your curriculum. Minimum PCB scores (50%, adjusted for reserved categories and PwD); and age 17 by De
H
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, NEET is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to MBBS programs in Russia. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a mandatory entrance exam for medical courses in India, and it's also recognised by many foreign universities, including those in Russia. Even though other st
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
The NEET UG score plays a crucial role in the BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) admission process. It serves as the primary criterion for determining eligibility for dental colleges across India.
Candidates must secure a minimum qualifying score in NEET-UG to be considered for admission to the BDS co
L
Contributor-Level 6
What is the safest score in neet for b-pharm course in MMC chennai college?