Top 10 Medical Entrance Exams in India

And competitive assessments that determine admission to top institutions offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-speciality programs in healthcare.

Each year, a vast number of students appear for various medical entrance exams in India, hoping to secure a seat in programs like MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, Nursing, and others. Given the limited number of seats and the growing competition, aspirants need to stay informed about the right exams, eligibility requirements, medical entrance exam dates, application procedures, and qualifying criteria.

While some exams, such as NEET-UG, serve as the primary gateway for undergraduate medical education across the country, others like NEET-PG, INI-CET, and NEET-SS cater to students pursuing advanced degrees and specializations. In addition, specific exams like AIAPGET and FMGE support those entering traditional medicine or seeking recognition for foreign medical degrees.

This blog provides an overview of the Top 10 Medical Entrance Exams in India. Additionally, it outlines details such as exam eligibility, fee structures, total and qualifying marks, and important dates offering a clear and structured guide for students at various stages of their medical journey.

Top 10 Medical Entrance Exams in India:

The table delineates the top 10 medical entrance exams in India’s list, conducting authorities and the medical courses these exams help students get admission into. Moreover, this summary is useful for anyone who is planning to enter the medical or healthcare field.

Detailed Overview of Each Medical Entrance Exam:

1. NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate)

A NEET-UG is the primary entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, etc.) across India, which is conducted by the NTA. Moreover, it is mandatory for admission to all government and private medical colleges in India.

• Eligibility:  To be eligible for the NEET –UG exam candidate must pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. Minimum age: 17 years. No upper age limit.
• Application Fee:
  • General: ₹1700
  • EWS/OBC-NCL: ₹1600
  • SC/ST/PWD: ₹1000
• Total Marks: 720 (Physics - 180, Chemistry - 180, Biology - 360)
• Qualifying Marks:
  • General: 50th percentile (~137 marks in 2024)
  • SC/ST/OBC: 40th percentile (~107 marks)
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper)
• Expected Exam Date: 4th May 2025

2. NEET-PG (Postgraduate)

A NEET-PG is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is the main exam for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses.

• Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for NEET PG are MBBS degree recognized by NMC and completion of a 1-year internship.
• Application Fee:
  • General/OBC: ₹4250
  • SC/ST/PWD: ₹3250
• Total Marks: 800
• Qualifying Marks: Varies each year (2024 - Gen: 291, SC/ST: 257)
• Subjects: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, Clinical
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Expected Exam Date: March 2025

3. INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test)

INI-CET is the combined PG entrance test for AIIMS, JIPMER, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS.

• Eligibility: To be eligible for INI-CET exams, the applicant should have an MBBS from a recognized institution with a completed internship
• Application Fee:
  • General/OBC: ₹4000
  • SC/ST: ₹3200
• Total Marks: 200 MCQs
• Qualifying Marks:
  • General: 50th percentile
  • SC/ST: 45th percentile
• Mode of Exam: Online (CBT)
• Exam Sessions: May and November

4. AIIMS B.Sc. Nursing

This exam is for admission into the B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing at AIIMS institutions.

• Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English
  • Minimum 55% for General; 50% for SC/ST
• AIIMS B.Sc. Nursing application Fee:
  • General/OBC: ₹2000
  • SC/ST: ₹1600
• Total Marks: 100 (MCQs)
• Qualifying Marks:
  • General: 50%
  • OBC: 45%
  • SC/ST: 40%
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test
• Expected Exam Date: June 2025

5. JIPMER B.Sc. Nursing & Allied Health Sciences

JIPMER offers  a B.Sc. Nursing and Allied Health programs like MLT, Dialysis Technology, etc.

• Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB and English, minimum 50% marks
• JIPMER Application Fee:
  • General/OBC: ₹1500
  • SC/ST: ₹1200
• Total Marks: 100
• Qualifying Criteria: Depends on course and cut-off trends
• Mode of Exam: Online (CBT)
• Expected Exam Date: July 2025

6. AIAPGET (All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test)

AIAPGET is the national-level PG entrance for AYUSH courses.

• Eligibility: BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS with completed internship
• AIAPGET Application Fee:
  • General: ₹2700
  • OBC/EWS: ₹2450
  • SC/ST/PWD: ₹1800
• Total Marks: 480
• Qualifying Percentile:
  • General: 50th percentile
  • SC/ST/OBC: 40th percentile
• Mode of Exam: Online
• Expected Exam Date: August 2025

7. FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination)

FMGE is required for Indian nationals with foreign MBBS degrees to obtain a medical license in India.

• Eligibility: MBBS degree from abroad with NMC eligibility certificate
• FMGE Fee: ₹7080
• Total Marks: 300 (Two parts of 150 each)
• Qualifying Marks: 150/300
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test
• Exam Dates: June and December

8. NEET-SS (Super Specialty)

NEET-SS is for super-specialty programs like DM and MCh.

• Eligibility: MD/MS/DNB in the relevant discipline
• NEET-SS application Fee: ₹4250
• Total Marks: 400
• Qualifying Marks: 50th percentile
• Mode of Exam: Online
• Expected Exam Date: September 2025

9. PGIMER Chandigarh

Although many courses now fall under INI-CET, PGIMER still conducts independent exams for specific fields.

• Eligibility: For eligibility of PGIMER Chandigarh applicant should have an  MBBS degree with an internship.
• PGIMER Chandigarh Fee:
  • General/OBC: ₹1500
  • SC/ST: ₹1200
• Total Marks: 250 (Single paper)
• Qualifying Marks: 50th percentile
• Mode of Exam: Online

10. AFMC MBBS (via NEET)

AFMC Pune admits students to its MBBS program through NEET-UG scores, followed by additional screening.

• Eligibility:  To be eligible for AFMC MBBS candidate must qualify NEET-UG; 10+2 with PCB and English, with at least 60% in each subject
• AFMC Registration Fee: ₹250 (in addition to NEET)
• Shortlisting Criteria: NEET score + ToELR (Test of English, Logic & Reasoning) + Interview + Medical Test
• Total Marks (AFMC Round): 250
• Note: Service in the Armed Forces is mandatory upon completion

Medical Entrance Exam Dates 2025 (Tentative)

The table below gives an overview of the expected dates for major medical entrance exams in India in 2025. These tentative dates will help many aspirants to plan their preparation schedules more effectively and stay ahead in the admission process.

For more detailed and updated information regarding exam dates and notifications, you can visit Docthub.

FAQs:

Q.1 What are the main medical entrance exams conducted in India?  

The major medical entrance exams in India like NEET-UG, NEET-PG, INI-CET, AIAPGET, FMGE, AIIMS Nursing, JIPMER Nursing, NEET-SS, and PGIMER. NEET-UG are the widely accepted exams.         

Q.2 Is NEET mandatory for all medical courses in India?         

Yes, NEET is mandatory for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and even veterinary courses. It is required for both government and private colleges.         

Q.3 What are the eligibility criteria for NEET-UG?

To be eligible for NEET UG candidate must have:

• 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech, and English
• Min 50% marks (General), 40% (Reserved)
• Age: Min 17 years as of 31 Dec of admission year                

Q.4 How many times can a candidate appear for NEET?         

There is no upper limit on the number of NEET attempts. You can apply as many times as long as you meet the eligibility.            

Q.5 Is there a separate entrance exam for AIIMS or JIPMER MBBS?               

No, both AIIMS and JIPMER MBBS courses have been merged into NEET-UG since 2020. Admission is now solely based on NEET scores.