•  Content Creator : Prabhjot
• 11-02-2024

Medicine is a noble profession that offers the opportunity to save lives, explore medical innovations, and contribute to society's well-being. For aspirants in India, the journey begins with excelling in medical entrance exams in India 2025, which pave the way to premier institutions offering courses in MBBS, BDS, and other healthcare-related fields.

In this guide, we provide a detailed overview of the top entrance exams for the medical stream along with their eligibility criteria, exam structure, and preparation tips to help you succeed.

Significance of Medical Entrance Exams

Medical entrance exams in India are designed to evaluate candidates on their theoretical knowledge, practical understanding, and analytical skills. They ensure a merit-based admission process to the top government and private medical colleges. These exams are stepping stones to careers not only as doctors and surgeons but also in allied fields like dentistry, Ayurveda, nursing, and super-specialized disciplines.

With the intense competition and limited seats, these exams demand rigorous preparation and a clear understanding of the exam patterns and syllabus.

List of Top Medical Entrance Exams in India 2025

Below is a list of the most important medical entrance exams in India, their eligibility criteria, key dates, and courses offered:

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

NEET UG is the most sought-after exam for undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programs.

Key Details:

• Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Courses Covered: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and BVSc & AH
• Eligibility: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• Exam Pattern:
  • Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper-based)
  • Total Questions: 200 (180 to be attempted)
  • Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology)
  • Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers

Important Dates (Tentative):

2. NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Postgraduate)

NEET PG is the primary exam for admission into postgraduate medical programs such as MD, MS, and PG Diploma.

Key Details:

• Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
• Eligibility: MBBS degree with a one-year mandatory internship and valid registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• Exam Pattern:
  • Mode: Online (CBT)
  • Total Questions: 200
  • Duration: 3.5 hours
  • Syllabus: Entire MBBS curriculum

Important Dates (Tentative):

3. NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Super Specialty)

NEET SS is for doctors aiming to pursue DM or MCh courses, which are super-specialty programs.

Key Details:

• Conducting Body: NBE
• Eligibility: MD/MS or equivalent qualification in the respective field.
• Exam Pattern:
  • Mode: Online (CBT)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Questions: Specialty-specific and advanced-level

Important Dates (Tentative):

4. NEET MDS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Master of Dental Surgery)

NEET MDS is the entrance exam for postgraduate dental courses like MDS.

Key Details:

• Conducting Body: NBE
• Eligibility: BDS degree with mandatory internship and registration with the Dental Council of India (DCI).
• Exam Pattern:
  • Mode: Online (CBT)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Questions: 240 MCQs

Important Dates (Tentative):

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

INI CET is conducted twice a year for admission to postgraduate courses at prestigious institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS.

Key Details:

• Conducting Body: AIIMS Delhi
• Courses Covered: MD, MS, MCh, DM, MDS
• Eligibility: MBBS/BDS with minimum qualifying marks and internship completion.
• Exam Pattern:
  • Mode: Online (CBT)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Questions: 200

Important Dates (Tentative):

6. FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination)

FMGE is a licensing exam for Indian citizens who have earned their medical degree abroad and wish to practice in India.

Key Details:

• Conducting Body: NBE
• Eligibility: MBBS degree from an institution recognized by the respective country’s medical council.
• Exam Pattern:
  • Mode: Online (CBT)
  • Questions: 300 (Split into two sessions)
  • Marking Scheme: No negative marking

Important Dates (Tentative):

 

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

AIAPGET is conducted for admission to postgraduate AYUSH programs, including MD/MS in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

Key Details:

• Conducting Body: NTA
• Eligibility: BAMS/BHMS/BUMS/BSMS degree with a mandatory internship.
• Exam Pattern:
  • Mode: Online (CBT)
  • Questions: 100 MCQs
  • Duration: 90 minutes

Important Dates (Tentative):

8. AIIMS Nursing

This exam is for students seeking admission to B.Sc. (H), M.Sc., and Post-Basic Nursing programs at AIIMS.

Key Details:

• Conducting Body: AIIMS Delhi
• Eligibility: Varies based on the program; candidates must have the requisite educational qualifications in nursing.
• Exam Pattern:
  • Mode: Online (CBT)
  • Questions: 100 (For UG)
  • Duration: 2 hours

Important Dates (Tentative):

Conclusion

India's medical entrance exams are gateways to rewarding careers in healthcare, offering opportunities to study at prestigious institutions and specialize in diverse medical fields. Each exam has its own unique focus, catering to undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-specialty aspirants.

With structured preparation, dedication, and a clear understanding of the exam patterns, you can achieve your dream of becoming a healthcare professional. Stay updated with official notifications and start your preparation early. Good luck!