What is the difference between NEET UG and NEET PG?
If you are aspiring for a career in medicine, you are at the right place where you will know about both NEET UG and NEET PG in more detail. You have probably heard of NEET UG and NEET PG. But what exactly do these NEET UG and NEET PG terms mean, and how are they different? Many aspirants are curious to know. Let’s differentiate NEET UG and NEET PG. The prime objective of the article is to elevate the knowledge about the NEET UG and NEET PG and make you aware of the core differences between these prestigious medical entrance exams. Let’s explore What is NEET UG and NEET PG.
NEET UG: First Step to Becoming a Doctor
NEET UG means the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical undergraduate courses. It is a national-level medical entrance exam, conducted for admission to various medical undergraduate programs (MBBS, BDS, BAMS and other medical courses). The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET (UG) for students who have passed or are appearing in 12th grade. It opens multiple opportunities to begin a successful career as a doctor or medical professional.
NEET UG Eligibility: A candidate must have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology as the main subjects.
NEET UG Exam Pattern: The NEET UG covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology topics from the 11th and 12th standard syllabus.
NEET UG Syllabus: NEET Syllabus
Opportunities After NEET UG: Clearing NEET UG opens doors to medical colleges across India for undergraduate medical studies.
List of some popular undergraduate medical programs:
- MBBS
- BAMS
- BUMS
- BSMS and BDS Course
NEET PG: The Next Level for Doctors
NEET PG means National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduation, is an eligibility-cum-ranking examination specified as the single entrance examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for admission to various MD/MS and PG Diploma Courses. Interestingly, you will be glad to know that, NEET PG is the only entrance examination for admission to MD/MS and PG Diploma Courses and no other entrance examinations, either at the state or the Institution level are conducted for entry to these PG courses. So, it is a single-window entrance examination for admission to these programs.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET PG: A candidate must have an MBBS degree provisional MBBS pass certificate recognised by the National Medical Council or State Medical Council and have completed one year of internship.
NEET PG Exam Pattern: The NEET PG covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology topics from the 11th and 12th standard syllabus.
NEET PG Syllabus: The NEET PG syllabus comprises subject/knowledge areas as per Graduate Medical Education Regulations issued by the erstwhile Medical Council of India with prior approval of the Govt of India.
Opportunities After NEET PG: Clearing NEET PG opens doors to pursue specialised PG medical courses from top medical institutions across India.
List of Specialised Medical PG Courses Based on NEET PG
- MD (Master of Doctor)
- MS ( Master of Surgery)
List of PG Diploma Courses based on NEET PG
- Diploma courses in Broad Specialties
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Family Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- Radio Diagnosis
- Tuberculosis & Chest Disease
- Emergency Medicine
Centralized admissions do not cover the following institutions for MD/MS seats through NEET- PG:
- AIIMS ( All)
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum
Core Difference between NEET UG and NEET PG
Feature | NEET UG | NEET PG |
---|---|---|
Eligibility | 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology | MBBS degree holder |
Level | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
Purpose | Admission to undergraduate medical programs (MBBS, BDS, BAMS, etc,) | Admission to postgraduate medical programs (MD, MS and PG Diploma Courses) |
Mode of the Exam | OMR Based (Pen & Paper) | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Duration | 3 hours 20 minutes | 3 hours 30 minutes |
Type of Question(s) | MCQ (Objective) | MCQ (Objective) |
No. of Questions | 200 | 200 |
Total Marks | 720 | 800 |
Marking Scheme | Correct Response: +4 Marks | Correct Response: +4 Marks |
Incorrect Response: -1 Negative Marking | Incorrect Response: -1 Negative Marking | |
Difficulty Level | Generally considered tougher | Considered more specialised and challenging |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) | National Board of Examinations in Medical Science |
Conclusion
Knowing the disparities between these two exams enhances your understanding of the key elements of NEET UG and NEET PG. Even though NEET UG and NEET PG are highly challenging and competitive, the journey can be made easier and more fruitful with the right guidance throughout the preparation. So It would be a win-win situation for NEET aspirants to prepare under the guidance of expert faculties. It will help you clear your doubts and equip you with the right skills to ace the NEET with a good score.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is tougher, NEET UG or NEET PG?
NEET PG is considered tougher than NEET UG because it is conducted for admission to explore specialised branches of medicine.
What is the NEET PG exam for?
NEET PG is conducted for admission to various MD/MS and PG Diploma programs.
Is NEET PG only for MBBS students?
Yes, only candidates with an MBBS degree can appear for NEET PG to pursue MD/MS and PG Diploma courses.
Do MBBS PG students get a salary?
Yes, PG students will get a stipend during their PG course.
Who can give NEET UG?
All candidates who have passed the 12th or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as their main subject can appear for the NEET UG.
How many years is PG after MBBS?
Generally, post MBBS PG courses are of 3 years duration, depending upon the specialisation chosen.
What is the full form of NEET UG and PG?
NEET UG stands for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate medical courses. While NEET PG means the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test conducted for admission to postgraduate medical programs in government and private medical colleges.
For more detailed information, the candidate should carefully read the information bulletin.