NEET UG 2026: History and Evolution of Medical Admissions in India

Balasahana Suresh
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) is now mandatory for admission to medical courses like MBBS, BDS, and BAMS in India. Every student aspiring to enter the medical field must qualify in NEET UG after 12th grade. But how did medical admissions work before NEET was implemented, and when did NEET become the standard?

Before NEET: How MBBS Admissions Were Conducted

Multiple Entrance Exams:

Before NEET, admissions were granted based on state-level medical entrance exams and individual college-level tests.

Students often had to appear for multiple exams across different states and colleges.

Merit-Based Admissions:

Each college or state conducted its own merit list based on exam performance and 12th-grade marks.

This system caused confusion, duplication of efforts, and disparities in admission standards.

Lack of Standardization:

Different states and institutions had different syllabi, formats, and eligibility criteria, making it challenging for students to prepare uniformly.

Introduction of NEET

Initial Phase:

NEET was first introduced in 2013 to unify medical entrance exams across India.

The supreme court of india later mandated NEET as the single entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses.

Mandatory for All:

Since 2016, NEET became compulsory for all candidates seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses in both government and private colleges.

This ensures a standardized and fair admission process nationwide.

Benefits of NEET

  • Single National-Level Exam: Reduces the burden of multiple exams.
  • Uniform Syllabus and Criteria: Ensures fairness in evaluation.
  • Transparency and Merit-Based Selection: Helps deserving students secure medical seats based on merit.
Conclusion

NEET UG has revolutionized medical admissions in India by replacing numerous state and college-level exams with a single, standardized test. Understanding this evolution helps students appreciate the importance of NEET and prepare more effectively for their medical career.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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