NEET PG - Complete Guide 2025: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation

NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate) is the single largest medical entrance examination in India, determining admission to all medical postgraduate courses across the country.

It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) annually and serves as the sole gateway for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma courses in government and private medical colleges.

The examination tests comprehensive knowledge of the complete MBBS curriculum, assessing candidates' clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and medical decision-making abilities.

NEET PG replaced all state-level and institutional PG medical entrance exams, creating a uniform, transparent, and standardized admission process nationwide.

It plays a crucial role in shaping the future medical specialists of India, ensuring quality standards in postgraduate medical education.

• Single national-level exam for all PG medical admissions
• Conducted once a year (usually in March)
• Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only
• 200 multiple-choice questions from MBBS curriculum
• Negative marking system (4:1 marking scheme)
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Based on latest NMC-prescribed MBBS syllabus
• Scores valid for one academic year

• Total Duration: 210 minutes (3.5 hours)
• Total Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions
• Total Marks: 800 (4 marks per correct answer)
• Negative Marking: -1 for each incorrect answer
• Question Type: Single best answer type
• Subjects: Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, Clinical subjects
• Medium: English only
• Test Centres: Across India and some international locations
• Result: Percentile-based ranking system
• Validity: Score valid for current admission year only

• Educational Qualification: MBBS degree recognized by NMC
• Internship Completion: Must complete internship by March 31, 2025
• Registration: Provisional/Permanent registration with NMC/State Medical Council
• Minimum Marks: No minimum percentage requirement in MBBS
• Attempts: No restriction on number of attempts
• Age Limit: No upper age limit
• Nationality: Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals eligible
• Documentation: Valid MBBS degree, internship completion certificate, registration certificate

NEET PG is followed by centralized counseling for All India Quota seats and separate state counseling for state quota seats.

The admission process involves multiple rounds of counseling including mock counseling, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting to allotted colleges.

• NEET PG Registration – Online application through NBE website
• Admit Card Download – Available 1-2 weeks before exam
• NEET PG Examination – At designated test centers across India
• Result Declaration – Scorecard with percentile and All India Rank
• Registration for Counseling – Separate registration for AIQ and state counseling
• Choice Filling – Preference selection for colleges and branches
• Seat Allotment – Multiple rounds based on merit and preferences
• Document Verification – At allotted medical colleges
• Admission Confirmation – Payment of fees and joining the course

NEET PG syllabus comprehensively covers the entire MBBS curriculum as prescribed by the National Medical Commission.

The examination emphasizes clinical application of knowledge, diagnostic skills, and evidence-based medical practice.

• Pre-Clinical Subjects – Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
• Para-Clinical Subjects – Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine
• Clinical Subjects – Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Anesthesiology, Radiology
• Recent Advances – Recent developments in medical sciences
• Image-Based Questions – Radiology images, histopathology slides, clinical photographs
• Clinical Case Scenarios – Patient management questions
• Applied Basic Sciences – Clinical application of basic science concepts
• Medical Ethics – Professional ethics, medical jurisprudence

NEET PG preparation requires systematic and comprehensive coverage of the vast MBBS curriculum with focus on high-yield topics.

Success depends on integrated learning, regular revision, and extensive practice with clinical application questions.

• Integrated Preparation – Connect basic sciences with clinical subjects
• Standard Textbooks – Thorough reading of standard medical textbooks
• Previous Years' Papers – Analysis of past 10 years' questions
• Mock Tests – Regular full-length simulated tests
• Revision Schedule – Systematic revision of all subjects multiple times
• High-Yield Topics – Focus on frequently asked topics
• Clinical Application – Practice with clinical scenario questions
• Time Management – Develop speed for 200 questions in 210 minutes

• Medicine – Focus on common diseases, diagnostic criteria, treatment protocols
• Surgery – Emphasize surgical anatomy, procedures, postoperative care
• Obstetrics & Gynecology – Know common conditions, labor management, surgical procedures
• Pediatrics – Growth milestones, immunization, common pediatric illnesses
• Pathology – Histopathology slides, hematology, clinical pathology
• Pharmacology – Drug classification, mechanisms, side effects, interactions
• Microbiology – Common organisms, diagnostic tests, antimicrobial sensitivity
• Anatomy – Clinical anatomy, nerve pathways, blood supply

• Clinical Specialties – Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Super Specialties – Cardiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Urology
• Diagnostic Specialties – Radiology, Pathology, Microbiology
• Surgical Specialties – Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Anesthesiology
• Para-Clinical Specialties – Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine
• Emerging Fields – Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Palliative Medicine
• Hospital Administration – Healthcare management and administration
• Academic Medicine – Teaching and research positions

NEET PG qualification opens doors to specialized medical practice, academic positions, research opportunities, and healthcare leadership roles.

Postgraduate medical education through NEET PG leads to diverse career paths with significant professional growth and societal impact.

• Clinical Practice – Specialist practice in hospitals and clinics
• Academic Positions – Teaching in medical colleges and institutions
• Research Careers – Clinical research and medical innovations
• Hospital Administration – Healthcare management roles
• Public Health – Government health services and policy-making
• Super Specialty – Further specialization through DM/MCh programs
• International Opportunities – Medical practice abroad after required examinations
• Consultancy – Healthcare consulting and advisory roles
• Private Practice – Establishing own specialty clinic or hospital
• Corporate Sector – Medical roles in pharmaceutical and healthcare companies