For medical graduates in India who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in medicine, the NEET PG exam is a crucial step. Short for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate, NEET PG is a national-level entrance test that grants admission into MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), and PG Diploma courses. It is regulated by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is mandatory for admission into most government and private medical colleges in India.
Every year, thousands of aspiring doctors fill out the NEET PG application form to compete for a limited number of postgraduate medical seats. This article will provide comprehensive information on the NEET PG exam, including eligibility, exam pattern, how to fill out the NEET PG application form, important dates, and more.
What is NEET PG?
NEET PG is the only entrance examination approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) for admission to postgraduate medical programs across the country. The examination is mandatory for all MBBS graduates who wish to specialize in medical fields through postgraduate courses such as:
- MD (Doctor of Medicine)
- MS (Master of Surgery)
- PG Diploma
The exam is conducted once a year, usually in March, and the results are used for seat allocation through centralized counseling conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and state authorities.
Who Can Apply for NEET PG?
Before filling out the NEET PG application form, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the NBE:
- MBBS Degree: Candidates must possess an MBBS degree or a provisional pass certificate recognized by the MCI/NMC.
- Internship: Completion of a one-year rotatory internship on or before March 31 of the examination year is mandatory.
- Registration Certificate: A valid registration certificate (permanent or provisional) from the MCI, NMC, or State Medical Council is required.
- Foreign Medical Graduates: Candidates with foreign medical degrees must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) before applying.
How to Fill the NEET PG Application Form
The NEET PG application form is available only online through the official website: https://nbe.edu.in. Here is a step-by-step guide to filling it correctly:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official NBE website and select the NEET PG section.
- Register with your basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
- After successful registration, you will receive a unique login ID and password.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
- Log in using the credentials.
- Enter your personal details, academic qualifications, internship details, and contact information.
- Choose your preferred exam city from the available options.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Candidates must upload the following scanned documents:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Left-hand thumb impression
- MBBS degree/provisional certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- MCI/SMC registration certificate
Ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and in the prescribed format.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The NEET PG application form requires an online payment of the application fee. Fees vary by category:
- General/OBC: ₹5,000
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹3,500
Payment can be made via credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking.
Step 5: Submit the Application
After reviewing all the information and uploading the documents, click on the Submit button. Save and print a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
Correction Window
The NBE usually opens a correction window after the application process ends. During this period, candidates can rectify certain fields like photograph, signature, or category. However, some fields like name, email ID, and mobile number may not be editable. Always double-check the form before submission.
NEET PG Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for good preparation. Here’s a brief overview:
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Questions: 200
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer
The syllabus covers all 19 subjects taught during the MBBS program, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Clinical subjects.
Admit Card
After submitting the NEET PG application form and once the exam date approaches, the admit card becomes available for download from the official website. The admit card contains:
- Candidate’s name and photo
- Roll number
- Exam date and time
- Exam center address
- Instructions for the exam
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.
Important Dates (Tentative)
The NEET PG timeline generally follows a consistent annual schedule. The application form is typically released in January, giving candidates ample time to prepare and gather the necessary documents. The last date to submit the form usually falls at the end of January, marking the closure of the registration window. Following this, the correction window opens in early February, allowing applicants to make permitted edits to their submitted forms. Once the application process is finalized, the admit cards are released in March, usually a few weeks before the exam. The NEET PG exam itself is conducted in March, and the results are generally announced in April, enabling candidates to proceed with the counseling and admission process thereafter.
