The NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate) is a highly competitive entrance examination for students seeking admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in medical colleges across India. Conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), this exam is mandatory for MBBS graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate medical education.
Filling out the NEET PG application form is the first and most important step toward appearing in the exam. It is crucial that candidates understand the application process, eligibility criteria, important dates, and guidelines to avoid any mistakes that could affect their chances of admission.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of NEET PG and explain everything you need to know about the NEET PG application form.
What is NEET PG?
NEET PG is a national-level entrance examination conducted once a year. It is the only entrance test approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and National Medical Commission (NMC) for admission to postgraduate medical courses in India.
The exam is applicable for:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Master of Surgery (MS)
- Postgraduate Diploma Courses
It is important to note that institutions like AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and NIMHANS conduct separate entrance exams for their postgraduate programs.
NEET PG Eligibility Criteria
Before filling the NEET PG application form, candidates must ensure that they meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have an MBBS degree or provisional pass certificate recognized under the Indian Medical Council Act.
- Registration Certificate: A valid registration certificate (provisional or permanent) issued by MCI/NMC or any State Medical Council.
- Internship Completion: The candidate must complete a one-year internship on or before the date specified by NBE (usually March 31 of the exam year).
- Foreign Medical Graduates: Must pass the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and fulfill other standard requirements.
NEET PG Application Form: Step-by-Step Process
The NEET PG application form is released online on the official NBE website www.nbe.edu.in. There is no offline application process. Below are the steps to fill out the form correctly:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the NBE official website.
- Click on the NEET PG tab and register by providing your name, contact number, and email ID.
- You will receive login credentials (User ID and Password) via email and SMS.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Use your login credentials to access the application portal.
- Fill in personal details like name, address, gender, date of birth, and nationality.
- Enter your academic qualifications, including MBBS university, year of passing, internship completion date, and registration number.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
- Signature
- Left-hand thumb impression
- MBBS degree or provisional certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- MCI/NMC registration certificate
Ensure all uploads are clear and in the correct file format and size as mentioned in the instructions.
Step 4: Select Exam Centre
- Choose your preferred city for the NEET PG exam.
- Exam centers are allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early registration is recommended.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Make the payment using a secure online method (credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI).
Application Fee (based on previous years):
- General and OBC candidates: ₹5,000
- SC/ST/PWD candidates: ₹3,500
Step 6: Submit and Print Confirmation
- Review your application thoroughly.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
NEET PG Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern helps in effective preparation:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Language: English only
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Number of Questions: 200
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer
The syllabus is based on subjects taught during the MBBS course, including pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical topics.
Important Dates for NEET PG (Tentative)
The NBE usually releases the NEET PG application form in January, with the exam held in March. Here’s a tentative timeline:
- Application Form Release: Early January
- Last Date to Apply: End of January
- Edit Window (Correction Period): First week of February
- Admit Card Release: One week before the exam
- NEET PG Exam Date: March
- Results Declaration: April
Always refer to the latest notification on the NBE website for updated dates.
NEET PG Admit Card
After completing the application process, candidates can download the NEET PG admit card from the official website. It contains vital details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, exam center address, and important instructions.
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID on the day of the exam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in NEET PG Application Form
- Entering Incorrect Information: Cross-check your details before submission.
- Uploading Blurry Images: Ensure all documents are clear and properly formatted.
- Ignoring Eligibility Criteria: Confirm internship completion and registration status.
- Late Submission: Apply early to avoid last-minute issues with payment or server delays.
- Missing Corrections: Use the correction window to make necessary updates.