India’s medical education landscape is vast and competitive, with numerous entrance examinations paving the way for aspiring healthcare professionals. This guide delves into the major medical entrance exams in India for 2025, providing insights into their structures, eligibility criteria, and other essential details.
The journey to becoming a medical professional in India is marked by rigorous academic preparation and success in competitive entrance examinations. These exams assess candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and readiness for various medical courses, ranging from undergraduate to super-specialty levels. Staying informed about these examinations is crucial for aspirants aiming to secure a seat in esteemed medical institutions.
Undergraduate Medical Entrance Exams
NEET UG 2025
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG is the primary examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programs across India.
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Exam Date: May 4, 2025
- Mode: Pen-and-paper (OMR-based)
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology)
- Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Eligibility:
- Minimum age: 17 years
- Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English
- Minimum aggregate marks: 50% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC)
NEET UG scores are mandatory for admission to all government and private medical colleges in India, including AIIMS and JIPMER.
AIIMS MBBS Admissions
Since 2020, AIIMS MBBS admissions have been integrated into NEET UG. Candidates aspiring to join AIIMS institutions must qualify in NEET UG and participate in centralized counseling.
Postgraduate Medical Entrance Exams
NEET PG 2025
The NEET PG is the gateway for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in India.
- Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Exam Date: June 15, 2025 (Tentative)
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Subjects: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical subjects
- Eligibility:
- MBBS degree from a recognized institution
- Completion of one-year internship by March 31, 2025
NEET PG scores are accepted by medical colleges across India, excluding AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS, which conduct their own entrance exams.
INI CET 2025
The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is conducted for admission to PG courses in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS.
- Conducting Body: AIIMS
- Exam Date: May 17, 2025
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Eligibility:
- MBBS degree from a recognized institution
- Completion of one-year internship by July 31, 2025
INI CET is mandatory for MD, MS, M.Ch. (6 years), and MDS courses in participating institutes.
NEET MDS 2025
The NEET MDS is the sole entrance examination for MDS courses in India.
- Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Exam Date: December 2024 (Tentative)
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Eligibility:
- BDS degree from a recognized institution
- Completion of one-year internship by March 31, 2025
NEET MDS scores are essential for admission to MDS programs in dental colleges across India.
NEET SS 2025
The NEET Super Specialty (SS) exam is for admission to DM/MCh courses.
- Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Exam Date: September 2025 (Tentative)
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Eligibility:
- MD/MS/DNB degree in the relevant specialty
NEET SS is mandatory for super-specialty courses in India.
Alternative and Specialized Medical Entrance Exams
AIAPGET 2025
The All India AYUSH Postgraduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) is for admission to PG courses in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Exam Date: July 2025 (Tentative)
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Eligibility:
- BAMS/BUMS/BSMS/BHMS degree from a recognized institution
- Completion of one-year internship by October 31, 2025
AIAPGET scores are used for admission to MD/MS courses in AYUSH systems.
FMGE 2025
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a licensure exam for Indian citizens with medical degrees from foreign institutions.
- Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Exam Date: June and December 2025 (Tentative)
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Eligibility:
- Primary medical qualification from a recognized foreign institution
Passing FMGE is mandatory to practice medicine in India for foreign medical graduates.
DNB PDCET 2025
The Diplomate of National Board Post Diploma Centralized Entrance Test (DNB PDCET) is for admission to post-diploma DNB courses.
- Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Exam Date: May 2025 (Tentative)
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Eligibility:
- Postgraduate diploma in the relevant specialty
DNB PDCET scores are used for admission to secondary DNB programs.
Conclusion
Navigating the myriad of medical entrance examinations in India requires strategic planning and a thorough understanding of each exam’s nuances. Aspiring medical professionals should stay updated with official notifications and prepare diligently to achieve their goals.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, readers are advised to refer to the official websites of the respective examination authorities for the most current and detailed information.