As the countdown continues to the NEET UG 2025 exam, scheduled for May 4, 2025, medical aspirants across India are gearing up for one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country. Here’s a roundup of the latest news, changes, and preparations you need to stay informed about as of today.
Key Dates to Mark
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has finalized the schedule for NEET UG 2025, and here’s what you need to know:
- Exam Date: May 4, 2025 (Sunday), from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Admit Card Release: Expected on or before May 1, 2025. Candidates should keep an eye on the official NTA website (neet.nta.nic.in) for updates.
- Registration Period: Closed on March 7, 2025, with a correction window available from March 9 to March 11, 2025. If you missed the initial window, there’s no official word yet on reopening, but based on past trends, NTA might offer a mid-April window for late registrations.
- Result Declaration: Tentatively set for June 14, 2025, though this is subject to change.
Major Changes in NEET 2025
This year, NEET UG has seen significant updates, reverting to the pre-COVID format to ensure fairness and consistency. Here are the highlights:
- Revised Exam Pattern: The optional Section B questions have been removed. Now, candidates must attempt all 180 questions (45 each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology) within a reduced time frame of 3 hours (down from 3 hours and 20 minutes). Each correct answer still carries 4 marks, with a -1 penalty for incorrect answers.
- Offline Mode Confirmed: Despite earlier discussions about a potential online or hybrid mode, NTA has confirmed that NEET 2025 will be conducted in pen-and-paper (OMR-based) mode in a single day and shift. This decision, as per recent statements from the Solicitor General and the Centre, was made to maintain exam integrity, with online options deferred for now.
- Syllabus and Tie-Breaking Rules: The syllabus remains aligned with NCERT Class 11 and 12 curricula, with no major changes reported. However, NTA has introduced new tie-breaking criteria, including random selection guided by an independent expert committee, to ensure fairness in ranking.
- APAAR ID Update: While there was initial confusion, NTA clarified that the Academic Bank of Credits (APAAR ID) is not mandatory for registration. Candidates can use alternative identification methods, easing concerns for many aspirants.
Current Sentiment and Challenges
Posts on X and news reports indicate mixed reactions among students. Many are relieved about the offline mode but concerned about the reduced exam duration and the removal of optional questions, which could increase pressure during the test. Some aspirants have also raised concerns about the adequacy of preparation time, especially with less than a month left until the exam.
Additionally, the Supreme Court recently closed the case on alleged lapses in NEET UG 2024, with the Centre assuring implementation of reforms suggested by a high-level committee. This has brought some stability, but students remain cautious, demanding transparency in the process.
Preparation Tips for the Final Stretch
With just under a month to go, here’s how you can optimize your preparation:
- Focus on Revision: Prioritize revising high-weightage topics like Human Physiology, Organic Chemistry, and Mechanics. The final month revision plan, as shared by coaching institutes like Allen and Physics Wallah, emphasizes solving previous years’ papers and mock tests.
- Time Management: Practice completing 180 questions in 180 minutes. Use the Pomodoro technique (50 minutes of focused study followed by a 10-minute break) to build stamina.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the official NTA website and platforms like Hindustan Times, Times of India, and Careers360 for any last-minute changes or notifications.
Also Read More