Medical Exam Calendar 2021 - NEET 2020 Exam Dates, Medical Entrance Tests

Medicine, as a career, has always been popular among the students. The aspirants for medical entrance exams are increasing every year. After the implementation of National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 and introduction of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), all the other medical examinations have been scrapped. And, as per the NEET 2020 notification; “The National Medical Commission Act, 2019 received the assent of the President on 08th August 2019. Section 14 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 provides for holding of a common and uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to the undergraduate medical courses in all medical institutions including those governed under any other law. Thus, the admission to MBBS course in AIIMS, New Delhi, JIPMER and all AIIMS like Institutions will also be made through NEET.”

Till 2019, AIIMS and JIPMER used to conduct their separate exams and the NEET exam was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). So, from 2020 onwards, admission to all medical undergraduate programmes will be done based on the NEET score. However, different exams are conducted for admission to Postgraduate courses. Here, we are providing medical exam calendar 2021 for the convenience of medical aspirants. The article also covers updates on NEET 2020 exam and other exams.

NEET 2020 Exam Update

The NEET 2020 exam was initially scheduled on 3rd May 2020. However, due to the Coronavirus situation in the country, the exam was postponed to be held on 26th July 2020. Further, due to the prevailing COVID-19 outbreak, the exam has now been scheduled on 13th September 2020. It will be a pen-and-paper based exam. NTA has also increased the number of examination centres for the NEET 2020 exam from 2546 to 3843. The revised schedule for NEET 2020 is as under:

Medical Exam Calendar 2021

All the dates provided here are tentative and the same will be updated once the official dates are announced.

Medical Entrance Exams in India

The above medical entrance exams are conducted in the country for admission to various UG and PG level courses. Let’s have a detailed look at each examination.

NEET UG

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the single national level exam for admission to undergraduate medical courses (MBBS, BDS and others) offered by all private and government institutions in the country. It is an offline (pen-and-paper) exam conducted once in a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Students who have passed class 12th examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology/ Biotechnology subjects with minimum aggregate marks of 50% are eligible for the exam. Candidates can follow the link provided above in the exam calendar for more details about the NEET UG exam.

NEET PG

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Post-Graduate (NEET-PG) is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission to MD/ MS/ PG Diploma/ DNB courses. It is a single-day, single-session exam conducted through computer-based mode. Candidates must possess an MBBS degree from a recognised institute in order to apply for the NEET PG exam. Ineligibility found at any stage of the exam will lead to cancellation of candidature.

NEET MDS

National Eligibility cum Entrance Examination MDS (NEET-MDS) is also conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The exam is conducted once a year for admission to postgraduate dental courses (MDS). The counselling and selection process of the exam is completed by the Directorate of General Health Services. It is an online test (Computer Based Test). The applicants must have a BDS degree.

NEET SS

NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Super Speciality) is conducted for admission to DM/ M.Ch. courses. All private medical colleges/ deemed universities, and the Armed Forces Medical Services institutions accept the NEET SS scores for admission to their super speciality courses. The exam is conducted by NBE.

JIPMER PG

The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) conducts the   JIPMPER PG entrance test for admission to its postgraduate courses. The exam is conducted twice a year for admission to the January and July sessions. JIPMER PG is a Computer Based Test of 3 hours with objective type questions.

AIIMS PG

The All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi conducts the AIIMS PG exam for admission to its postgraduate courses. AIIMS PG exam scores are considered for admission into MD/ MS/ MDS/ DM/ M.Ch courses offered by the institute at its various campuses across the country. The examination is conducted twice a year in January and July.

PGIMER PG

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh conducts the PGIMER PG exam for admission to postgraduate courses viz. MS, MD, DM, MDS, etc. The exam is conducted two times a year in the months of January and July.

NIMHANS PG

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) conducts the NIMHANS PG exam for admission to M.Ch. Neurosurgery/ DM Neurology and MD Psychiatry courses. The examination is conducted in January and July every year as a computer-based test which comprises of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

Preparation Tips for Medical Entrance Exams

For the PG level medical entrance exams, candidates have to prepare from their UG level medical subjects. It is advised to start the preparation for PG entrance examinations along with the UG degree; it is much easier. However, for the UG level courses, candidates need to follow a strategy for getting a medical seat in a reputed institute. Here are some tips for preparing for the medical entrance exams. These are general tips and can also be followed for the PG level entrance exams.

Understanding the Syllabus

Medical exams are tough and highly competitive. Thus, it is important that candidates have a clear understanding of the syllabus to avoid studying any irrelevant topics as the syllabus is vast. Thus, visit the official website of the respective exam to know the syllabus. For the UG level entrance exam i.e. NEET UG, the syllabus is drafted from the class XI and XII syllabus of CBSE, ICSE, and other boards in the country to ensure uniformity. Along with the syllabus, candidates must also check out the exam pattern for the number of questions, type, and negative marking.

Making Time for All Subjects

If the exam comprises different sections, candidates need to make time for studying all the sections/ subjects every day. Completing one subject first and then moving on to the other is the wrong approach. So, study all the subjects and revise what you have studied a day before daily. This will offer a clear understanding of topics. Take breaks while switching between the subjects. And, at last, make a time-table that can be followed daily. Don’t keep unrealistic targets.

Practice from Previous Years’ Papers and Mock Tests

Strengthen your practice through previous years’ papers and mock tests. Solve as many papers as you can to improve accuracy, speed, and time-management. Solving papers once you have completed the entire syllabus will boost your confidence and eliminate stress. Also, appear for mock tests to prepare yourself for the exam day.

Indulge in Mind Relaxing Activities

Preparing for medical entrance exams poses a lot of stress in students. We recommend indulging in any physical activity, sports, hobby, etc. to release stress. Practising meditation and yoga also helps in increasing concentration and focus by reducing anxiety. Watching a favourite movie, listening to good music, talking with family and friends are also some great stress-busters. Along with these, eating healthy and getting enough sleep will keep your mind and body active.

Go through the medical exam calendar 2021 once more and calculate the time you have in hand for preparation for the exam you are interested in. And, start your exam preparation right away. Make sure you are eligible for the exam.