How important is NEET for entering into the medical world?
The NEET 2021 exam date is still hanging with students expecting the August 1 date to be shifted soon due to the Covid-19 situation in the country. Here's how important NEET is for entering the medical industry. The NEET 2021 exam date is still hanging with students expecting the August 1 date to be shifted soon due to the Covid-19 situation in the country. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Examination (NEET) is a common entrance exam taken by students nation-wide, who aspire to pursue MBBS or any other medical course. The NEET score helps students to secure admission in any of the countrys medical colleges including the most premium ones like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). Besides India, the test score is also recognised by colleges and universities abroad. The exam, which was earlier supposed to be conducted on April 18, 2021, was postponed to August 1 by the Government of India considering the surge in Covid cases across the country. Former Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan took to Twitter to announce that amid the rise in infection cases, owing to the Covid-19 second wave, the government decided to postpone this years NEET exam. The announcement about the delay left medical aspirants anxious as many view it as a deciding factor for their career. Here are some of the reasons why NEET is considered so important for making into the medical world. 1. A mandatory exam  The National Medical Council Act, 2019 has made this medical assessment test a mandatory step for medical institutions to give admission to any aspirant. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is an independent body set by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India (GOI). The basic eligibility criteria of NEET demands aspirants to be of minimum 17 years of age. Besides, it also requires the students hold a total score of minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 2. A common ground  Given the fact that its the only exam which helps students to take admission in any medical institute or college in India or abroad, hence it provides a common ground to all the aspirants. Besides, it also provides equal opportunity to all students taking the NEET, to secure seat in medical colleges across the country. It encourages admissions on the basis of merit and rank. Hence, the test in its own way democratises the medical field, with its best intent and effort to weed away any bias. 3. Saves students resources and time  NEET bars other private medical colleges from conducting any other parallel entrance examination, deviating students energy, resources and time. It also protects students, who could not clear the exam, from getting looted by private colleges through paid seats in the garb of direct admission. Besides, having one exam saves the student's money as there is only one-time registration. 4. Advance preparation  Every year, lakhs of students sit for the exam. The competition level of NEET is so high that students end up preparing years in advance with an aim to clear it. Cracking NEET requires a well-planned strategy and clarity of basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The most precarious aspect of this exam is the negative marking, as each wrong answer draws a deduction in score. Besides concept clarity, candidates are also required to work on their speed and focus to answer 180 questions within the time frame of three hours. Indirectly, the exam prepares students in advance for the life ahead, by giving them a glimpse of this demanding field, which requires students to possess lot of grit, patience and perseverance. 5. Transparency and uniformity  The exam adds a consistent structure and uniformity to the admission process. Besides, it keeps the entire process transparent with no hidden regulations or third-party involvement. Hence, the process is same and known to all with regard to getting into any government or private or deemed medical institute/ college. No one can attain admission on any other basis than the NEET rank. - Article by Saurabh Kumar, Academics Director, Vidyamandir Classes  Read: NEET 2020: Subject-wise study tips all NEET aspirants should keep in mind  Read: After boards, NEET is stressing students: Tips on how to get rid of exam anxiety in lockdown  Read: JEE Main 2020, NEET 2020 new dates out: How to prepare for exam amid Covid-19 lockdown