Difference Between NEET UG and PG

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The National Eligibility and Entrance Test, or NEET, is one of the most prominent entrance tests for medical programs in India. Beginners and students who are new to NEET preparation usually look for information and definitions about the exam’s numerous aspects, including how are NEET UG and NEET PG different.

The journey is divided into NEET Undergraduate and NEET Postgraduate phases. Every stage has its own set of prerequisites and challenges. But what is the difference between NEET UG and NEET PG?

Here is a comprehensive guide explaining the differences-

NEET UG and PG: An Overview

So, what is NEET UG and PG? NEET UG is the abbreviation for NEET for Undergraduate courses. For admission to Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS) in India’s premier medical colleges, aspiring medical students have to secure a good rank in NEET UG. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics at the 10+2 level.

NEET PG stands for NEET for Postgraduate courses. After MBBS, the next important stage for medicos who want to concentrate on a particular field of medicine and specialize in it appear for NEET for Postgraduation or NEET PG.

Difference Between NEET UG and PG

Here is a table highlighting some noteworthy NEET UG and NEET PG differences-

Context	NEET UG	NEET PG
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)	National Board of Examination (NBE)
Mode of Exam	Offline – Pen and Paper Based	Online
Type of Questions	MCQs	MCQs
Total no. of Questions	180	300
Total Marks	720	1200
Duration of Exam	3 hours	3 hours 30 Minutes
Languages	English, Hindi, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Urdu, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, and Assamese	English
Total no of Cities Conducting the Exam	571	185

NEET UG Eligibility Criteria

A significant difference between NEET UG vs. NEET PG is the eligibility criteria. Here are the eligibility criteria for NEET UG-

• Nationality: Candidates must be Indian nationals. Foreign nationals are also eligible to apply, but they must fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the individual medical colleges.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be 17 years old by December 31 of the year of admission, and not exceed 25 years old for general candidates, and 30 years for SC, ST, and OBC categories.
• Educational Qualifications: Candidates must pass Class 12 or equivalent examination, study English, Biology/Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Physics, and achieve minimum marks of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology aggregate. 
• Subject Requirements: Candidates must have studied Biology/Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Physics to pass the Class 12 exam.
• Number of Attempts: NEET UG candidates can attempt unlimited times as long as they meet age and qualification criteria.
• Domicile: Some states have specific eligibility requirements for state medical colleges.

NEET UG Application Process

The next vital UG and PG difference is their application process. Here’s how you can apply for NEET UG-

1. Online Registration: NTA NEET is the official NEET UG website for online registration, where users must fill in personal details like DOB and contact information and create a unique ID and password.
2. Filling the Application Form: Enter personal information such as your name, date of birth, gender, and nationality.
3. Qualifications for Education: Detail your education history such as the institution, year of graduation, and grades in biotechnology, chemistry, and physics-related disciplines.
4. Contact Details: Here, you have to provide your email address, phone number, and address.
5. Upload Documents: Upload a new passport-sized photograph and a scanned signature. Ensure they conform to the requisite size and format specifications.
6. Certificates for Classes 10 and 12: If necessary, upload copies of your mark sheets or certificates for these classes.
7. Selection of Exam Center: Select your preferred examination center from the available centers. Selection of the center will depend upon the availability and your preference.
8. Payment of Application Fee: Use one of the following payment methods to pay the needed application fee: credit/debit card, net banking, or e-wallet. Depending on your category (general, SC/ST, OBC, etc.), the fee amount may change.
9. Confirmation: A receipt of confirmation will be sent to you post the payment. Save this for further use.
10. Submission of Application: Ensure all application form details are correct and complete before submitting online. Upon successful submission, you should receive an acknowledgment slip or confirmation message.
11. Print Confirmation Page: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records.

NEET PG Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG), candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India. 
• Age Criteria: There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET PG. 
• Academic Qualifications: The candidates must have an MBBS degree or a provisional MBBS pass certificate from a recognized medical college. The medical college should be recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and must be affiliated with a university. 
• Registration: Applicants must have a registration certificate issued either by a State Medical Council or the Medical Council of India. The registration issued must be valid at the time of counseling and admission. 
• Other Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must have completed MBBS from a foreign university, passed the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, and received a temporary registration certificate from the MCI.

NEET PG Application Process

The NEET PG application process is a very important step for medical graduates who want to pursue postgraduate medical education in India. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Online Registration: Visit the official website of NEET PG or the National Testing Agency (NTA). Register by making a new account with a working mobile number and email address.
• Fill out the Application Form: Enter your personal details, such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
• Academic Details: Provide information about your MBBS degree and internship completion.
• Choice of Examination Center: Select your preferred exam center from the available options.
• Upload Documents: Photograph: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph as per the specified format and size.
• Signature: Upload your signature in the required format and size.
• MBBS Degree Certificate: Upload a scanned copy of your MBBS degree or provisional certificate. Internship Completion Certificate: Upload a certificate proving the completion of your internship.
• Payment of Application Fee: Pay the application fee using online payment options such as credit/debit cards or net banking. The amount of fee varies as per category (General/OBC/SC/ST) and can be viewed on the official website.
• Submit Application Form: Before submission, review all the entered information and uploaded documents for accuracy.
• Print Confirmation Page: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records.

Is NEET PG Tougher Than NEET UG?

So, is NEET PG tough than NEET UG? Yes, NEET PG is generally considered tougher than NEET UG for the following reasons-

• Higher-Level Content- NEET PG tests postgraduate-level medical knowledge, requiring an in-depth understanding of complex topics across all medical specialties.
• Exam Format- The questions are more clinically oriented, requiring application-based reasoning. NEET UG, on the other hand, is more fact-based.
• Competition- Fewer seats and a larger pool of aspirants make the competition more intense.
• Preparation- NEET PG demands mastery of the MBBS syllabus, which is far more extensive and challenging compared to the NEET UG syllabus.

The Takeaway

Understanding NEET PG and NEET UG differences is crucial for medical aspirants. NEET UG assesses basic science knowledge, while NEET PG evaluates clinical expertise. 

Understanding exam requirements and incorporating tailored study strategies can prepare students for medical school and prestigious healthcare professional opportunities.

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