NEET-UG
Scope, Controversy, and Expansion
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) — NEET-UG — was introduced in 2013 by the Medical Council of India as a single national entrance examination for MBBS and BDS admissions, replacing the earlier multitude of state and institutional entrance tests. Upheld by the Supreme Court in 2016, it has since been the sole gateway for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) admissions. The NCAHP Act's ambition to bring allied health professions under NEET represents a further expansion of this single-entrance model, aiming to standardise quality and reduce coaching-industry distortions in admissions.
- NEET-UG 2024 saw approximately 24 lakh (2.4 million) registered candidates — the highest ever.
- The 2024 NEET controversy (paper leak allegations, grace marks issue) led to the arrest of several individuals and a Supreme Court inquiry.
- NEET was made applicable to government medical colleges from 2013 and private medical colleges from 2017.
- AYUSH courses were brought under NEET-UG in 2020.
- Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other states have historically opposed centralised NEET, arguing it disadvantages state board students.
● Tracked since March 04, 2026 · last seen May 21, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes