Medical Entrance Exams
Complete guide to medical entrance and licensing exams in India and worldwide
NEET
NEET is designed to assess a student’s understanding of core science subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology)—based on the NCERT syllabus of Classes 11 and 12. It is one of the most competitive exams in India, with millions of students appearing every year for limited medical seats.
NEET-PG
NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate) is a national-level medical entrance exam in India conducted for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in government and private medical colleges. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is the only entrance exam for postgraduate medical admissions across India.
INI-CET
INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by AIIMS for admission to postgraduate medical courses such as MD, MS, MCh, and DM in premier institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. It is held twice a year and is known for its high difficulty level and competitive nature.
USMLE
USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is a three-step examination required for medical licensure in the United States. It assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles important in health and disease, along with patient-centered skills. The exam is conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). It is mandatory for both US and international medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the United States. The exam is divided into Step 1 (basic sciences), Step 2 CK (clinical knowledge), and Step 3 (clinical management).
NEET-SS
NEET-SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Super Specialty) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for admission to DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and MCh (Master of Chirurgiae) super specialty courses in India. It is mandatory for candidates who wish to pursue advanced medical training in specific specialties after completing their postgraduate degree (MD/MS/DNB). The exam is highly competitive and focuses on assessing in-depth knowledge and clinical skills in the candidate’s chosen specialty.
PLAB
PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is a licensing examination conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom. It assesses whether international medical graduates have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice medicine safely in the UK. The exam is divided into two parts: PLAB 1, which is a written multiple-choice exam, and PLAB 2, which is a practical objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Candidates must also demonstrate English language proficiency through exams like IELTS or OET. Successfully clearing PLAB allows doctors to apply for registration with the GMC and work as a doctor in the UK.