New Delhi: As the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2024 approaches, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the registration deadline will conclude on March 16, 2024. This year’s NEET UG, scheduled for May 5, 2024, has seen a historic number of over 25 lakh applicants, indicating a significant increase in the competition for medical college admissions across India.
Prospective students aiming to secure a spot in MBBS/BDS courses have been given an extended opportunity to register due to the NTA’s understanding of the challenges faced by applicants. The registration process, which is nearing its end, can be completed on the official NTA website at exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.
The surge in applications is a testament to the growing interest in medical education in India, where the number of medical colleges has risen by 82% since 2011, reaching a total of 704 institutions in 2023. This expansion is mirrored in the increase of MBBS seats by 110%, from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,07,948 currently. Postgraduate medical seats have also seen a remarkable 117% rise.
State-wise, Uttar Pradesh leads with 68 medical colleges offering a total of 9,903 MBBS seats. Madhya Pradesh follows with 27 colleges and 4,800 seats, while Rajasthan has 35 colleges with 5,575 seats. The capital city of Delhi boasts 10 medical colleges with 1,497 seats. Other states like Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Goa offer 2,005; 2,185; 7,150; and 180 seats respectively. Jharkhand currently has 980 seats across 9 medical colleges.
Candidates are encouraged to visit exams.nta.ac.in/NEET for comprehensive details on NEET UG 2024, including eligibility criteria, syllabus, and examination pattern. With the deadline fast approaching, students are urged to complete their registrations promptly to avoid missing out on the opportunity to pursue a career in the medical field.
