NEET, the gateway to MBBS/BDS programs in various medical colleges in India invites a lot of speculations regarding any changes in the exam pattern, level of difficulty and others such for the year 2018. So, for the same, understanding and analyzing the level of competition in NEET 2018 will prove helpful alongside going into the intricacies of previous year papers.
NEET 2016 witnessed 7.31 lakhs candidates while NEET 2017 showed a drastic rise in number to 11.50 lakhs. It is expected that there would be rise in numbers in NEET 2018 too. According to the stats, around 12-15 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the upcoming exam.
Analyzing the database of previous years, the level of exam and the candidates appearing in the exam have been directly proportional. Considering the number of candidates clearing the exam, 4.9 lakhs in 2016 and 6.11 lakhs in 2017, cut-off score for 2017was 131 wherein 5.43 lakh aspirants qualified. For 2016, it was 145in which 1.71 lakh aspirants made through.
Syllabus for the exam has almost been the same, NCERT for 11th and 12th was the most important for basic preparation. The level of competition is nearly unpredictable, but it could be believed that it could be judged by analyzing the past trends.
It has been confirmed that there won’t be any change in the syllabus of class 11th and 12th for NEET which brings a big wave of relief for the aspirants who are going to appear for NEET 2018. It has also been announced that Urdu will also be included as a language this time.
Expected Changes in NEET 2018
As far as the difficulty level of the exam is concerned, NEET might be moderately difficult as it has been in the past two years. But, the level of difficulty can increase as well as it is unable to predict the test takers. Also, there are no major changes expected to take place in the exam pattern and syllabus. Biology is expected to be easier in comparison to other sections. The main topics include Human and Plant Physiology.
In 2016, the exam was considered moderate. Physics is considered to be the most difficult subject in PCB but surprisingly it was estimated that only 6 questions were difficult as compared to other questions. The main highlights were Thermodynamics, electrodynamics and Optics.
Chemistry was tricky with around 50% questions being moderately difficult. Biology served as savior because this section was easier amongst the other two.
For2017, the overall level of difficulty was moderate-difficult. Physics was the toughest followed by Chemistry with a little twist. Biology with maximum number of questions saved a life of many for being the easiest and scoring section.
Summing up, NEET 2018 may have Physics to be the toughest section followed by Chemistry with questions based on conceptual understanding and Biology.
Given below are few “Not-to-Ignore” topics carrying maximum weightage in the previous years of NEET. These make a strong foundation for 2018.
| Physics | Electrodynamics, Thermodynamics, Gravitation, Modern Physics, SHM & Waves |
| Chemistry | Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry |
| Botany | Ecology, Genetics, Plant Physiology and Reproduction |
| Zoology | Animal Physiology, Biomolecules, Biotechnology and Human Physiology |
NEET will exactly have the same paper across all the decided languages. This might seem to be the fair deal but actually it increases the uncertainty of the level of examination.
- It was witnessed that CBSE had designed question paper which was quite difficult. Due to extreme criticism, it might happen that the upward slope of level of difficulty might see some level of fall. If it does, then this might come as a surprise to candidates.
- Based on current analysis, there is no change of syllabus and exam pattern in NEET 2018. This might suit everyone and give aray of light to the tensed ones.
As per previous years NEET Result, it is believed that getting 600+ for general category might secure your admission. But, it all depends on number of candidates participating in NEET 2018.The analysis is based on the data of 2016 and 2017, though the comparison might not be deep rooted but is quite informative.So, start your preparation accordingly!