Difference Between NEET UG and NEET PG—A Detailed Comparison

It should not come off as a surprise when we say that India’s medical career and education system depends significantly on two major national-level entrance exams, namely, NEET UG and NEET PG. 

Even though both these exams are designed to streamline the selection process of qualified candidates into reputable medical institutions, they serve entirely different purposes.

While NEET UG is the foundation of becoming a medical student, NEET PG is the threshold to becoming a specialist. 

If you are among the aspirants who are mapping their journey in the medical field, understanding how these two exams differ is crucial. 

In this blog, we’ve provided you with a detailed and insightful comparison between NEET UG and NEET PG. We hope that this will help you understand the difference between both these exams. 

What is NEET UG?

NEET UG, or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate Courses, is the common entrance exam for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses in medicine, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (like BAMS, BHMS), and veterinary sciences. 

Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET UG is mandatory for students across India who have completed or are appearing for their Class 12 board exams with a science background.

This exam marks the first official step in the medical profession. A good NEET UG score can open doors to some of India’s most reputed medical colleges, including AIIMS and JIPMER, as both now fall under the NEET umbrella. 

The sheer scale of competition is massive — with over 20 lakh students appearing for it annually — making it one of the largest and most competitive entrance tests in the country.

What is NEET PG?

NEET PG, on the other hand, is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate medical courses. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is intended for MBBS graduates who wish to pursue higher studies in medicine. 

This includes courses such as MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), and various PG Diplomas.

Unlike NEET UG, which begins the journey, NEET PG refines and redirects it toward specialization. Clearing NEET PG allows doctors to choose a focused path — whether it’s becoming a radiologist, cardiologist, general surgeon, or any other specialist. It’s a crucial decision point that determines both the depth and direction of a doctor’s career.

1. Eligibility Criteria

NEET UG:

• Students must have completed or be appearing for Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
• Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31 of the admission year.
• It is widely known that there is no upper age limit as per current NTA guidelines. However, this has seen legal changes in the past. 

NEET PG:

• Must possess an MBBS degree or a provisional MBBS pass certificate recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or NMC.
• Must have completed or be completing a one-year mandatory rotatory internship on or before March 31 of the admission year.

2. Purpose of the Exam

NEET UG:

Grants admission into undergraduate medical programs, primarily MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, etc.).

NEET PG:

Provides entry into postgraduate courses like MD, MS, and PG Diplomas, allowing doctors to specialize in a particular field such as Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Radiology, Dermatology, etc.

3. Conducting Body

• NEET UG: Administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
• NEET PG: Conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Both are central agencies but serve different phases of education.

4. Syllabus and Curriculum Focus

When it comes to the syllabus of NEET UG, it mostly covers NCERT curriculum for classes 11 and 12. It includes topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while giving a greater weightage to the latter. This exam mostly focuses on evaluating the candidate’s grasp of fundamental scientific concepts and their application. 

On the other hand, NEET PG is known to have a broader and more complex syllabus, covering all 19 subjects taught during the MBBS program. These subjects include pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects such as Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicine, Surgery, Microbiology, Community Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This exam aims to evaluate candidates’ both theoretical knowledge and practical application, along with decision making in clinical scenarios. 

5. Exam Pattern and Format

Now talking about the difference in the exam patterns and format, NEET UG is officially a pen-and paper test with 200 multiple choice questions. Out of these questions, candidates are expected to attempt 180 in 3 hours and 20 minutes. The questions, as you already know, are split across three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 

As per the latest NEET PG Exam Pattern, The exam comprises 5 sections, each containing 40 questions, that makes it 200 questions in total. Each question carries 4 marks, with a negative marking of -1 for every incorrect answer. NEET PG is a computer-based test with 200 multiple-choice questions. The total duration is 3.5 hours. All questions are single-answer MCQs with negative marking. This exam emphasizes on clinical and analytical thinking and the questions are designed to mirror real-life patient care scenarios that doctors face in hospitals.

6. Difficulty Level

NEET UG is undoubtedly challenging due to the massive number of applicants, but the questions themselves are rooted in higher secondary education. It tests clarity, recall ability, and time management under pressure.

NEET PG is generally considered much tougher, not just because of the syllabus volume, but due to the level of depth required in clinical understanding. The competition, although numerically smaller (approximately 2 lakh aspirants), is intensely focused and consists of graduates who’ve already spent five and a half years in medicine.

7. Number of Applicants and Available Seats

Every year there are around 20 lakh students who appear for NEET UG. And, all these students compete for over 1 lakh seats including MBBS and BDS across government, private and deemed universities. As there is a significant gap between the demand and supply, even minor differences in marks can leave a huge impact. 

And, talking about NEET PG, approximately 2 lakh aspirants appear annually. The number of seats available is much smaller as compared to NEET UG. Around 45,000 seats including MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB programs make the race as competitive as that of NEET UG. 

What Comes After Clearing the Exam?

Now that’s a question asked by both sets of aspirants. Once the student has cleared NEET PG, they start their journey towards earning their MBBS degree. This typically spans 4.5 years of classroom followed by one year of rotating internship. 

Once that is completed, the aspirants become eligible to appear for NEET PG. And if they are planning to practice Medicine abroad, they ought to consider exams like USMLE or PLAB.  

And for the ones who qualify NEET PG, the path usually leads them to specialized education. They have the flexibility to pursue an MD or MS in their chosen field. The training for postgraduates involves a blend of theoretical learning, research, practical exposure, and teaching duties. Some candidates may also opt for super-specialty education through DM or MCh after completing their PG courses.

Wrapping Up 

Now that you know both these major milestones in a medical aspirant’s life are fundamentally different in scope, preparation, and impact. 

Understanding the stages within the path to pursue Medicine and knowing how exams like NEET PG and NEET UG structure your future can make a huge difference in your journey. 

 Download the PrepLadder app now and unlock a 24-hour FREE trial of premium high-yield content. Access Video Lectures, digital notes, QBank, and Mock Tests for FREE to ace your NEET PG preparation. Elevate your study experience and gear up for success. Start your journey with PrepLadder today!