NEET-UG Sees Soaring Participation: CBSE Students Dominate Exam Landscape

In a notable shift within the landscape of medical entrance examinations, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has witnessed a steady rise in the number of participants year after year. 

According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), the year 2023 witnessed a remarkable 16 percent surge in NEET candidates compared to the preceding year, totaling a staggering 20.38 lakh aspirants participating in the exam this year. This figure stands in stark contrast to the mere 6.58 lakh candidates who took the test when it was first introduced in 2013.

The emergence of CBSE Dominance

Of particular interest is the shifting composition of candidates within NEET. The data underscores a rising prominence of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) students in the exam pool. In 2023, an impressive 5.51 lakh CBSE students accounted for 27 percent of the total NEET candidates, marking a significant increase from the 23 percent representation they held back in 2019. This surge in CBSE participation has propelled it to the forefront among other boards. Following CBSE, the Maharashtra Board ranks second with 2.57 lakh candidates, which is less than half the number of CBSE participants. Subsequently, the Karnataka Board follows with 1.22 lakh candidates.

Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu board, despite facing persistent anti-NEET protests, has displayed a consistent upward trend in participation since 2020. In 2023, a notable 1.13 lakh candidates from Tamil Nadu took the exam. This figure is indicative of a narrowing trend in the proportion of Tamil Nadu board students among the overall NEET candidates. In 2023, they constituted 5.6 percent of the total candidates, compared to 7.7 percent in 2019 and a further decline to 6 percent in 2020.

State-wise Dynamics and Qualification Rates

Delving into the regional dynamics, the NTA data showcases the highest number of NEET-UG applications over the past five years originating from the Maharashtra state board. The 2023 application count stands at a staggering 2.57 lakh students, up from 2.31 lakh in the previous year. Following Maharashtra, the Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh state boards are positioned in descending order of application numbers.

With an ever-growing number of applicants, the NEET-UG has emerged as the pivotal qualifying examination for a range of medical courses, including MBBS, BDS, and BAMS among others. The persistent rise in applicants is a testament to the growing aspiration within the medical domain.

Qualification and Representation

The recently concluded 2023 NEET-UG examination witnessed a remarkable 48 percent increase in qualified candidates compared to the preceding year, with a total of 11.45 lakh aspirants securing their position. Uttar Pradesh takes the lead with 1.39 lakh qualified candidates, closely followed by Maharashtra with 1.31 lakh and Rajasthan with over a lakh successful candidates. Kerala and Karnataka also made a significant contribution, with both states boasting over 75,000 qualifying candidates each.

In a noteworthy revelation, despite opposition from Tamil Nadu to the NEET-UG examination, the state produced the highest number of candidates within the top ten ranks. Additionally, candidates from Delhi, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu secured prominent positions within the top 50.

Future Prospects and Evolution

The NEET-UG examination, once the jurisdiction of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), has been successfully administered by the NTA since May 2019. This transition has paved the way for the expansion of NEET's influence and reach across diverse states and educational boards, fostering a level playing field for medical aspirants from all corners of the country.

In conclusion, the continuous surge in NEET candidates coupled with the shifting representation of various educational boards underscores the evolving landscape of medical entrance examinations. The remarkable journey from its inception in 2013 to the present day showcases the transformation of NEET into a decisive milestone for aspiring medical professionals across India.