NEET is a national level admission test for those wishing to pursue a career in medicine in India. This entrance exam serves as a gateway to the best medical schools in the nation for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs. However, like any other examination, NEET to has reservation policies for admission.
The rules established by the individual state governments and the Government of India are the basis for the NEET reservations. The reservation policy for NEET UG (PwD) generally follows the guidelines of the Indian Constitution, which provide for the NEET reservation of seats for a variety of categories. Including scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST), other backward classes (OBC), economically weaker sections (EWS), and persons with disabilities (PwD).
As a result, it becomes critical to comprehend NEET UG reservation criteria while preparing for the exam.
What Are the Reservation Criteria for NEET Aspirants?
State-to-state variations in NEET reservation percentages for certain categories are possible, although the following general criteria apply:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
- Persons with Disability (PwD): 5%
It is significant to remember that the reservation percentage is determined by taking into account all of the available seats in a specific course or organization. Also, applicants from reserved groups must meet the minimal requirements for admission to the course.
State Quota Reservation for NEET
Under the state quota reservation policy for the NEET exam, each state in India is permitted to reserve a certain number of seats for candidates who are residents of that state. The specific percentage of seats reserved for state quotas, varies from state to state. It is normally determined by state governments.
For instance, in Tamil Nadu, 85% of the seats in medical and dental colleges are set aside for applicants who are state residents, with the remaining 15% of seats being filled by students from all over India. Similarly to this, in the state of Maharashtra, 85% of the seats in medical and dental colleges are reserved for applicants who are state residents, with 15% of seats filled based on merit from across India.
It is significant to note that the state quota reservation policy is subject to change.
SC, ST Reservation in NEET
The following guidelines apply to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates in the NEET:
In all medical and dental schools run by the federal and state governments, SC applicants are eligible for 15% of the total seats, while ST applicants are eligible for 7.5% of the total seats. Also, a certain number of seats must be set aside in private medical and dental institutions for applicants who identify as OBC, SC, or ST.
Candidates in the SC, ST, and OBC categories must meet the same requirements as those in the general category. Only Indian citizens who fall under the appropriate categories as defined by Indian government regulations are eligible for SC, ST reservation in NEET. According to the state or union territory where the candidate is domiciled, the seats designated for SC and ST candidates are further divided into sub-categories. For instance, SC/ST applicants from the same state as the college may be eligible for a separate reservation in some states.
In addition to being eligible for reservations, SC/ST candidates also qualify for a reduction in the minimal entrance requirements for medical and dental programs. For instance, in the NEET 2021 exam, SC/ST candidates only needed a 40th percentile mark to be admitted, whereas competitors in the general category needed a 50th percentile.
After the admissions procedure is over, candidates from other categories may fill any open reserved seats using the criteria of merit. Based on the rules and policies set forth by the Indian government, the reservation policy in NEET is subject to change. Consequently, aspirants are recommended to keep up with the most recent news and guidelines about sc st reservations in NEET.
OBC Reservation in NEET Before and Now
NTA and MCC have made the new OBC reservation and quota public. Only OBC applicants previously qualified for the 27% quota in 15% of the AIQ seats; however, starting this year, OBC-NCL candidates can also apply for the OBC reservation in NEET 2023. The 550 EWS candidates and 2700 OBC candidates will benefit from the new changes to the reservation criteria.
Candidates are urged to indicate their category on the NEET application form to take advantage of the OBC-NCL reservation during the NEET 2023 counselling rounds.
Applicants applying for the NEET 2023 counselling rounds must make sure they have all the necessary papers; else, they will not be accepted for the reservation. Candidates from OBC-NCL who enrol in MBBS and BDS programs are qualified for a 27% reservation.
FAQs: NEET UG Reservation
How many seats are reserved for general category candidates under NEET reservation?
NEET has no general category seats. Indian medical and dental institutes have reserved seats for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD, although NEET scores are considered for admission.
Which category has the highest reservation in NEET?
In most states, the Scheduled Castes (SC) category has the largest NEET reservation, followed by the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. State-specific SC/ST reservations range from 15% to 50%.
What are the NEET reservation criteria?
The following are the reservation criteria for NEET-:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
- Persons with Disability (PwD): 5%
Conclusion
It is important to remember that the reservation percentage is based on the total number of seats offered in a specific course or organization. Also, applicants from reserved groups must meet the course’s minimal requirements for eligibility.
Candidates for admission through NEET UG can visit the official websites of the exam conducting authority or the appropriate state government for detailed information on reservation policy and qualification requirements.
