NEET 2021: 5 Key Changes Introduced by NTA

NEET 2021: 5 Key Changes Introduced

After a number of deliberations and specifications, National Testing Agency (NTA) has finally released the NEET 2021 information bulletin and started the application process on July 13. This year NEET will be different from the previous years. There has been introductions and additions, as well as changes or alterations in the existing system. This article of Shiksha brings you details about these changes or new elements introduced in NEET 2021.

NEET 2021 Important Dates

Before peeking into the changes introduced in NEET 2021, let us take a look at the exam's important dates.

The post-exam dates such as the release of OMR sheets, NEET 2021 answer keys and result have not been released yet. It is expected that The OMR sheets and NEET answer keys will be released after a week of conducting the exam and the NEET 2021 result and final answer keys will be released after a month of the exam.

Now let us check the changes and new features introduced in NEET 2021.

Five Key Changes in NEET 2021

Exam pattern: The NEET 2021 exam pattern or structure has been changed. This year, the NEET question paper will carry 200 questions in total, but only 180 questions will be applicable for attempting. Candidates will get a wider choice to opt for questions to attempt. Unlike last year, the Biology section will not carry the highest weightage. All three subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Biology will have two sections each and carry an equal number of questions. The first section will carry 35 questions and the second section will carry 15 questions. Candidates will have to choose among 10 questions out of 15 questions in the second section.

The NEET 2021 information bulletin states, “The Test pattern of NEET (UG)-2021 comprises of two Sections. Each subject will consist of two sections. Section A will consist of 35 Questions and Section B will have 15 questions, out of these 15 Questions, candidates can choose to attempt any 10 Questions. So, the total number of questions and utilization of time will remain the same.” The table below brings the exam structure.

Despite the change in the structure, the major components such as duration, marking scheme and syllabus will remain the same.

Two-Phase Application: This year, to ensure that the candidates submit the NEET 2021 application form information correctly and quickly, the process has been divided into two phases. In the first phase, candidates will have to submit certain information till the application deadline. In the second phase, candidates will have to submit the rest of the information before the declaration of the result. NTA states, “In order to ensure that the candidate data is submitted quickly, the Application Form for NEET (UG) – 2021 has been divided into Two Sets/Phases. The first set of information needs to be filled up before the last date of submission of the online Application Form. The second set of information needs to be filled up by the candidates before the declaration of the Result.” Applicants must ensure that they submit each set of information before the stipulated deadline, otherwise, their candidature will be cancelled.

Introduction of two new languages: Till last year, NEET question papers were available in 11 languages, which included English and Hindi, along with nine regional languages, which are Bengali, Urdu, Assamese, Gujarati, Marathi, Odiya, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. This year, two new languages have been added, which are Punjabi and Malayalam. The Punjabi language question paper will be available at test centres located in Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi. The Malayalam question paper will be available at NEET centres of Kerala and Lakshadweep. Candidates have to select the language of the question paper and test centre city accordingly.

Increase in test cities and introduction of international centre: The number of cities in which NEET 2021 will be conducted has been increased from 155 to 198. In a first, NEET will be conducted outside India, in the city of Kuwait. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated, “For the first time in the history of NEET(UG) exam and in order to facilitate the Indian student community in the middle east, an examination centre has been opened in Kuwait.”

Age criteria removed from Tie-Breaking: This year, the age factor for the Tie-Breaking methodology for computing the merit list has been removed. Till last year, the last and final factor for tie-breaking methodology for NEET was that the candidate older in age will be assigned a higher rank compared to others. This year, the age factor has been removed as the tie-breaking protocols, mentioned in the NEET 2021 information brochure. The other criteria are as follows:

• Candidate with higher marks in Biology is assigned a higher rank compared to others

• If the marks scored in the Biology section are equal, a candidate with higher marks in Chemistry is assigned a higher rank compared to others

• If marks scored in Biology and Chemistry are equal, a candidate with a lesser number of incorrect answers is assigned a higher rank

NEET 2021 is expected to be taken by approximately 16 lakh candidates. NEET is the biggest and only Medical entrance test which is the admission gateway to  MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, Veterinary, and other medical/paramedical courses in India.

Read More:

NEET 2021 Application Process Begins; Apply by August 6

NEET 2021 to be Conducted on September 12; Application Process to Start on July 13

NEET 2021 Application Form: Release Date & Time (July 13, 5 pm), Direct Link, Fees & How to Apply

NTA NEET 2021: Exam Date (Postponed to September 12), Registration (July 13), Syllabus, Pattern