National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Super Specialty

The NEET-SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Super Specialty) is a national-level entrance examination in India for admission to various DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and Magister Chirurgiae (MCh) super-specialty courses. It is conducted annually by the National Board of Examinations (NBE)^[1] under the supervision of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

NEET-SS is the sole entrance examination for admission to all DM and MCh programs in India, replacing multiple institutional and state-level entrance exams to bring uniformity and transparency in the super-specialty admission process.

NEET-SS was introduced in 2017 following the implementation of the National Medical Commission Act and related policy reforms. It replaced various independent entrance tests conducted by institutions such as AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and state universities, aligning with the government’s objective of creating a single standardized entrance test for medical education in India.

NEET-SS is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

To be eligible for NEET-SS, candidates must:

• Possess a recognized postgraduate medical degree (MD/DNB/MS) in the relevant specialty.
• Hold a provisional or permanent registration certificate issued by the NMC or State Medical Council.
• Complete or be in the final stages of their MD/MS/DNB training at the time of application.

The NEET-SS exam is conducted in a computer-based format and includes:

• Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Duration: 150 minutes per paper
• Language: English only
• Total Questions: 150 questions per specialty
• Scoring: +4 marks for each correct response, -1 mark for each incorrect response

The exam pattern has evolved over time. As of recent formats:

• The paper is group-based, combining related specialties into a single exam group (e.g., Cardiology, Nephrology, Neurology in a "Medicine group").
• Candidates can opt for a group based on their feeder specialty (e.g., MD General Medicine is eligible for Internal Medicine group).

1. Notification: Released by NBE on its official website.
2. Online Registration: Submission of application form, documents, and fee.
3. Admit Card: Available for download approximately one week before the exam.
4. Examination: Conducted at designated computer centers across India.
5. Results: Published with scores and merit ranks.
6. Counseling: Centralized online counseling conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for 100% of seats.

• Counseling Body: Medical Counseling Committee (MCC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
• Rounds: Multiple rounds including mop-up and stray vacancy rounds
• Reservation: As per central government and institutional policies (including SC/ST/OBC/EWS/UR)

NEET-SS is the gateway for admission to super-specialty courses such as:

And many more, depending on institute availability.

All central and state government medical institutions, deemed universities, and private colleges offering DM/MCh courses fall under NEET-SS, including:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
• Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
• Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER)
• State government medical colleges
• NBE-accredited private and deemed institutions

• NEET-SS is conducted once a year.
• The score is valid only for the same academic session.
• There is no official limit on the number of attempts, but candidates must meet eligibility requirements each year.

• Introduction of group-based exam structure to reduce redundancy for candidates from similar feeder subjects.
• Increased participation of private institutions in centralized counseling.
• Efforts to include more super-specialty courses and fellowship programs in future editions.

• Some stakeholders have expressed concerns over grouping of specialties reducing specificity.
• Rapid changes in pattern and late notifications have occasionally led to confusion.
• Logistical challenges in ensuring equitable access to remote candidates.

• NEET-PG
• Medical Counselling Committee