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Why the Number of NEET Aspirants is Increasing Day by Day Compared to Other Entrance Exams
Introduction
In recent years, the number of students appearing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has surged significantly.
NEET is the gateway to medical education in India, and its growing popularity has surpassed many other national-level entrance exams like JEE, CLAT, CAT, and CUET.
The increase in NEET aspirants is not just a statistical trend but reflects deeper socio-economic, educational, and career-oriented factors influencing students and their parents.
This article explores the reasons behind the growing number of NEET aspirants compared to other entrance exams in India.
We will analyze the key factors driving this surge, including government policies, job security, career aspirations, increasing awareness, and societal expectations.
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</amp-auto-ads>1. Increasing Demand for Medical Professionals
One of the primary reasons for the rise in NEET aspirants is the growing demand for doctors and healthcare professionals in India and globally.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of a strong medical workforce.
1.1. Shortage of Doctors in India
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal doctor-to-population ratio should be 1:1000, but India still struggles to meet this mark.
The Indian government is increasing medical seats in both private and government colleges to bridge this gap.
This has encouraged more students to pursue MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses through NEET.
1.2. Global Demand for Indian Doctors
Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf nations have a high demand for Indian doctors.
Indian medical degrees, especially MBBS and MD, are highly regarded worldwide, motivating aspirants to pursue medical careers abroad after clearing NEET.
2. Government Policies Supporting Medical Education
The Indian government has implemented several policies to boost medical education accessibility, which has led to an increase in NEET aspirants.
2.1. Increase in Medical Seats
Over the past decade, the number of MBBS and BDS seats has increased drastically.
In 2014, India had around 50,000 MBBS seats, which has now crossed 1 lakh in 2024.
The government has established new AIIMS, GMCs, and private medical colleges, creating more opportunities for students.
2.2. Reservation Benefits
The introduction of EWS (Economically Weaker Section) quota has allowed more students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue medical education.
Increased reservation for OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates has also encouraged more students to appear for NEET.
2.3. Affordable Medical Education
The fees of government medical colleges are highly subsidized, making MBBS education affordable compared to private institutions.
States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra offer low-cost medical education, attracting more students to compete in NEET.
3. NEET vs. Other Entrance Exams: The Shift Towards Medical Careers
NEET’s increasing popularity can be understood by comparing it with other national-level entrance exams like JEE (Engineering), CLAT (Law), CUET (General UG), and CAT (Management).
3.1. NEET vs. JEE
Engineering colleges are oversaturated, leading to fewer job opportunities for graduates.
The placement rates of engineering colleges (except IITs and NITs) have declined, making MBBS a more stable career option.
The success rate in JEE is lower than NEET, making medical education seem like a better choice.
3.2. NEET vs. CUET
CUET is relatively new and focuses on UG admissions in non-professional courses like BA, BSc, and BCom.
These courses do not guarantee high-paying or stable jobs, unlike the medical field.
3.3. NEET vs. CLAT
Law is a specialized field, and the number of law aspirants is much lower than medical aspirants.
Medical careers offer better long-term financial security compared to law careers in India.
3.4. NEET vs. CAT
MBA programs require a bachelor’s degree first, while MBBS students start their careers earlier.
Doctor salaries are more stable compared to the fluctuating job market for MBA graduates.
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</amp-ad>4. Job Security and Financial Stability in the Medical Profession
A major reason why more students are choosing NEET over other entrance exams is the job security and high earnings in the medical profession.
4.1. High-Paying Jobs
Doctors earn higher salaries compared to engineers and general graduates.
A government MBBS doctor earns ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per month, while a private practitioner can earn even more.
4.2. Guaranteed Job Opportunities
Unlike engineering, where unemployment rates are high, MBBS graduates always find jobs.
Doctors can work in hospitals, clinics, research, government services, and even abroad.
4.3. Stable and Respectable Career
Doctors have a lifelong demand, making it one of the most stable professions.
The social prestige of being a doctor attracts many students toward medical education.
5. Increased Awareness and Coaching Facilities for NEET
Another major factor in the rise of NEET aspirants is the growth of coaching institutes, online education, and awareness programs.
5.1. Rise of NEET Coaching Institutes
Institutions like Aakash, Allen, Byju’s, and PW (PhysicsWallah) have made NEET coaching easily accessible.
The availability of online NEET courses has increased the number of students preparing for the exam.
5.2. Social Media Influence
Many YouTube channels and Instagram pages provide free NEET preparation tips, attracting more aspirants.
Telegram, WhatsApp groups, and online test series help students prepare better, increasing their success rates.
6. Parental Pressure and Societal Influence
The mindset of Indian parents and society plays a key role in pushing students toward NEET.
6.1. Parental Preference for Medical Careers
Most Indian parents prefer their children to become doctors, considering it a noble and stable profession.
Many families believe an MBBS degree brings prestige, stability, and high income, leading to an increase in NEET aspirants.
6.2. Societal Respect for Doctors
Doctors enjoy high social status and respect, influencing students to choose medicine over engineering or management.
7. Scholarships and Financial Aid for NEET Aspirants
The availability of government and private scholarships has motivated many students to pursue MBBS through NEET.
7.1. Government Scholarships
PMSSS, AICTE, and state government scholarships provide financial aid for medical students.
The NEET-based scholarship programs help economically weaker students afford medical education.
7.2. Private Scholarships
Several corporate and NGO-based scholarships help deserving NEET aspirants fund their MBBS education.
Conclusion
The rise in NEET aspirants surpassing other entrance exams is driven by increased demand for doctors, government policies, job security, higher income, and social influence.
The growth of coaching institutes, scholarships, and parental preferences also play a crucial role in this trend.
With the expansion of medical seats, better awareness, and improved opportunities, NEET will continue to attract more aspirants in the coming years.
For students seeking a stable, high-paying, and respectable career, NEET remains the most preferred choice.
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