Before 2019, it was common for students to appear for both the AIIMS entrance exam and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) as separate exams for medical college admissions in India. However, as of 2019, the situation has changed, and the process for AIIMS MBBS admissions has been integrated into NEET.
Let's break down the details clearly:
1. AIIMS and NEET Before 2019:
- Separate Exams: Prior to 2019, AIIMS conducted its own entrance exam for MBBS admission, which was a highly competitive exam in addition to NEET. The AIIMS exam was separate from NEET, so students could appear for both exams if they wished to maximize their chances of securing a medical seat.
- Distinct Patterns: The two exams had different exam formats and difficulty levels. AIIMS was known for its conceptual, analytical approach with more emphasis on higher-level problem-solving, while NEET focused on questions aligned with the NCERT syllabus for class 11 and 12.
In those years, it was completely possible to appear for both the AIIMS entrance exam and NEET. Students often chose to do so to increase their chances of getting into prestigious medical institutes across India, such as AIIMS Delhi and other AIIMS campuses.
2. AIIMS and NEET After 2019:
AIIMS MBBS Admissions Merged with NEET: Since 2019, AIIMS no longer conducts its own separate entrance exam for MBBS admissions. AIIMS now accepts NEET scores for MBBS admissions across all its campuses. This change was made by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, to standardize medical admissions in the country.
Therefore, from 2019 onward, AIIMS admissions are based solely on NEET scores. Students who wish to pursue an MBBS degree at AIIMS must appear for NEET and secure a high rank to be eligible for admission to AIIMS institutions.
No Separate AIIMS Exam: Since AIIMS has integrated with NEET, there is no separate AIIMS entrance exam that a candidate can take. Hence, there is no need to appear for both exams. If you wish to get admission to AIIMS, you need to appear only for NEET.
3. Can I Appear for NEET and Other Medical Entrance Exams?
Although AIIMS and NEET are now the same in terms of MBBS admissions, there are other medical entrance exams in India that you can appear for in addition to NEET. Some of these exams allow you to secure admission to state government medical colleges or private medical colleges. A few examples include:
JIPMER MBBS: Before it merged with NEET, JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research) had its own exam. However, JIPMER now also accepts NEET scores for MBBS admission. So, if you’re interested in JIPMER, you must now appear for NEET.
AIIMS MBBS: As mentioned, AIIMS no longer has its own entrance exam; it now uses NEET scores for admissions.
State-Level Entrance Exams: Many states conduct their own medical entrance exams for admission to state-run medical colleges. Some of these exams may still exist independently of NEET, such as:
Maharashtra CET
Karnataka CET
West Bengal NEET Exam (WBJEE Medical)
However, in most cases, these state exams will either accept NEET scores or require students to appear for the NEET exam as well.
Private Medical Colleges: Some private medical colleges in India also accept NEET scores for MBBS admissions. These colleges may have their own admission procedures but generally rely on the NEET exam to assess applicants.
4. Summary of Current Admission System:
AIIMS MBBS Admission: Since 2019, AIIMS does not have its own entrance exam for MBBS. AIIMS campuses across India now use NEET scores for MBBS admission.
NEET: As of today, NEET is the only medical entrance exam for MBBS admissions in India, including admissions to AIIMS. The NEET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is accepted by all medical colleges, including state-run, private, and AIIMS campuses.
Other Exams: You can also appear for other state-specific medical entrance exams if required by the respective states or private medical institutions.
5. What Should You Do Now?
Given the integration of AIIMS MBBS admissions with NEET, you only need to appear for NEET if your goal is to secure an MBBS seat in any AIIMS campus. Here’s what you can do:
Prepare for NEET: Focus all your preparation on NEET, as it will now be the sole determinant for AIIMS MBBS admission as well as admission to other medical colleges across India.
State-Level Exams: If you’re interested in specific state-run medical colleges, check if the state still conducts separate entrance exams (though most have now adopted NEET).
Private Medical Colleges: If you’re targeting private institutions, confirm whether they accept NEET scores or if they conduct their own entrance exams. Most private medical colleges now rely on NEET.
Conclusion:
- No, you cannot appear for both AIIMS and NEET as separate exams for MBBS admissions anymore. Since 2019, AIIMS has integrated with NEET, and now NEET scores are used for admissions to AIIMS campuses.
- You only need to appear for NEET if you want to pursue MBBS at AIIMS or any other medical college in India.
- AIIMS does not have a separate entrance exam for MBBS anymore, so the NEET exam serves as the single entrance test for medical college admissions across India, including AIIMS.
In essence, focus on preparing for NEET if you wish to pursue MBBS at AIIMS or any other medical institution in India.