Certainly! Here’s a detailed and comprehensive response regarding the number of attempts for AIIMS, focusing on both the AIIMS MBBS exam (now replaced by NEET) and postgraduate medical admissions (MD/MS). I’ll break down the key points and the history surrounding the exams as well.
1. AIIMS MBBS Entrance Exam and Its Transition to NEET
AIIMS used to conduct its own entrance exam for admissions to its prestigious medical programs, including the MBBS course. However, as of 2020, the entrance exam for MBBS at AIIMS (as well as for other medical colleges) was replaced by the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). Now, NEET serves as the sole medical entrance exam for both AIIMS and other medical colleges across India.
Before 2020: AIIMS MBBS Exam
- Prior to 2020, AIIMS conducted its own AIIMS MBBS Entrance Exam for admission to its undergraduate medical courses.
- Number of Attempts: There was no explicit limit on the number of attempts for the AIIMS MBBS exam. However, candidates were required to meet the age eligibility and educational qualifications every year to be eligible for the exam.
- Age Limit: Candidates had to be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the year of admission and could not exceed 25 years of age (or 30 years for reserved category candidates like SC/ST/OBC) by the date of the exam.
- Educational Qualifications: Applicants had to have completed their 12th grade with the mandatory subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and meet the minimum percentage requirements for eligibility.
After 2020: Transition to NEET
- Since 2020, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) has been the sole entrance exam for MBBS admissions to AIIMS and other medical colleges across the country. The AIIMS MBBS Entrance Exam was officially abolished.
- NEET Exam for AIIMS: As AIIMS became part of the NEET framework, candidates now apply through NEET for admission to AIIMS.
2. NEET: Number of Attempts and Eligibility Criteria
Number of Attempts for NEET:
- No Limit on Attempts: As of now, NEET does not have a cap on the number of attempts a candidate can make. A candidate can appear for the NEET exam as many times as they wish, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria, especially the age limit.
- Repeated Attempts: Candidates can continue to attempt NEET year after year, but each year they must check and fulfill the age criteria and educational qualifications set by the exam authorities.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET:
Age Limit:
- Candidates must have completed 17 years of age by December 31 of the year of admission to the medical course.
- The upper age limit is 25 years for General Category candidates and 30 years for Reserved Categories like SC/ST/OBC candidates. This means a candidate in the General Category must be less than 25 years old on the date of the exam, and a candidate from the reserved category must be less than 30 years old.
- No Age Limit: The central government has clarified that there is no upper age limit for candidates in the Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC) for NEET.
Educational Qualifications:
- 12th Grade Completion: Candidates must have completed their Class 12th (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects. The minimum marks required are 50% for General Category candidates, and 40% for candidates from Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC).
- Compulsory Subjects: Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in their 12th grade, with English as a mandatory subject.
Number of Attempts:
Although there is no official cap on the number of attempts for NEET, candidates must meet the age eligibility for every attempt.
This means, a candidate can attempt NEET repeatedly, provided they are still within the prescribed age range for that year.
For example:
A candidate can attempt NEET starting at 18 years of age and keep appearing until they turn 25 years old (or 30 years for reserved category candidates).
Age Criteria: If a candidate surpasses the upper age limit in any year, they can no longer apply for NEET in subsequent years unless the age limit is revised by the authorities (which would be an exceptional case).
3. AIIMS Postgraduate Programs (MD/MS)
AIIMS also offers postgraduate medical programs like MD (Doctor of Medicine) and MS (Master of Surgery), which also have their own entrance exams conducted separately for MD/MS admissions.
- Postgraduate Entrance Exam: For AIIMS, the MD/MS entrance exam is typically held once a year and is for admission into postgraduate medical courses.
- No Limit on Attempts: Similar to the undergraduate scenario, there is no cap on the number of attempts for AIIMS postgraduate programs. Candidates can continue to appear for the MD/MS entrance exam as long as they meet the eligibility criteria (such as possessing the necessary medical qualifications and not exceeding the maximum age limit, if applicable).
4. Age Limitations and Other Considerations
While there is no formal limit on the number of attempts, candidates must keep the following important factors in mind:
Age Considerations:
- The age limits (as detailed earlier) are key factors. If a candidate exceeds the age limit in any given year, they will not be eligible to appear for NEET or any other medical entrance exams.
- The upper age limit for General category candidates is 25 years (with a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates), and candidates must be careful not to surpass this limit if they are planning to attempt the exam multiple times.
Educational Qualifications:
- While there is no official limit on attempts, each year the candidate must have completed their 12th-grade education (for NEET UG) or MBBS degree (for NEET PG) within the required time frame to sit for the exam.
- A candidate's qualification should meet the standards specified by the NEET guidelines, which could change based on the educational board or the institution they attended.
5. Conclusion: Final Summary
No Limit on Number of Attempts: As per current NEET guidelines (2025), there is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make for NEET UG (which replaced the AIIMS MBBS exam). Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they want as long as they meet the age limit and educational qualifications for each attempt.
Age and Educational Qualifications: The main restrictions on attempts come from the age eligibility criteria and the completion of required education. A candidate can keep attempting as long as they do not exceed the age limits (25 years for General and 30 years for SC/ST/OBC) and fulfill the academic prerequisites.
Postgraduate Programs: Similarly, for postgraduate programs like MD/MS at AIIMS, there is no limit on attempts, but candidates must meet the age and qualification requirements, such as completing an MBBS degree and not exceeding the age limits.
This comprehensive view should clarify any doubts regarding the number of attempts for AIIMS and NEET, as well as the eligibility criteria for medical admissions in India. If you have more specific questions or need additional details, feel free to ask!