NEET UG 2025 on May 4: The NEET UG 2025, India’s most anticipated undergraduate medical entrance examination, was held on May 4, 2025, amid intense scrutiny and nationwide coordination. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this year’s edition witnessed over 22.7 lakh students vying for a limited number of medical and dental seats across the country. With tight security, revised guidelines, and unexpected incidents, the exam day turned into a compelling snapshot of India’s examination landscape.
This year’s exam was notable not only for the number of students appearing but also for the increased public interest in how India manages such a large-scale academic event. From intense early-morning travel to tearful goodbyes and jubilant post-exam celebrations, May 4 was not just a test day — it was a national event, involving families, educators, policymakers, and future doctors.
Aimed at selecting the brightest medical minds of the future, NEET UG continues to be a high-stakes exam, where every second counts. In this detailed article, we take you through the entire day — the good, the bad, and the truly surprising — while offering practical advice, expert insights, and a close look at how the system is evolving to stay fair and transparent.
NEET UG 2025 on May 4
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | May 4, 2025 |
| Registered Candidates | 22.7 lakh+ |
| Exam Time | 2 PM – 5 PM |
| Exam Mode | Pen-and-paper based (OMR sheet) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany + Zoology) |
| Total Questions | 180 (MCQ format) |
| Maximum Marks | 720 |
| Centers | 5,453 across 500+ cities |
| Official Website | https://neet.nta.nic.in |
The NEET UG 2025 exam day reflected both the evolving efficiency of exam bodies and the emotional intensity experienced by millions. While operational success was clear, mental health and accessibility remain areas for improvement.
Students are now advised to rest, recharge, and plan smartly for counseling. Whether your score meets your dream target or not, remember: this is one milestone in a longer journey toward a fulfilling medical career.
What Is NEET UG and Why Is It Important?
NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate) is the primary examination for admission to India’s undergraduate medical and dental programs. It is essential for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), and veterinary programs. NEET ensures a level playing field for all candidates, irrespective of their board of education or state.
Before NEET, multiple entrance exams were held at national and state levels, leading to inconsistencies and confusion. NEET has since streamlined the process, offering a single-window entry into the nation’s medical institutions.
It’s more than just an exam; for many families, it’s a generational dream. This makes the event emotionally intense, financially demanding, and logistically complex. Schools are transformed into exam centers, police enforce security, and thousands of volunteers ensure protocols are followed.
A Day of Discipline: The Morning Routine
Students began their Sunday earlier than usual, waking up around 6 AM or even earlier in rural areas. Some families traveled over 100 kilometers to reach their assigned centers. Trains and buses in exam hubs like Patna, Jaipur, and Bengaluru were packed with nervous aspirants and anxious parents.
According to NTA protocols:
- Reporting time at exam centers: by 1:30 PM
- Gates closed at 1:30 PM sharp — no exceptions.
- Required documents:
- Printed admit card with photograph
- Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
- Extra photograph for attendance sheet
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
Outside many exam centers, scenes of encouragement were common — mothers chanting prayers, fathers offering snacks, siblings clicking photos, and some candidates reviewing notes until the last minute.
Dress Code, Security, and New Rules
To maintain the integrity of the exam, strict dress codes and security checks were implemented.
Dress Code Rules:
- No full-sleeved clothing
- Light-colored, non-layered outfits
- No metallic accessories (zippers, belts, jewelry)
- Footwear limited to slippers or sandals (no shoes allowed)
Those wearing religious or cultural garments were asked to arrive by 12:30 PM for extended frisking.
Security Features:
- CCTV surveillance in exam halls
- Deployment of metal detectors at entrances
- Random biometric verification of candidates
- Mock drills on May 3 across all major centers
- Use of signal jammers to block mobile networks in exam zones
Ranchi authorities enforced Section 163 of BNS to ban gatherings within 200 meters of exam venues.
Notable Incidents from Across the Country
Rajasthan: Attempted Paper Leak Foiled
In a major breakthrough, Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group arrested three individuals attempting to sell NEET papers for ₹40 lakh. The suspects had promised leaked material to a student’s family in Gurugram. Alert action by the family helped prevent a potential scam.
Kota: A Heartbreaking Loss
In Kota — India’s coaching hub — tragedy struck when a 17-year-old aspirant died by suicide a day before the exam. Mental health experts called for urgent intervention mechanisms in coaching institutes to better support students emotionally.
Chennai and Hyderabad: Seamless Coordination
Exam centers in cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar reported zero logistical issues. Staff reported 100% attendance and praised student discipline.
Social Media Buzz
The hashtag #NEET2025 trended on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands sharing their experiences. Some memes offered humor, others expressed genuine concern over mental health and exam stress.
Structure of the NEET UG 2025 Exam
The exam followed its standard format:
| Subject | Section A | Section B | Total Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 | 15 | 50 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 | 15 | 50 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 70 | 30 | 100 | 360 |
- Attempt Limit: 180 out of 200 questions
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong
This structure offers flexibility while maintaining rigor. Section B allows students to skip 5 questions per subject, reducing the chance of negative marking.
First Impressions: Difficulty Level and Student Reactions
Student Reviews:
- Physics: Calculations-heavy and time-consuming
- Chemistry: Theory-dominant; questions mostly from NCERT
- Biology: Straightforward; many direct NCERT lines used
“My coaching mocks were harder, so this felt easier,” said Tushar Jain, a student from Indore.
Educator Comments:
- Slightly tougher than NEET 2024
- Ideal for serious aspirants who followed NCERT and practiced time management
Coaching centers like Aakash and Allen estimated cut-offs might drop slightly, especially due to Physics being more analytical.
Mental Health: A Growing Focus
While academic performance remains central, mental wellness is finally gaining attention. This year, schools and coaching centers ran pre-exam meditation sessions, provided access to helplines, and shared tips to reduce anxiety.
The tragic incident in Kota reignited conversations on:
- Coaching culture and pressure
- Role of parents and schools in emotional support
- Need for peer counseling
Students in distress can contact iCall (022-25521111), or visit iCall, available in 12 languages.
After the Exam: What’s Next?
Answer Keys & Objections
- Provisional key by mid-May
- Objection window open for 48–72 hours (fee applicable)
Results Timeline
- Expected release: June 20–25, 2025
- Scorecard includes raw score, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR)
Counseling Phases
- Round 1: AIQ 15% seats via MCC portal
- Round 2: State quota (85%) via respective portals
- Rounds 3 & Mop-up: For remaining and stray vacancy seats
Required Documents
- NEET Scorecard
- Class 10 and 12 certificates
- Caste/PwBD certificates (if applicable)
- Domicile/residence proof for state quota
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Practical Tips for Students & Families
Do This:
- Organize your documents in a file folder
- Monitor neet.nta.nic.in regularly
- Avoid exam discussion forums that promote anxiety
Avoid This:
- Don’t panic over answer key differences
- Don’t compare scores with peers
- Don’t rely on unofficial result portals
Always use official sites like nta.ac.in and MCC portals.
FAQs On NEET UG 2025 on May 4
Q1: Was NEET UG 2025 harder than last year?
A: Slightly, due to a tougher Physics section.
Q2: Can NEET be attempted multiple times?
A: Yes. There’s no attempt limit or age restriction up to 25 years.
Q3: Will AIIMS and JIPMER consider NEET 2025 scores?
A: Yes. All central institutes accept NEET scores.
Q4: Can I challenge all answers in the provisional key?
A: Yes, but each challenge costs around ₹200 per question.
Q5: How is rank calculated?
A: Based on raw score + tie-breaking formula (Biology > Chemistry > Physics > Age)
