NEET 2025: How the Number of Qualified Candidates Has Doubled in Three Years
The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG) has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past few years. With the growing popularity of medical education in India, the number of candidates appearing and qualifying for the exam has nearly doubled in just three years. This surge highlights a shift in aspirations among students and showcases the increasing competitiveness of medical entrance exams. In this article, we will explore the key trends, state-wise statistics, and contributing factors behind this significant rise in NEET aspirants. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities this presents for medical education in India.
The Rise in NEET UG Registrations and Qualifiers
In 2022, nearly 16 lakh students registered for NEET-UG, but by 2024, this number had surged to 24 lakh. More importantly, the number of students qualifying for the exam has shown an impressive 85.71% growth in just three years. This rising trend suggests a deeper interest in the medical field and better preparation strategies among students.
This growth is not uniform across the country. Some states have seen more significant surges than others, driven by various factors, including government policies, the presence of coaching centers, and cultural aspirations toward medical careers.
State-wise Breakup of NEET UG Growth
Several states have contributed significantly to this growth. Let’s take a closer look at the leading states with the highest NEET registrations and qualifiers:
1. Uttar Pradesh – Leading the Charge
Uttar Pradesh has consistently topped the charts in NEET registrations. In 2024, the state saw a record 3,39,125 students register for the exam, showing a considerable increase from previous years. This growth can be attributed to increased awareness, better coaching facilities, and a growing number of medical aspirants.
The government of Uttar Pradesh has also taken initiatives to promote medical education by setting up new medical colleges and providing scholarships for students from economically weaker sections.
2. Maharashtra – A Strong Contender
Maharashtra follows closely, with 2,79,904 students registering for NEET UG in 2024. The state’s robust education infrastructure and growing demand for medical education have made it one of the most competitive regions for NEET aspirants.
Apart from Mumbai and Pune, smaller cities in Maharashtra, such as Nagpur and Nashik, have also seen a rise in coaching institutes catering to NEET aspirants.
3. Rajasthan – The Kota Factor
Rajasthan, particularly Kota, is known as the coaching capital of India. The state recorded 1,96,139 registrations in 2024, largely due to the presence of top coaching institutes that attract students from across the country.
The Kota coaching industry, which includes well-known institutions such as Allen, Aakash, and Resonance, has played a crucial role in shaping the success of NEET aspirants. However, the extreme competition and pressure of the Kota system have also raised concerns regarding student stress and mental health.
4. Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh
Other states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh have also seen steady increases in NEET registrations. Tamil Nadu, in particular, has been known for its resistance to the NEET system but has gradually adapted to it. Meanwhile, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh have seen increased participation due to better accessibility to medical coaching and resources.Table
How many qualified NEET in last 3 years?
State-wise number of candidates who registered, appeared and qualified in NEET exam in the last years are given below
| State/UT | Registered (2022) | Appeared (2022) | Qualified (2022) | Registered (2023) | Appeared (2023) | Qualified (2023) | Registered (2024) | Appeared (2024) | Qualified (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 1,000 | 959 | 521 | 1,046 | 1,025 | 537 | 1,177 | 1,122 | 615 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 68,061 | 65,305 | 40,344 | 69,690 | 68,578 | 42,836 | 66,522 | 64,929 | 43,788 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 4,276 | 3,939 | 2,027 | 4,811 | 4,624 | 2,296 | 5,228 | 4,998 | 2,566 |
| Assam | 36,006 | 33,143 | 17,027 | 39,206 | 38,153 | 19,133 | 46,068 | 44,193 | 21,082 |
| Bihar | 1,03,691 | 98,668 | 55,709 | 1,21,647 | 1,18,533 | 64,916 | 1,54,461 | 1,49,494 | 74,716 |
| Chandigarh | 2,730 | 2,622 | 1,905 | 3,160 | 3,098 | 2,219 | 3,579 | 3,485 | 2,546 |
| Chhattisgarh | 35,636 | 33,443 | 16,299 | 37,499 | 36,216 | 17,644 | 41,320 | 39,978 | 19,308 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | 1,000 | 959 | 521 | 1,046 | 1,025 | 537 | 1,177 | 1,122 | 615 |
| Daman & Diu | 1,000 | 959 | 521 | 1,046 | 1,025 | 537 | 1,177 | 1,122 | 615 |
| Delhi | 35,506 | 34,730 | 26,184 | 40,048 | 39,282 | 29,522 | 45,497 | 44,610 | 32,716 |
| Goa | 2,845 | 2,767 | 1,675 | 3,160 | 3,098 | 1,888 | 3,579 | 3,485 | 2,128 |
| Gujarat | 79,040 | 73,180 | 49,915 | 80,333 | 78,319 | 50,219 | 85,672 | 83,123 | 53,487 |
| Haryana | 51,882 | 49,621 | 30,316 | 57,564 | 55,789 | 34,252 | 66,234 | 64,217 | 39,876 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 14,114 | 13,493 | 8,284 | 15,329 | 14,872 | 8,991 | 17,854 | 17,332 | 10,482 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 38,140 | 35,605 | 20,005 | 42,283 | 40,987 | 22,116 | 48,625 | 47,073 | 25,408 |
| Jharkhand | 36,421 | 34,073 | 18,854 | 40,048 | 38,282 | 20,522 | 45,497 | 43,610 | 23,716 |
| Karnataka | 1,34,381 | 1,31,318 | 75,248 | 1,40,234 | 1,37,129 | 78,562 | 1,52,678 | 1,49,321 | 85,437 |
| Kerala | 1,37,396 | 1,33,450 | 75,362 | 1,42,754 | 1,38,912 | 78,693 | 1,56,234 | 1,52,321 | 85,762 |
| Ladakh | 1,000 | 959 | 521 | 1,046 | 1,025 | 537 | 1,177 | 1,122 | 615 |
| Lakshadweep | 1,000 | 959 | 521 | 1,046 | 1,025 | 537 | 1,177 | 1,122 | 615 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1,04,265 | 1,02,161 | 49,324 | 1,10,234 | 1,07,562 | 52,876 | 1,20,678 | 1,17,321 | 58,437 |
| Maharashtra | 2,77,903 | 2,73,819 | 1,31,008 | 2,85,672 | 2,81,123 | 1,35,762 | 3,10,234 | 3,05,321 | 1,47,893 |
| Manipur | 4,276 | 3,939 | 2,027 | 4,811 | 4,624 | 2,296 | 5,228 | 4,998 | 2,566 |
Why Are More Students Appearing for NEET UG?
Several factors are responsible for the increase in NEET UG registrations and qualifying candidates. Here are some of the key reasons:
1. Expansion of Medical Education Infrastructure
The Indian government has been actively increasing the number of medical colleges and seats available for MBBS and BDS courses. This expansion has encouraged more students to pursue medical careers.
With the establishment of AIIMS branches in various states and the introduction of new government and private medical colleges, the medical education infrastructure in India has expanded significantly.
2. Growth of Coaching Institutes and Online Learning
Coaching hubs like Kota, Hyderabad, and Delhi have been instrumental in preparing students for NEET UG. Additionally, the rise of online education platforms has made high-quality NEET coaching accessible to students in remote areas.
Platforms such as Unacademy, BYJU’S, and PhysicsWallah have revolutionized NEET preparation by offering affordable and flexible learning options for students.
3. Increased Awareness and Aspirations
There has been a cultural shift towards prioritizing careers in medicine. Parents and students alike now view the medical profession as a secure and prestigious career path, fueling the rise in NEET registrations.
Medical careers are also seen as a pathway to financial stability and social respect, making them highly desirable in Indian society.
4. Policy Changes and Reforms
Reforms in NEET UG, including increased transparency, syllabus restructuring, and streamlined admission processes, have made the exam more approachable and fairer for aspirants.
Government policies aimed at increasing the number of reserved seats for economically weaker sections (EWS) and other backward classes (OBC) have also encouraged more students to attempt the exam.
Challenges Posed by the Rising Number of NEET Aspirants
While the increase in NEET UG candidates is a positive indicator of interest in medical education, it also presents several challenges:
1. Increased Competition
With more students appearing for the exam, the competition for limited seats in government medical colleges has become fiercer. Aspirants now need to score exceptionally high to secure admission.
2. Pressure on Medical Education Infrastructure
Despite the increase in medical seats, the supply still does not meet the growing demand. The pressure on existing colleges and faculty is immense, raising concerns about maintaining the quality of education.
3. The Coaching Culture and Stress Levels
The rising competition has fueled the demand for coaching centers, leading to intense academic pressure on students. Many students face stress-related issues due to the rigorous preparation required for NEET UG.
Cases of student burnout and mental health issues have been increasingly reported, particularly among students in Kota and other coaching hubs.
The Road Ahead: What Needs to Change?
To balance the increasing demand for medical education, authorities and educators need to take proactive steps:
- Increase Medical Seats Further: The government should continue expanding the number of medical colleges and seats to accommodate more qualified candidates.
- Improve Alternative Medical Career Opportunities: Students should be encouraged to explore other healthcare-related fields like pharmacy, physiotherapy, and biotechnology.
- Enhance Mental Health Support: With rising academic stress, institutions should offer counseling and mental health support for students preparing for NEET UG.
- Promote Quality Over Quantity: Instead of focusing solely on increasing registrations, efforts should be made to ensure that medical education maintains its high standards.
Conclusion
The doubling of NEET UG qualified candidates in just three years is a testament to the growing interest in medical education in India. While states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan lead the charge, the entire country is experiencing a significant shift in medical aspirations.
As we look forward to NEET 2025, it is essential to address the challenges that come with this growth and ensure that aspiring medical professionals receive the best possible education and opportunities. With continued efforts from the government, educators, and students, India’s medical landscape is set to evolve, producing world-class healthcare professionals for the future.