NEET Scores for Medical Admissions: Validity in India and Abroad

After taking the 2020 National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and knowing that your marks might not be ideal, you might wonder about the validity of your past NEET scores for medical admissions both in India and abroad. Here, we address common queries and provide guidance on how to navigate the complexities of using NEET scores for international medical studies.

Understanding NEET Score Validity in India

In India, the NEET scores are valid only for the academic year in which the exam is conducted. This means that if you took the NEET 2019 exam, your scores would not be valid for admissions to medical colleges in 2020. However, the 2020 NEET scores will remain valid for medical college admissions in India for the current year only, unless updated.

NEET Scores for International Admissions

For admission to medical colleges abroad, the situation is more complex. While many universities may accept NEET scores, the specific requirements can vary depending on the institution and the country. Some universities may allow you to use your NEET scores from previous years, while others might require you to have taken the exam in the same academic year as your application.
For example, if you had skipped the 2020 NEET and instead took it in 2019, your NEET scores from 2019 can still be valid for international medical admissions. However, it's crucial to verify these requirements with the specific universities you are interested in.

It's important to check the admission requirements of the specific universities you are interested in to see if they accept older NEET scores or if they have alternative criteria for admission.

New Rule: Three-Year Validity Cap for NEET Scores in Foreign Universities

The Medical Council of India (MCI) has mandated the use of NEET scores for students aiming to pursue undergraduate medicine programs in foreign universities. As a result, the MCI has now placed a three-year cap on the validity of NEET scores for foreign university admissions. According to this new rule, your NEET scores will remain valid for three years from the year they were taken.

This updated rule will benefit students who aspire to study medicine abroad, as their scorecard will remain applicable over a longer period. However, for Indian universities, NEET scores are still valid for only one academic year.

Below is a report from Times of India on this issue:

After making the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) mandatory for students aiming to pursue undergraduate medical courses in foreign universities, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has now provided a three-year cap on the validity of NEET scores. The scorecard will remain applicable for three years from the year it was taken.

Thank you! We hope this information helps you navigate the complexities of medical admissions and international education.

For more detailed information and updates, please visit the official websites of the MCI and the respective medical universities in India and abroad.

Keywords: NEET scores, medical admissions, validity period