NEET SS 2025: Exam Date Out, Check Registration, Syllabus, Exam Pattern

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Dipanwita Pramanik

Content Writer | Updated on - Oct 1, 2025

The NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Super Specialty) is the official exam for doctors seeking admission to DM, MCh, and other super-specialty courses in India, conducted by NBEMS / NBE. Only candidates who have completed MD, MS, or DNB can take the NEET SS exam. As per the latest notification, the NEET SS exam 2025 is scheduled on 7 and 8 November 2025.

  • The test is a computer-based (CBT) test with a time duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, and approximately 150 multiple-choice questions. It is divided into Part A (similar topics, 40%), and Part B (specialized topics, 60%).

  • Candidates are awarded +4 on correct answers, -1 on incorrect answers, and zero on unattempted questions. The language is English, and applications are made online through the NBEMS portal.
  • The syllabus is based on the postgraduate syllabus and includes common and specialty-related topics to assess knowledge as well as clinical abilities.
  • To be eligible, the postgraduate degree must be completed along with the completion of the internship. The seats are offered in the government and privately owned medical colleges, distributed according to the policies of merit and reservation.
  • In the NBEMS 2025 information bulletin, tentative dates will be announced regarding application and exam. The updates related to the NEET SS are to be found on the official NBEMS site: NEET SS Official Page.
Neet 2025

Key Summary

  • NEET SS 2025 is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS / NBE) and is a computer-based test (CBT).
  • The exam is conducted with a time duration of 2.5 hours, which includes approximately 150 multiple-choice questions.
  • The marking system in the NEET SS exam is +4 correct answers, -1 incorrect answers, and 0 for unattempted questions.
  • To appear in the NEET SS exam, the eligibility criteria includes MD/MS/DNB or equivalent in the relevant feeder specialty, with internship completion as per NBEMS guidelines; nationality includes Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals.
  • The reservations will be made according to NMC and DCI regulations as SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), EWS (10%), and PwD (5% horizontal across all categories).
  • Pattern Paper has two parts, namely Part A (common subjects, or so-called general questions, about 40%) and Part B (specialty-specific questions or specialist questions, about 60%).
  • The candidates can visit NEET SS Official Page for regular updates.

What is NEET SS?

NEET SS, or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Super Specialty, is the entrance exam for admission to DM/ MCh/ DrNB super-specialty courses. Conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE / NBEMS) under the supervision of the National Medical Commission (NMC). It evaluates doctors’ expertise in their broad specialty before they enter advanced training.

NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Super Specialty) was first introduced in 2016 as a single merit-based entrance exam for DM/MCh/DrNB courses in India replacing multiple state and institutional-level tests.

NEET SS 2025 Exam Highlights (Tentative)

Particulars Details (Tentative)
Name of Exam NEET-SS (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test – Super Specialty)
Conducting Body National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS / NBE)
Courses Covered DM, MCh, and DrNB Super Specialty Courses
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
Total Questions 150 MCQs
Marking Scheme +4 for correct, −1 for wrong, 0 for unanswered
Total Marks 600 marks (4 × 150)
Sections / Grouping Divided into sections/groups (with sectional time limits)
Language / Medium English
Application Mode Online registration via the NBEMS portal
Exam Fee Examination Fees per Group: ₹3,500 (based on 2025 pattern; subject to change)
Official Notification & Bulletin Yet to be released
Important Dates To be announced (application, admit card, exam, result)
Eligibility Basics MD/MS/DNB (or equivalent) in feeder specialties; must meet bulletin criteria
NEET SS Official Link

NEET SS 2025 Important Dates

NEET-SS 2025 exam dates are yet to be announced. However, based on past trends, the exam is expected to follow a similar pattern in 2025 as well. Candidates are strongly advised to keep checking the NBEMS official website for the latest notifications and bulletins.

Date Event
August 2025 Information Bulletin Release
September – October, 2025 Online Application Submission
October 2025 Edit Window
October 2025 Final Edit Window to rectify Deficient/Incorrect Images
November 2025 Admit Card
November 7 – 8, 2025 Date of Examination
December 2025 Result Declaration
Check More Info Information Brochure

NEET SS 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements of NEET SS 2025 are dependent on guidelines released by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS / NBE). The official information bulletin regarding NEET SS 2025 has not been published; however, students can check the latest NBEMS Information Bulletin to check the NEET SS eligibility criteria 2025.

Eligibility item Key rule (official source)
Basic qualification Recognized postgraduate medical degree: MD / MS / DNB or equivalent. Candidates likely to complete a degree by the cut-off date may also apply (provisional pass).
Feeder specialties Candidates may appear for question papers/groups where their PG qualification is an eligible feeder specialty. Multiple groups may be opted for where eligible.
FCPS (Mumbai) FCPS (Mumbai) qualification is not equivalent to MD/MS for NEET-SS eligibility (per MoHFW note referenced in bulletin).
Provisional eligibility Appearance/admit card does not guarantee admission - final eligibility is decided at counseling/document verification.

Ques. Who is eligible to appear for NEET SS 2025?

Ans. Candidates who are eligible to appear for NEET SS 2025 must have a broad specialty postgraduate degree (MD/MS/DNB), which is recognized by the NMC/DCI and meet the other criteria in the latest NBEMS bulletin.

Ques. Are there age or nationality restrictions for NEET SS?

Ans. Yes, there are nationality restrictions for NEET SS applicants, which include that the candidates must be Indian nationals, NRI, or OCI/PIO holders as specified, and fulfill any age limits mentioned in the official information bulletin.

NEET SS 2025 Registration

Registration for NEET-SS 2025 is expected to be announced via the NBEMS / NBE official portal before the exam window opens. Candidates should regularly check the NBEMS official NEET SS page for updates.

The registration/exam fee structure as per the last year’s Information Bulletin (most recent official) is shown below:

Category / Condition Fee Amount Remarks
General / OBC / EWS ₹ 3,500 per group Same fee for every group that opted
SC / ST / PwD ₹ 3,500 per group No concession in 2024; same fees across categories
Examination fees

Source: @ nbe.edu.in

Notes:

  • Candidates applying for multiple specialty groups will have to pay a fee for each group separately.
  • The fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances, which also includes absenteeism or rejection of the application.
Example scenarios

Source: @ nbe.edu.in

NEET SS 2025 Exam Pattern

NEET SS 2025 is a computer-based test (CBT) whose questions are grouped or categorized into sections. The time in each section is fixed, and the candidate is required to finish one section before proceeding to the next. The table below gives a detailed overview of the exam pattern:

Particulars Details (Tentative)
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), single best answer
Total Questions 150 (group-wise variations exist)
Total Marks 600
Sections Divided into groups/sections with sectional time limits; once a section is over, candidates cannot go back
Medium of Exam English only

Ques. How is the NEET SS 2025 exam structured?

Ans. The NEET SS 2025 exam is a struture which contains150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2.5 hours (150 minutes). Questions were asked at the PG exit level and covered both Part A (general) and Part B (super-specialty specific) sections.

Also Read:

NEET SS 2025 Marking Scheme

The NEET SS marking scheme would give +4 marks to correct answers, -1 marks to incorrect answers, and 0 marks to unanswered questions.

Response Type Marks Awarded
Correct Answer +4
Incorrect Answer −1
Unanswered / Not Attempted 0
Marking scheme

Source: @ nbe.edu.in

Please note that the NEET SS 2025 Information Bulletin has not been released yet. It is advisable to regularly check the official NBEMS website for the latest updates and official notifications.

Ques. What is the marking scheme for NEET SS 2025?

Ans. The exam follows the standard NBEMS format with positive marks for correct answers and negative marking for incorrect ones.

Response Type Marks Awarded/Deducted
Correct Answer +4 marks
Incorrect Answer -1 mark
Unanswered/Marked for Review 0 mark

Ques. What is the duration and total marks of NEET SS 2025?

Ans. The paper will be conducted for 150 minutes (2.5 hours), with a maximum of 600 marks.

NEET SS 2025 Syllabus

NEET SS syllabus is set in such a way so as to test the proficiency of the candidate in their selected super-specialty as well as the related feeder broad specialty. The test format consists of two sections:

  • Part A: Ordinary paper with 40% of the total questions.
  • Part B: Specialty-specific paper covering 60 % of the total questions.

The syllabus in each specialty is carefully designed and is consistent with the postgraduate curriculum, so as to have a thorough evaluation.

NEET SS 2025 Syllabus Weightage

Section Content Weightage Remarks
Part A Questions from the eligible feeder broad specialty (e.g., General Medicine for Medical Group, General Surgery for Surgical Group, etc.) 40% Standardized across all groups
Part B Questions from the super-specialties listed under that question paper group 60% Covers all relevant sub-specialties; internal distribution not disclosed officially
Neet ss 2025 syllabus

Neet ss syllabus

Ques. What is the NEET SS syllabus based on?

Ans. It is based on the broad specialty (Part A) and the super-specialty (Part B) topics at PG exit level.

NEET SS 2025 Preparation Strategy

  • Prioritize Feeder Broad Specialty (Part A-40%)
    • Since 40% comes from your parent discipline (e.g., General Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics), build a strong foundation here.
    • Rely on standard PG-level textbooks (Harrison’s for Medicine, Bailey & Love for Surgery, etc.).
    • Start solving previous NEET PG/INI-SS style questions to sharpen basics.
  • Master Super-Specialty Components (Part B-60%)
    • Cover PG exit-level knowledge of super-specialties under the group chosen (e.g., Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology under the Medicine group).
    • Prioritize high-yield topics that are frequently asked in past exams, such as clinical case scenarios, diagnostic approaches, and treatment protocols.
  • Use Smart Study Techniques
    • Make short notes of important guidelines (latest NMC, ICMR, Harrison updates).
    • Practice MCQs daily and keep a log of mistakes and revise them weekly.
    • Follow the “reverse reading method”: Study MCQs → Trace Back to Textbook Explanations → Revise.

Ques. How should I start preparing for NEET SS 2025?

Ans. Candidates can start preparing for NEET SS 2025with core PG textbooks of the feeder specialty (Part A) to build a strong base. Then, gradually move to super-specialty books (Part B), which carries 60% of the weightage.

Ques. Is solving previous years’ NEET SS papers important?

Ans. Yes, solving past years’ papers helps aspirants to understand the exam pattern, commonly asked topics, and improves speed and accuracy.

NEET SS 2025 Books

Selecting the right books is crucial for effective NEET SS preparation, as the exam tests both broad specialty knowledge and super-specialty expertise. Focusing on standard, high-yield textbooks helps candidates to cover core concepts efficiently without getting overwhelmed.

Broad Specialty / Group Recommended Books
General Medicine (Medical Group)
  • Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (core)
  • Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine
  • Sub-specialty books like Braunwald’s Heart Disease (Cardiology), Bradley’s Neurology (Neurology), Brenner & Rector’s Kidney (Nephrology)
General Surgery (Surgical Group)
  • Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery
  • Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery
  • Super-specialty texts: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, Campbell-Walsh Urology, Greenfield’s Surgery
Orthopaedics
  • Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics
  • Rockwood and Green’s Fractures
  • Miller’s Review of Orthopaedics
Paediatrics
  • Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics (main reference)
  • Sub-specialty references like Cloherty’s Manual of Neonatal Care
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Williams Obstetrics
  • Berek & Novak’s Gynecology
  • Te Linde’s Operative Gynecology
Anaesthesia
  • Miller’s Anesthesia
  • Morgan & Mikhail’s Clinical Anesthesiology
Radiodiagnosis
  • Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology
  • Sutton’s Textbook of Radiology
Respiratory Medicine
  • Fishman’s Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders
  • Murray & Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine
Pathology
  • Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease
  • Ackerman’s Surgical Pathology
Psychiatry
  • Kaplan & Sadock’s Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry
Pharmacology
  • Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
ENT
  • Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery

Ques. Which books are considered most important for NEET SS 2025 preparation?

Ans. For NEET SS 2025, candidates should focus on standard PG-level textbooks for their broad specialty (Part A) and relevant super-specialty books (Part B). Examples include Harrison’s for Medicine, Bailey & Love for Surgery, Nelson for Pediatrics, Williams for Obstetrics & Gynecology.

NEET SS 2025 Admit Card

The NEET SS 2025 admit card will be released online on the official NBEMS portal a few weeks before the exam. Candidates must download it by using their application credentials and also need to carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.

Ques. How can I download the NEET SS 2025 admit card?

Ans. Candidates can download NEET SS 2025 admit card online using their application credentials from the NBEMS portal.

Ques. What should I carry along with the admit card to the exam center?

Ans. A printed copy of the admit card and a valid government photo ID are mandatory to carry along with the admit card.

NEET SS 2025 Result

The NEET SS 2025 result will be declared online on the official NBEMS portal, which typically takes 2-3 weeks after the exam. It will include the candidate’s score, percentile, and qualifying status, which determines eligibility for counseling. Candidates must download the scorecard for the admission process.

Ques. When will NEET SS 2025 results be declared?

Ans. NEET SS 2025 results are expected to be declared within 2-3 weeks after the exam, and it will be available online on the NBEMS portal.

Ques. What details are mentioned in the NEET SS scorecard?

Ans. The NEET SS scorecard shows the candidate’s score, percentile, and qualifying status, which is essential for the counseling and admission process.

Also Read:

NEET SS 2025: Reservation Policies & PWD Candidates

In NEET SS, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates have a certain percentage of seats allocated to them. All institutions that take part in NEET SS are subjected to these reservations, which are thoroughly applied in line with the regulations of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Dental Council of India (DCI).

Category Reservation (%)
General (UR) 0%
Scheduled Caste (SC) 15%
Scheduled Tribe (ST) 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) 27%
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) 10%
Horizontal Reservation for PwD 5% across all categories
  • To avail a reservation, 40% disability is required of PwD candidates.
  • The benefits of PwD are horizontal, i.e., they are applicable across all categories.
  • The application must have a certificate provided by a recognized medical authority.

Ques. What are the reservation rules for NEET SS 2025?

Ans. NEET SS 2025 follows the Government of India rules. Seats are reserved as: 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and 10% for EWS candidates. These rules apply in all colleges under NEET SS.

Ques. Is there any reservation for PwD candidates in NEET SS 2025?

Ans. Yes, there is a reservation for PwD candidates as they get a 5% reservation in every category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS). This is based on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

NEET SS Previous Years’ Cutoffs

NEET SS Previous Year Cutoff gives a brief on the qualifying percentiles and admission cutoffs in the previous years of the exam, which will enable the aspirants to know the trend and pattern of seat allocations.

  • The qualifying percentile is the lowest score that one can have and still qualify in counseling.
  • The admission cutoff is the lowest score required to get admission to a specific specialty.
  • In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the cutoff in the admission was reduced to the 20th percentile to occupy vacant super-specialty seats after the first round of counselling.
Year Qualifying Percentile Admission Cutoff
2022 50th percentile Reduced to the 20th percentile for the mop-up round
2023 50th percentile Reduced to the 20th percentile due to vacant seats
2024 50th percentile Reduced to the 20th percentile in later counseling rounds
2025 50th percentile (expected) Expected to be reduced if seats remain vacant; official data not released yet

Also Read:

NEET SS Cutoff 2024

The Qualifying Percentile for NEET SS 2024 was the 50th percentile across all categories.

  • Admission Cutoff Adjustments can be done to fill vacant seats; the admission cutoff was lowered to the 20th percentile in subsequent counseling rounds.
  • Group-wise Qualifying Scores (50th Percentile) are listed below:
Specialty Group Qualifying Score (out of 600)
Respiratory Medicine 365
Obstetrics and Gynaecology 354
ENT 350
Microbiology 340
Medical Oncology 280
Anaesthesiology 279
Critical Care Medicine 285
Psychiatry 311
Pharmacology 315
Radiodiagnosis 315
Medical 299
Paediatrics 287
Orthopaedics 254
Pathology 261
Surgical 285

Ques. What is the qualifying percentile for NEET SS?

Ans. The qualifying percentile in NEET SS is usually the 50th percentile, but in some mop-up rounds the qualifying percentile is reduced to 20th percentile so that the vacant seats are filled.

Ques. How does the NEET SS admission cutoff differ from the qualifying percentile?

Ans. The NEET SS admission cut-off is the minimum score which is needed to secure a seat in a specialty course, whereas the qualifying percentile can only ensure eligibility for counseling.

Also Read:

NEET SS 2025 FAQs

Ques. Where do I get the official NEET-SS information bulletin?

Ans. On NBEMS / NBE official website (natboard.edu.in). The bulletin contains eligibility, exam scheme, important dates, application steps, and annexures.

Ques. Is NEET-SS valid for admission to all DM/MCh seats?

Ans. NEET-SS is the single entrance for most DM/MCh/DrNB admissions. Certain premier institutes (AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER, JIPMER, NIMHANS, SCTIMST) may be exempt (see information bulletin for details).

Ques. Can I appear for multiple groups in one session for NEET SS exam?

Ans. Yes, Candidates may opt for as many groups as your PG qualification allows (if your feeder specialty makes you eligible) by confirming which groups the feeder specialty maps to in the bulletin.

Ques. Who conducts the counseling for NEET SS?

Ans. NBEMS provides results and the counseling and allotment of seats are handled by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for national level and by state/institute authorities for other seats.

Ques. What is the marking scheme and duration for NEET SS exam?

Ans. The NEET SS exam marking scheme and duration are defined in the official NBEMS information bulletin and help candidates plan their exam strategy.

Feature Details
Exam Duration ~150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes)
Marking Scheme +4 for correct answer, −1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Sections Part A (Common Topics, ~40%), Part B (Specialty-Specific, ~60%)
Medium English
  • Duration and marking are officially specified in the NBEMS information bulletin.
  • Negative marking applies for incorrect responses, so accuracy is crucial.
  • Part A tests common topics across specialties, while Part B focuses on the chosen super-specialty.

Ques. When will the NEET-SS 2025 application open?

Ans. The process of the NEET SS 2025 application is expected to start in the first week of February 2027, and the final deadline is expected to be the fourth week of February 2027. Applicants are advised to visit the official NBEMS site frequently.

Ques. What if my payment failed during application of NEET-SS?

Ans. If the payment is failed during application of NEET-SS then the candidates can communicate through NBEMS web portal (Contact Us on natboard site) and follow the instructions.

Issue Action / Solution
Payment failed during application Do not resubmit immediately; check if the amount was debited
Amount debited but status shows failed Wait for automatic refund (usually within 7-10 working days)
Amount not refunded or other issues Contact NBEMS immediately with transaction ID, application number, and payment proof
Multiple payment attempts Avoid multiple payments until official confirmation is received

Ques. Can NEET-SS rank guarantee admission?

Ans. No, only NEET-SS rank does not guarantee admission as it is necessary but not sufficient. Final admission depends on counseling, seat availability, document verification and institute/university conditions.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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Comments


Found 1 Comment

D
dr neetu pillai
Feb 6, 2024 08:58
If i register for the counselling process in neet ss 2023 and donot lock in any option of my choice , then is the security amount refundable.?

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