Introduction
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) remains India's most crucial medical entrance exam, determining admissions to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses. Over the years, NEET has seen a continuous rise in registrations, reflecting the growing demand for medical education. However, NEET 2025 has witnessed a slight decline in registrations compared to 2024.
With around 23 lakh candidates registering for NEET 2025, the competition remains intense. Understanding past trends, marks vs. rank correlation, and effective preparation strategies is essential for aspirants aiming to secure a medical seat. In this blog, we delve deep into NEET 2025's registration trends, analyze past years' statistics, predict rank vs. score cutoffs, and provide expert-backed preparation strategies.
NEET UG 2025 Registration Trends & Analysis
The number of candidates appearing for NEET UG has consistently increased over the years. However, in 2025, the registrations have seen a slight dip, with approximately 23 lakh candidates registering compared to 24,06,079 in 2024.
Why Has NEET 2025 Seen a Drop in Registrations?
Several factors may have contributed to the decline in registrations:
Exam Pattern Adjustments:
- NEET 2025 follows the pre-COVID pattern with 180 mandatory questions to be completed in 180 minutes.
- The return to this structure may have discouraged some aspirants.
Competitive Pressure & Alternatives:
- With increasing difficulty levels, many students are exploring alternative medical exams like AIIMS, JIPMER, or studying abroad.
State-wise Quota Variations:
- Changes in state quota policies could have influenced registration numbers.
Despite this minor dip, the competition remains tough. Let's analyse past registration trends to understand the bigger picture
NEET UG Registration Statistics (2019-2025)
The table below showcases the registration trends over the past few years:
Year Registered Candidates Appeared Candidates Qualified Candidates 2019 15,19,375 14,10,755 7,97,042 2020 15,97,435 13,66,945 7,71,500 2021 16,14,777 15,44,273 8,70,074 2022 18,72,343 17,64,571 9,93,069 2023 20,87,462 20,38,596 11,45,976 2024 24,06,079 23,33,297 13,15,863 2025 ~23,00,000 (Estimated) To Be Announced To Be Announced
The table below showcases the registration trends over the past few years:
| Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates | Qualified Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15,19,375 | 14,10,755 | 7,97,042 |
| 2020 | 15,97,435 | 13,66,945 | 7,71,500 |
| 2021 | 16,14,777 | 15,44,273 | 8,70,074 |
| 2022 | 18,72,343 | 17,64,571 | 9,93,069 |
| 2023 | 20,87,462 | 20,38,596 | 11,45,976 |
| 2024 | 24,06,079 | 23,33,297 | 13,15,863 |
| 2025 | ~23,00,000 (Estimated) | To Be Announced | To Be Announced |
Key Observations:
1.The number of registered candidates increased significantly from 2019 to 2024, peaking at 24.06 lakh in 2024
2.The NEET 2025 dip (~23 lakh registrations) breaks the rising trend, though the decline is marginal
3.The qualified candidates have nearly doubled from 7.97 lakh in 2019 to 13.15 lakh in 2024, indicating that more candidates are meeting the eligibility criteria for medical admissions.
NEET 2025 Marks vs. Rank Analysis
Understanding how marks correlate with rank is crucial for aspirants to set realistic targets. Below is an estimated marks vs. rank analysis for NEET 2025.
NEET Score Expected NEET Rank 2025 NEET Rank 2024 700+ Top 100 Top 100 650 – 699 500 – 3,000 500 – 2,800 600 – 649 5,000 – 15,000 4,500 – 14,000 550 – 599 17,000 – 45,000 16,000 – 43,000 500 – 549 50,000 – 1,10,000 48,000 – 1,05,000 450 – 499 1,20,000 – 2,00,000 1,15,000 – 1,90,000
Understanding how marks correlate with rank is crucial for aspirants to set realistic targets. Below is an estimated marks vs. rank analysis for NEET 2025.
| NEET Score | Expected NEET Rank 2025 | NEET Rank 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 700+ | Top 100 | Top 100 |
| 650 – 699 | 500 – 3,000 | 500 – 2,800 |
| 600 – 649 | 5,000 – 15,000 | 4,500 – 14,000 |
| 550 – 599 | 17,000 – 45,000 | 16,000 – 43,000 |
| 500 – 549 | 50,000 – 1,10,000 | 48,000 – 1,05,000 |
| 450 – 499 | 1,20,000 – 2,00,000 | 1,15,000 – 1,90,000 |
Observations:
- Candidates scoring 650+ are likely to secure admission into top government medical colleges.
- A 550+ score gives a chance for state quota seats.
- Those with less than 500 marks may have to opt for private colleges or consider alternative options.
- Candidates scoring 650+ are likely to secure admission into top government medical colleges.
- A 550+ score gives a chance for state quota seats.
- Those with less than 500 marks may have to opt for private colleges or consider alternative options.
State-wise NEET 2025 Competition
Which States Have the Highest NEET Registrations?
The top states contributing to NEET registrations in previous years include:
1.Uttar Pradesh – Over 3.5 lakh aspirants
2.Maharashtra – Around 2.8 lakh candidate
3.Rajasthan – Close to 2.6 lakh aspirants
4.Tamil Nadu – Approximately 2.4 lakh students
5.Karnataka – Around 2.2 lakh candidates
Implications:
1.In states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, higher cutoffs are expected due to increased competition.
2.Students in less competitive states may have better chances under state quota.
How to Secure an MBBS Seat in NEET 2025
Here’s a structured plan to boost your chances:
Here’s a structured plan to boost your chances:
1. Focus on NCERT Books
-85-90% of NEET questions come from NCERT.
-Multiple revisions of NCERT are crucial.
2. Practice 10,000+ MCQs
-Solve previous 10 years’ papers.
-Attempt at least one full-length mock test daily.
3. Improve Speed & Accuracy
-Reduce silly mistakes through regular error analysis.
-Use time management techniques.
4. Follow a Strategic Study Plan
-Daily: Revise topics & solve 100+ questions.
-Weekly: Take at least 2 full-length mock tests.
5. Enroll in HelloMedic's NEET AI Plan
-Boosts accuracy by 30% with real-time performance tracking.
-Provides personalised improvement reports.
Conclusion
Despite the slight drop in registrations, NEET 2025 remains highly competitive. To succeed, aspirants must adopt a data-driven, strategic approach to preparation. Leveraging AI-based platforms like HelloMedic NEET AI can optimise preparation, predict ranks, and ensure a smarter seat selection strategy.
Despite the slight drop in registrations, NEET 2025 remains highly competitive. To succeed, aspirants must adopt a data-driven, strategic approach to preparation. Leveraging AI-based platforms like HelloMedic NEET AI can optimise preparation, predict ranks, and ensure a smarter seat selection strategy.
