New Delhi: The NEET UG 2025 exam is just a week away, and whether you’re confident or confused, the steps after the exam are very important. Many students wonder what to do after the exam. This phase is all about planning, preparing for counselling, and keeping backup options ready.
Here’s a complete and practical checklist to help you move forward confidently.
Step 1: Estimate Your Score
After the exam, the first thing you must do is calculate your expected score using the official or coaching institute answer keys.
How to calculate your NEET score:
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each wrong answer
- 0 marks for unanswered questions
Once you have your estimated score, use NEET rank predictors or previous years’ cutoffs to estimate your rank range.
Step 2: Analyse the Paper & Cutoffs
Now, compare your estimated score with:
- Previous year cutoffs (2024, 2023, 2022)
- Category-wise cutoffs for MBBS/BDS
- All India Quota (AIQ) vs State Quota
This will help you decide:
- Whether your score is enough for the Govt. MBBS colleges
- If you should target Private/Deemed universities
- Whether you need to prepare for a backup plan
Tip: Watch paper analysis videos or read expert reviews to understand the overall difficulty and impact on expected cutoffs.
Step 3: Understand the NEET 2025 Counselling Process
There are two major types of NEET counselling:
1. All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling – 15% seats
- Conducted by MCC (Medical Counselling Committee)
- Includes top govt. medical colleges across India
- Open to all NEET-qualified candidates
2. State Quota Counselling – 85% seats
- Managed by respective state authorities
- Reserved for students with domicile eligibility
- You need to register separately for each state
Keep an eye on official websites like:
- https://mcc.nic.in (for AIQ)
- Respective state websites (for state counselling)
Step 4: Prepare Documents for Counselling
You must keep your documents ready in advance. Delays or mistakes here can cost you a seat.
Common documents required:
- NEET 2025 Admit Card
- NEET 2025 Scorecard
- Class 10 & 12 Marksheets
- Domicile certificate (for state quota)
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- ID Proof (Aadhaar card, PAN, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs
Tip: Scan and keep soft copies ready. Make 3–4 sets of photocopies.
Step 5: Explore All College Options
Based on your score, explore these options:
If you have a high score:
- Apply to the top Govt.. MBBS colleges (through AIQ + state counselling)
- Consider AIIMS, JIPMER, and AFMC if eligible
If you have a moderate score:
- Look at private medical colleges in your state or other states
- Consider deemed universities (can be expensive)
If your score is below the cutoff:
- Don’t panic — you still have options:
- MBBS Abroad
- BDS (Dental)
- BAMS (Ayurveda)
- BHMS (Homoeopathy)
- BPT (Physiotherapy)
- B.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. Biotechnology, etc.
Step 6: Don’t Rush – Research Before Locking Choices
During counselling, you’ll need to fill out and lock your college preferences.
Always consider:
- Fees structure
- Location and hostel facilities
- Internship opportunities
- Bond or service years (especially for Govt.. colleges)
Tip: Use college predictor tools and talk to seniors if possible.
Step 7: Keep Backup Plans Ready
Not everyone gets MBBS in the first round or even the first year. That’s okay!
Backup options include:
- Taking a drop year and preparing again (only if you are sure)
- Choosing other medical/paramedical fields
- Exploring MBBS abroad (only from NMC-approved universities)
Tip: Discuss openly with your parents, mentors, and career counsellors.
Final Tips & Reminders
- Stay updated through official websites and news.
- Do not trust fake agents or unofficial counselling offers.
- Keep checking for MCC and state notifications.
- Join official Telegram/WhatsApp groups for updates — but verify everything.
- Take care of your mental health – stay calm and focused.
Conclusion
Your NEET score is just one part of your medical journey. What matters most now is how smartly you plan your next steps. Use this checklist as your guide and move ahead with confidence.
Even if you didn’t do well, it’s not the end — many students succeed in their second attempt or shine in other medical fields.