When aspiring doctors start thinking about getting admitted to a top medical college, they must know that the tests that serve as the passkeys are the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Both of these exam results are widely recognised and accepted. Therefore, understanding the difference between the MCAT and NEET is crucial. MCAT provides access to medical education at international universities; in contrast, leading medical colleges across the country employ NEET scores to determine enrolment in the best medical schools. 

MCAT vs. NEET – The Complete Comparison

Let us understand the difference between the NEET Vs. MCAT examinations through a detailed analysis.

  • Conducting authority

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AMMC) conducts the MCAT. On the other hand, the NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

  • Level of examination

The MCAT is an international-level exam, whereas the NEET is on the national level. 

  • Mode of examination

The MCAT is a computer-based online examination, whereas the NEET is a pen-paper-based offline exam.

  • Duration of exam

The MCAT exam is 7 hours and 30 minutes long, while NEET is taken within 3 hours.

  • Type of questions

Both the MCAT and NEET exams feature MCQs.

  • Frequency in a year

The MCAT is conducted twice a year. On the other hand, the NEET is conducted thrice a year.

  • MCAT Syllabus Vs. NEET Syllabus

The MCAT syllabus covers areas such as science, psychology, and sociology as well as evaluates one’s capacity for critical thinking and analytical skills.

On the other hand, the NEET syllabus for UG and PG varies exponentially. The syllabus for NEET-UG covers the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and biology for classes XI and XII. The NEET PG syllabus for Pre-Clinical covers anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, while the Para-Clinical topics include pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, forensic medicine, and social and preventive medicine. 

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for MCAT Vs. NEET?

The prerequisites for the MCAT and NEET differ. To explain why MCAT is necessary, the MCAT is a prerequisite for candidates seeking admission to colleges abroad. Similarly, applicants seeking admission to India’s top universities and colleges take the NEET. Now let us compare the eligibility requirements for MCAT Vs. NEET in further detail:

  • MCAT

Applicants from the United States and Canada must provide an undergraduate degree to sit for the exam.

Overseas candidates must be enrolled in or have finished their MBBS program to be eligible to take the MCAT.

The American Association of Medical Colleges must grant special permission to candidates appearing for the MCAT exam for reasons other than pursuing a career in medicine (AAMC).

Candidates can also sit for the MCAT exam if they are eager to pursue a career in one of the many medical specialties, including allopathy, osteopathy, podiatry, and veterinary medicine.

  • NEET

For UG courses, every prospective student must have passed their 10+2 exam or equivalent with at least a 50 percent overall grade with physics, chemistry, biology, and English as the mandatory subjects.

For PG courses, candidates are required by law to have an MBBS from an approved university. Furthermore, they must register with the MCI/SMC and must complete their one-year internship successfully before the deadline.

MCAT Vs. NEET — Which Is Tougher?

Is MCAT harder than NEET is an unsettling debate that has been going on for a long time. Many aspiring medical students often wonder which exam if the bigger challenge. However, the answer to ‘is MCAT tougher than NEET?’ is inevitable. 

As we discussed above, both are medical entrance exams. MCAT only accepts PG applicants, whereas NEET is attempted as both a UG and PG entrance test. Additionally, the MCAT is a global exam that is open to students from all around the world. However, it is necessary to meet the eligibility requirements for these exams.

Overall, students must achieve the minimum score required to take the pertinent tests. The NEET and MCAT scores of the applicant play a key role in increasing their chances of admission to prestigious medical schools and universities. Thus, depending on where the candidate wishes to pursue their education and make a career, they must choose to take the NEET or MCAT examination.