New Delhi, March 8, 2025: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2025 has witnessed a slight decline in registrations compared to the previous year. While 24.06 lakh candidates registered in 2024, this year, the number has dropped to around 23 lakh. As a result, competition for medical seats has slightly eased, with approximately 19 candidates competing for each MBBS seat this year, compared to 20.3 per seat in 2024.
NEET UG 2025 Registration Trends
Experts estimate that 22 to 22.5 lakh candidates will appear for the exam, considering that some applicants fail to complete the registration process due to pending fee payments or incomplete forms. According to Pankaj Khandelwal, who runs a form-filling center in Kota, many candidates failed to submit documents or fees, leading to lower final registration numbers.
NEET UG 2025 Registrations Decrease
Experts suggest that while the first five days of March saw a surge in registrations, the final numbers remained lower than expected. The withdrawal of NEET-based admissions for some graduation courses in Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (Jaipur) and Marwar Medical University (Jodhpur) also contributed to a decline in applicants.
With 1.20 lakh MBBS seats available nationwide, candidates will still face intense competition. However, the slight dip in registrations could mean better chances for aspiring medical students.
The medical entrance exam is one of India’s most competitive tests, and despite the decrease in registrations, aspirants must prepare thoroughly to secure a seat in the country’s top medical colleges.
