Navigating Admissions After NEET 2021: Can You Secure an AIIMS Seat?

If the AIIMS examination was cancelled for 2021 and you scored more than 600 marks in the NEET 2021, you had a competitive chance at securing a seat. However, securing an AIIMS seat is not a sure thing. Various factors come into play, and each year can have unique conditions that influence the admission process.

Understanding the Changes in Entrance Exams

Since 2020, the AIIMS All India Institute of Medical Sciences entrance exam has been replaced by the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This shift introduced a new methodology for admissions, making the process more accessible to a broader pool of candidates.

For the 2021 admissions to AIIMS, NEET scores were the primary criterion. However, with higher NEET scores, the likelihood of securing a seat was significantly improved. A score of over 600 was considered very competitive, putting you in a strong position for admission. Nevertheless, the final decision on seat allotment is influenced by several factors.

Fairing With NEET 2021 Scores

Scoring more than 600 marks in NEET 2021 undoubtedly positions you for a competitive chance, but it is crucial to recognize that not all seats are allocated based on NEET scores alone. The following elements play a significant role:

Cut-off Marks

AIIMS institutes have their own cut-off marks which vary annually. These cut-offs are determined based on the difficulty level of the NEET exam and the number of candidates appearing for it. High cut-offs are set when the number of applicants is higher, while lower cut-offs are set when the number of applicants is fewer.

Seat Availability

The availability of seats for that particular year is another critical factor. A limited number of seats available may drastically reduce your chances of getting a seat, despite a high score.

Reservation Policies

Reservation categories, such as General, OBC, SC, and ST, also play a significant role. Each category has a separate cut-off, and the distribution of seats is designed to ensure fair access to medical education for all societal strata.

All India Rank (AIR)

Your NEET score translates into an All India Rank (AIR), which is essential for admission. Higher ranks increase your chances of getting a seat, especially in top-tier AIIMS institutions.

Alternatives to Consider

While scoring over 600 marks in NEET 2021 puts you in a strong position, securing an AIIMS seat is not guaranteed. Here are some alternatives you can consider:

Second and Third Round Counseling

Even if your score does not meet the initial cut-offs, you can still participate in the second and third rounds of counseling. These rounds are reserved for candidates who did not get a seat in the initial rounds but have met the cut-offs.

Top PBT Scoring CMC Vellore Sneha Institutions

Candidates with high scores are often sourced from the top PBT (Pre-Professional Level Test) scoring colleges, such as MNRMC, Amrita, and Sneha Institutions. Scoring over 600 in NEET 2021 positions you well for these institutions.

Reservation Benefits

Besides standard NEET scores, candidates from reserved categories with a score of over 600 can secure seats in some AIIMS institutions, provided their AIR ranks are within the category-specific cut-offs.

Conclusion

While scoring more than 600 marks in NEET 2021 significantly enhances your chances of securing a seat in AIIMS, it is essential to consider other factors such as cut-off marks, seat availability, reservation policies, and your AIR rank. There are still opportunities to secure a government medical seat, but AIIMS might be a stretch goal for a score of 600.

Especially in the context of AIIMS, a score of 660 is required for the top institutions, and 620 for other AIIMS. While these scores are guidelines, your exact chances vary based on your category and other specific factors.

While it is advisable to target top AIIMS institutions, we recommend considering second and third-round counseling and other government medical colleges in the meantime. These institutions also offer excellent education and can be a suitable alternative.