Difference Between NEET PG and NEET SS: In India, aspiring medical professionals must clear various entrance exams to pursue higher education and specialize in their chosen medical field. Among these exams, NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post-Graduation) and NEET SS (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Super-Speciality Courses) are two critical exams. Though both are organized by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), they differ in terms of their purpose, eligibility criteria, and level of specialization. In this article, we will explore the key differences between NEET PG and NEET SS.
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NEET PG is an entrance exam for medical graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate courses like MD, MS, and PG Diplomas in various medical fields. To be eligible, candidates must have completed their MBBS degree and a mandatory internship. The exam, organized by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), is conducted annually in a computer-based format for admission to postgraduate medical programs.
Purpose: NEET PG is an entrance exam for medical graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate medical courses like MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), and PG Diploma programs. This exam serves as a qualification for doctors looking to specialize in a wide range of medical fields such as Pediatrics, Radiology, General Surgery, and more.
Eligibility: To appear for NEET PG, candidates must have completed their MBBS degree from a recognized medical college in India. Additionally, candidates must have completed a mandatory one-year internship by the time the exam is held.
Exam Level: NEET PG is a postgraduate-level entrance exam, intended for candidates who have completed their undergraduate medical degree (MBBS).
Conducting Authority: The NEET PG exam is organized by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) every year, and it is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format.
Admission Process: Based on their NEET PG scores, candidates are eligible for admission to various postgraduate medical courses, including:
NEET SS is an entrance exam designed for medical postgraduates seeking to specialize in super-specialty fields like Cardiology, Neurosurgery, and Endocrinology. Candidates must have completed an MD or MS degree to be eligible for the exam, which is administered by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Successful candidates can gain admission to advanced courses like DM, MCh, and DNB in super-specialties.
Purpose: NEET SS is conducted for medical postgraduates who wish to further specialize in super-specialty courses such as DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and MCh (Master of Chirurgiae/ Master of Surgery). This exam caters to doctors who wish to gain expertise in niche medical fields like Cardiology, Neurosurgery, Endocrinology, and other super-specialties.
Eligibility: Candidates must have completed an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) degree from a recognized medical institution. This ensures that the candidates already possess in-depth knowledge in their respective fields before they pursue further specialization.
Exam Level: NEET SS is a super-specialization level entrance exam, intended for those who have already completed postgraduate studies (MD/MS).
Conducting Authority: Like NEET PG, NEET SS is also organized by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) every year and is conducted in a computer-based test format.
Admission Process:: Candidates who successfully clear NEET SS are eligible for admission to:
DM (Doctorate of Medicine)
MCh (Master of Chirurgiae/ Master of Surgery)
DNB (Diplomate of National Board) super-specialty courses
The following table summarizes the key differences between NEET PG and NEET SS, highlighting their purpose, eligibility, exam level, and other essential features. This comparison provides a clear overview to help medical professionals understand which exam suits their career path.
Feature |
NEET PG |
NEET SS |
Full Form |
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post-Graduation |
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Super-Speciality |
Purpose |
Admission to postgraduate courses (MD/MS/PG Diploma) |
Admission to super-specialization courses (DM/MCh) |
Eligibility |
MBBS graduates from a recognized medical college |
MD/MS graduates from a recognized medical institution |
Exam Level |
Postgraduate (PG) |
Super-specialization (SS) |
Conducting Authority |
National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
Exam Mode |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
Admission Through |
MD, MS, PG Diploma, DNB |
DM, MCh, DNB (Super-Speciality) |
Both NEET PG and NEET SS are pivotal exams in the Indian medical education system, each serving a distinct purpose. NEET PG is the entry point after completing the MBBS degree, allowing medical graduates to pursue specialization in various medical fields. On the other hand, NEET SS is intended for those who have completed their MD or MS and wish to delve into super-specializations. Understanding the differences between these two exams is crucial for medical graduates to effectively plan their careers and choose the right path based on their professional aspirations. Whether aiming for a postgraduate qualification or looking to further specialize in a specific medical domain, NEET PG and NEET SS offer the necessary platforms to shape a successful medical career.