A retrospective study of association between demographic features of NEET-based selected candidate and final outcome in undergraduate medical education.

Abstract

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) has standardized medical entrance examinations in India but has faced criticism for favouring urban students and CBSE-based syllabi, potentially disadvantaging rural and state board students. This study aims to assess the association between NEET, higher secondary scores, and first-year MBBS performance to evaluate the predictive value of these metrics. A record-based retrospective study was conducted at a private tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry, South India. Data of 150 first-year MBBS students from the 2017-18 batch were analysed. Sociodemographic factors, NEET scores, higher secondary marks, type of syllabus (state board/CBSE), and first-year MBBS results were collected. Blinding and coding ensured confidentiality. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24.0, with associations determined using the Chi-square test (<i>P</i> < 0.05 considered significant). Among the participants, 54.3% were male and 45.7% were female. All students were urban residents, and 84.8% studied under the state syllabus, with 15.2% following CBSE. Most (77%) attempted NEET only once. A significant association was observed between the type of syllabus and first-year MBBS performance (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Students from state syllabi had a higher pass percentage compared with CBSE students, irrespective of their NEET scores. NEET scores (100-450) did not significantly predict MBBS performance. This study highlights disparities in NEET preparation and performance linked to educational backgrounds. Despite securing admission through NEET, students from state board syllabi performed better in the first-year MBBS examination compared with CBSE students. These findings suggest the need for targeted academic support for students from varied educational backgrounds and equitable educational resources and reforms in the NEET syllabus to bridge gaps among students from diverse educational systems. Policymakers should consider adapting NEET to ensure a level playing field for aspirants across different educational backgrounds.