NEET-UG Emerges as the Fifth Largest Exam Globally, Reveals SBI Research

The NEET-UG examination has been recognized as the fifth-largest globally, with around 2.5 million candidates participating. A report by the State Bank of India highlights this alongside comparisons to other major exams like China's Gaokao and Brazil's ENEM. The report also discusses the organization of these exams and suggests reforms for India's examination system, emphasizing the need for a stronger legal framework for the National Testing Agency. This article delves into the details of candidate participation and the implications for India's educational landscape.

By Ambika Singh Oct 2, 2026, 21:10 IST

NEET-UG's Global Standing

The NEET-UG examination has been recognized as the fifth-largest in the world based on candidate participation, according to a recent report by the State Bank of India titled "The State of Higher Education in India."

This medical entrance exam in India attracts around 2.5 million (25 lakh) candidates, placing it among the largest exams globally. The report compares various significant examinations conducted in India and other nations.

Comparison with Other Major Exams

Leading the list is China's Gaokao, which sees about 12.9 million (1.29 crore) candidates. Following it are Brazil's ENEM with approximately 4.8 million (48 lakh) participants, China's Guokao Civil Service Exam with around 3 million (30 lakh), and the National Master's Degree Entrance Exam in China with about 3.4 million (34 lakh) candidates. NEET-UG ranks fifth with its 2.5 million (25 lakh) candidates. Other notable exams include Türkiye's YKS with around 2.4 million (24 lakh), Nigeria's UTME with 2.2 million (22 lakh), and the SAT with about 2 million (20 lakh).

Top Exams in India

The report also highlights several major examinations in India that draw significant candidate numbers. NEET-UG has around 2.5 million (25 lakh) candidates, while the UPSC attracts about 1.2 million (12 lakh). The JEE Main sees around 1 million (10 lakh) candidates, and the UGC-NET has approximately 0.8 million (8 lakh). NEET-UG is specifically for medical program admissions, while JEE Main is for engineering courses. The UPSC oversees civil service recruitment, and UGC-NET assesses eligibility for higher education positions.

Insights into China's Gaokao

The SBI Research report provides insights into the organization of China's Gaokao. In 2026, around 12.9 million (1.29 crore) candidates registered for the exam, which took place at 7,981 centers across the country, featuring 348,000 examination rooms and 21,000 reserve rooms. Special accommodations were made for candidates with disabilities. Security protocols include secure printing, continuous surveillance, GPS-tracked armored vehicles for transporting exam materials, police protection, and high-security storage. Identity verification and checks for prohibited items are conducted at the centers, along with pre-arranged traffic management and noise control measures.

Recommendations for India's Examination System

Drawing from the experiences of conducting large-scale examinations, the report suggests necessary reforms for India's examination framework. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is currently registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, has conducted over 240 examinations involving more than 54 million (5.4 crore) candidates by July 2024. The report notes that the NTA has a workforce of 194, with 171 being contractual or outsourced, indicating that about 18 percent of its staff falls into this category. SBI Research recommends the establishment of an 'NTA Act' through Parliament to strengthen the agency's legal standing.