NEET-UG Among World's Top 5 Largest Exams: A Look at Candidate Numbers

NEET-UG has been identified as the fifth-largest examination in the world in terms of the number of candidates. This information was revealed in the State Bank of India's research report titled "The State of Higher Education in India."

India's medical entrance exam, NEET-UG, ranks among the world's largest examinations. With the participation of approximately 2.5 million (25 lakh) candidates, it is considered the fifth-largest exam globally based on candidate volume. The report compares major examinations held in India and other countries. China's Gaokao tops the list with the highest number of candidates, followed by exams such as Brazil's ENEM and China's Guokao. The report also highlights aspects related to the organization and administration of these exams.

According to SBI Research data, China's Gaokao sees the participation of about 12.9 million (1.29 crore) candidates. This is followed by Brazil's ENEM with approximately 4.8 million (48 lakh) candidates, China's Guokao Civil Service Exam with around 3 million (30 lakh), and China's National Master's Degree Entrance Exam with about 3.4 million (34 lakh). NEET-UG ranks fifth on this list with around 2.5 million (25 lakh) candidates. Subsequent entries include Türkiye's YKS with approximately 2.4 million (24 lakh) candidates, Nigeria's UTME with 2.2 million (22 lakh), and the SAT with around 2 million (20 lakh).

Exams with the Highest Number of Candidates in India

According to the report, several examinations in India also attract a large number of candidates. NEET-UG sees approximately 2.5 million (25 lakh) candidates, UPSC around 1.2 million (12 lakh), JEE Main about 1 million (10 lakh), and UGC-NET approximately 0.8 million (8 lakh). NEET-UG is conducted for admission to medical education programs, whereas JEE Main is an entrance exam for engineering courses. Meanwhile, recruitment for civil services in India is conducted via the UPSC, while the UGC-NET determines eligibility for higher education roles.

How is the Gaokao conducted?

SBI Research has also highlighted the system behind China's Gaokao examination. In 2026, approximately 12.9 million (1.29 crore) candidates registered for the exam. It was held at 7,981 centers nationwide, featuring 348,000 examination rooms and 21,000 reserve rooms. Special facilities were also provided for candidates with disabilities. Security measures for the exam include secure printing facilities, round-the-clock surveillance, GPS-tracked armored vehicles for transporting question papers, police protection, and high-security storage facilities. Candidate identity verification and checks for prohibited items are carried out at the centers. Additionally, advance arrangements are made for traffic management, noise control, food safety, and weather-related contingencies during the exam.

Suggestions for India's examination system

Based on experience gained from conducting major examinations, the report suggests the need for certain changes to India's examination system. According to the report, the NTA is currently registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. By July 2024, the NTA had conducted over 240 examinations involving more than 54 million (5.4 crore) candidates. The report also notes that the NTA had a disclosed workforce of 194 personnel, of whom 171 were contractual or outsourced employees—meaning approximately 18 percent of the workforce fell into this category. SBI Research has recommended enacting an 'NTA Act' through Parliament to provide the agency with a more robust legal framework.