NEET PG vs USMLE comparison is made on the basis of various factors considering both the exams' similarities and dissimilarities. Students are advised to go through them to understand the differences.
NEET PG vs USMLE, which one is better? Medical aspirants often have this question in their minds. Both NEET PG and USMLE are medical entrance exams that candidates can take after completing their MBBS degrees. NEET PG is conducted for admission into PG courses like MD, MS, etc., in top medical colleges in India. In contrast, USMLE is a three-step exam licensure in the USA.
NEET PG vs USMLE - Overview
NEET PG and USMLE have evident differences in exam pattern, cost, duration, scores, etc. NEET PG is conducted on a fixed date every year. This year, it will take place on May 21, 2022. On the other hand, USMLE provides the flexibility to select your exam date and even reschedule the exam if you are not prepared. Here is an overview of the differences between the two exams:
| Particulars | NEET PG | USMLE |
| Full-Form | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduation | United States Medical Licensing Examination |
| Conducting Authority | National Board of Examination (NBE) | Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) |
| Level of Examination | National level | International level |
| Mode of Examination | Online (CBT) | Online (CBT) - Conducted at Prometric centres around the world. |
| Duration of Exam | 210 Minutes | Step 1: One day - 8 hours |
| Step 2 CK: One day - 9 hours | ||
| Step 3: Two days - 16 hours | ||
| First day - 7 hours | ||
| Total Attempts | No limit | Four attempts |
| Exam Fees | General and OBC: INR 5,015 | Step 1: $645 |
| Step 2 (CK): $645 | ||
| SC and ST: INR 3,835 | Step 3: $895 | |
| Minimum Passing Scores/ Expected Cutoff | General Category- 302 | Step 1: Reported as pass/fail only |
| SC/ST/OBC- 265 | Step 2 CK: 209 | |
| Step 3: 198 |
NEET PG vs USMLE - Exam Pattern
There are MCQ-based questions in both exams, but USMLE step 3 involves case simulations. Moreover, the number of questions asked in USMLE is on the higher side. The table below provides a comparison of the exam pattern of NEET PG and USMLE:
| Particulars | NEET PG | USMLE |
| Language | English | English |
| Question Type | MCQs | MCQs and Computer-Based Case Simulations |
| Number of Questions | 200 | Step 1: 200 MCQs |
| Step 2 CK: 318 MCQs | ||
| Step 3: First day- 232 MCQs Second day- 180 MCQs and 13 case simulations | ||
| Question Areas | Biochemistry | Medicine |
| Medicine | Surgery | |
| Surgery | Paediatrics | |
| Pharmacology | Cardiovascular System | |
| Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Respiratory System | |
| Paediatrics | Behavioral Health | |
| ENT | Social Sciences | |
| Pathology | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Read More: NEET PG Exam Pattern
NEET PG vs USMLE: Application Process
There is a significant difference between the application process for NEET PG and USMLE.
Candidates can apply for NEET-PG by registering for the exam on the official website, filling in the application form, uploading the documents, and paying the fees. On the contrary, candidates need to apply separately for the three steps of the USMLE exam. Refer to the table below to get a better understanding of the application process of NEET PG vs USMLE:
Steps to Apply for NEET PG vs USMLE
NEET PG
- Go to the official website of NEET PG and find the registration link.
- Complete the registration details.
- Receive your login ID and password.
- Log in using your credentials and fill in the NEET PG application form.
- Upload scanned documents (photograph, signature, and thumb impression).
- Pay the application fees.
- Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
USMLE
- Visit the official website of ECFMG and create an account.
- Click on the tab- ‘‘I want to apply for ECFMG Certification.”
- Request an ECFMG identification number.
- Obtain your ECFMG ID and password.
- Next, log in to your ECFMG account and fill in the USMLE Step 1 application form.
- Pay the USMLE exam fees and fill out form 183.
- Once done, mail form 183 to Philadelphia.
- Wait for 2-3 weeks to receive your scheduling permit.
- Finally, visit the Prometric website and book your exam date.
Note: International students need to apply through ECFMG for step 2 CK. Whereas for Step 3, all medical graduates who have passed steps 1 and 2 may apply through FSMB.
Read More: NEET PG Application Process
List of Colleges Accepting NEET PG vs USMLE Scores
Several medical colleges in India accept NEET PG scores. At the same time, USMLE scores are accepted by top medical universities in the USA. Some of the popular colleges are mentioned in the table below.
List of Colleges Accepting NEET PG Scores
The table below shows the list of colleges in India accepting NEET PG scores:
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry |
| St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore | Madras Medical College, Chennai |
| Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad | B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| Government Medical College, Nagpur | Kasturba Medical College, Manipal |
| Christian Medical College, Vellore | JSS Medical College, Mysore |
List of Colleges Accepting USMLE Scores
Various colleges accept a valid USMLE score. Here is a list of top US colleges that accept USMLE scores:
| Harvard University, Boston | University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia |
| Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore | Stanford University, Stanford |
| University of California, San Francisco | Yale University, New Haven |
| Washington University, St. Louis | Columbia University, New York |
| Duke University, Durham | The University of Chicago, Chicago |
NEET PG vs USMLE: Which One to Choose?
Both NEET PG and USMLE are highly competitive medical entrance exams. You must go for NEET PG if you wish to practice in India. However, USMLE allows you to practice in many countries, including India. NEET PG is a one-day examination involving 200 questions in 210 minutes. In contrast, USMLE is a three-step exam, each exam being 8-9 hours in duration. Moreover, the application fee of USMLE is much higher than that of NEET PG.
When it comes to preparation, you need to study hard and attend coaching to secure a high rank in NEET PG. For the USMLE exam, documents like CVs and LORs play an important role, and with good scores. Hence, both of these exams require a great deal of hard work. Candidates must consider all these factors before choosing between NEET PG and USMLE.
