NEET Exam Pattern and Syllabus – Detailed Information

Below are detailed answers to your questions about the NEET exam pattern, number of questions, syllabus for NEET 2025, its alignment with NCERT, and the subject-wise division of the question paper. The information is based on the latest guidelines from the National Testing Agency (NTA) as of June 14, 2025.

6. What is the NEET Exam Pattern?

The NEET exam pattern is designed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude for undergraduate medical and dental courses (MBBS, BDS, and allied health sciences). It is a pen-and-paper-based, objective-type test conducted offline. Below is a detailed overview of the NEET exam pattern:

• Mode of Exam: Offline (pen-and-paper-based), where candidates mark answers on an OMR sheet.
• Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes).
• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four answer options, where only one is correct.
• Total Marks: 720 marks.
• Number of Questions: 200 questions, but candidates must attempt only 180 (explained in detail in Question 7).
• Marking Scheme:
  • Correct Answer: +4 marks
  • Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (negative marking)
  • Unanswered Questions: 0 marks
  • Multiple Answers Marked: 0 marks (considered invalid)
• Language Options: Conducted in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Candidates must select their preferred language during application.
• Structure: The question paper is divided into three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Each subject has two sections (A and B) with a choice in Section B (detailed in Question 10).
• Additional Notes:
  • The exam is conducted once a year, typically in May or June.
  • Candidates must follow strict guidelines for marking answers on the OMR sheet, using a black or blue ballpoint pen provided at the exam center.
  • The exam tests conceptual understanding, application, and problem-solving skills based on the Class 11 and 12 syllabus.

7. How Many Questions Are Asked in NEET?

The NEET question paper consists of a total of 200 questions, but candidates are required to attempt only 180 questions. This structure allows flexibility through a choice-based system in Section B of each subject. Below is a detailed explanation:

• Total Questions: 200 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions).
• Questions to Attempt: Candidates must attempt 180 questions, with the following breakdown:
  • Physics: 50 questions (35 from Section A + 15 from Section B, attempt any 10 from Section B).
  • Chemistry: 50 questions (35 from Section A + 15 from Section B, attempt any 10 from Section B).
  • Biology (Botany + Zoology): 100 questions (70 from Section A + 30 from Section B, attempt any 20 from Section B).
• Section-wise Structure:
  • Section A: Mandatory section with 35 questions per subject (Physics and Chemistry) and 70 questions for Biology (35 Botany + 35 Zoology). All questions must be attempted.
  • Section B: Choice-based section with 15 questions per subject (Physics and Chemistry) and 30 questions for Biology (15 Botany + 15 Zoology). Candidates choose 10 questions per subject (20 for Biology) to attempt.
• Total Marks Calculation:
  • Physics: 35 (Section A) + 10 (Section B) = 45 questions × 4 marks = 180 marks.
  • Chemistry: 35 (Section A) + 10 (Section B) = 45 questions × 4 marks = 180 marks.
  • Biology: 70 (Section A) + 20 (Section B) = 90 questions × 4 marks = 360 marks.
  • Total: 180 questions × 4 marks = 720 marks.
• Key Points:
  • The choice in Section B allows candidates to select questions they are more confident about, reducing pressure.
  • Attempting more than the required number of questions (e.g., more than 10 in Section B) results in only the first 10 marked answers being evaluated.

8. What is the Syllabus for NEET 2025?

The NEET 2025 syllabus is prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and aligns with the Class 11 and 12 curriculum of the NCERT and other state boards. It covers three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus:

• Physics:
  • Class 11 Topics: Physical World and Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter, Thermodynamics, Behavior of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory, Oscillations and Waves.
  • Class 12 Topics: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices, Experimental Skills.
• Chemistry:
  • Class 11 Topics: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, States of Matter: Gases and Liquids, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Hydrogen, s-Block Elements, p-Block Elements, Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques, Hydrocarbons, Environmental Chemistry.
  • Class 12 Topics: Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, p-Block Elements, d- and f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life.
• Biology:
  • Class 11 Topics: Diversity in Living World, Structural Organization in Animals and Plants, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology.
  • Class 12 Topics: Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and Its Applications, Ecology and Environment.
• Key Points:
  • The syllabus is designed to test conceptual understanding and application-based knowledge.
  • The NTA releases the official syllabus on its website (neet.nta.nic.in), and candidates should refer to it for any updates or minor changes for NEET 2025.
  • The syllabus is common for all candidates, regardless of their board (CBSE, state boards, or others).

9. Is NEET Syllabus Same as NCERT?

The NEET syllabus is largely aligned with the NCERT curriculum for Class 11 and 12, but it is not identical. The syllabus is designed to be comprehensive, covering topics from NCERT and other recognized boards to ensure fairness across candidates from different educational backgrounds. Below is a detailed explanation:

• Alignment with NCERT:
  • The NEET syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology closely follows the NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12, especially for CBSE students.
  • Most questions in NEET are directly based on or inspired by NCERT content, particularly in Biology, where approximately 80-90% of questions are NCERT-based.
  • NCERT textbooks are considered the primary resource for NEET preparation due to their clarity, structured content, and alignment with the exam’s requirements.
• Differences from NCERT:
  • While NCERT forms the core, the NEET syllabus may include additional topics or deeper conceptual applications not explicitly covered in NCERT but present in other state board syllabi.
  • In Physics and Chemistry, some questions may require advanced problem-solving skills or numerical applications beyond NCERT’s scope, though the foundational concepts remain the same.
  • The syllabus is standardized to include topics from all major boards (e.g., CBSE, ICSE, state boards like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu), ensuring no candidate is disadvantaged.
• Preparation Strategy:
  • NCERT textbooks are essential for building a strong foundation, especially for Biology and Chemistry.
  • For Physics, supplement NCERT with reference books (e.g., HC Verma, DC Pandey) for numerical practice and deeper understanding.
  • Candidates should solve previous years’ NEET question papers to understand the question pattern and identify topics beyond NCERT.
• Key Points:
  • Mastering NCERT is critical, as it covers the majority of the syllabus and is sufficient for most questions.
  • However, candidates should consult the official NEET syllabus and practice additional resources to cover any gaps, especially for competitive ranks.

10. How is NEET Question Paper Divided Subject-Wise?

The NEET question paper is divided into three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Each subject has a specific number of questions and marks, with a choice-based system in Section B. Below is a detailed subject-wise breakdown:

• Physics:
  • Total Questions: 50 (35 in Section A + 15 in Section B).
  • Questions to Attempt: 45 (all 35 from Section A + any 10 from Section B).
  • Marks: 45 × 4 = 180 marks.
  • Content Focus: Tests conceptual understanding, numerical problem-solving, and application of Class 11 and 12 physics topics (e.g., Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics).
• Chemistry:
  • Total Questions: 50 (35 in Section A + 15 in Section B).
  • Questions to Attempt: 45 (all 35 from Section A + any 10 from Section B).
  • Marks: 45 × 4 = 180 marks.
  • Content Focus: Covers Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry, with a balance of theoretical and numerical questions from Class 11 and 12 topics.
• Biology (Botany + Zoology):
  • Total Questions: 100 (50 Botany + 50 Zoology; each with 35 in Section A + 15 in Section B).
  • Questions to Attempt: 90 (all 70 from Section A + any 20 from Section B; 35 + 10 for Botany, 35 + 10 for Zoology).
  • Marks: 90 × 4 = 360 marks.
  • Content Focus: Tests in-depth knowledge of Class 11 and 12 Biology, including topics like Genetics, Human Physiology, Ecology, and Biotechnology.
• Summary of Division:
  • Total Questions: 200 (Physics: 50, Chemistry: 50, Biology: 100).
  • Questions to Attempt: 180 (Physics: 45, Chemistry: 45, Biology: 90).
  • Total Marks: 720 (Physics: 180, Chemistry: 180, Biology: 360).
• Key Points:
  • Biology carries the highest weightage (50% of total marks), making it critical for a high score.
  • Section B’s choice-based questions allow candidates to select questions based on their strengths.
  • The paper is balanced to test both Class 11 and 12 syllabi, with roughly equal weightage for each.

Summary Table

Question	Key Points
NEET Exam Pattern	Offline, 3 hours 20 minutes, 180 MCQs (out of 200), 720 marks, +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 13 languages.
Number of Questions	200 total (180 to attempt): Physics (50), Chemistry (50), Biology (100); Section A mandatory, Section B has choice.
NEET 2025 Syllabus	Covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 11 & 12); aligned with NCERT and other boards; includes topics like Mechanics, Organic Chemistry, Genetics.
Is Syllabus Same as NCERT?	Largely NCERT-based (especially Biology), but includes additional topics/applications from other boards; NCERT is primary resource.
Subject-wise Division	Physics: 45/50 questions (180 marks); Chemistry: 45/50 (180 marks); Biology: 90/100 (360 marks).

Additional Notes

• Preparation Tips: Focus on NCERT for Biology and Chemistry, supplement Physics with numerical practice. Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests to understand question patterns.
• Official Resources: Check neet.nta.nic.in for the latest syllabus, exam pattern, and updates for NEET 2025.
• Time Management: With 180 questions in 200 minutes, allocate time wisely (e.g., 1 minute per question) and prioritize Biology for higher marks.

For further details (e.g., topic-wise weightage, sample questions, or preparation strategies), please ask!