Neet Exam Pattern

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The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a nationwide medical entrance examination in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the gateway for aspiring students to secure admission into undergraduate medical and dental courses (MBBS/BDS) in government and private institutions across India. NEET is also mandatory for students who wish to study medicine abroad and later practice in India. With lakhs of students competing each year, understanding the NEET exam pattern is crucial for success.

Knowing the NEET exam pattern gives students a clear understanding of the structure, marking scheme, question distribution, and time management required to ace the test. Whether you're focusing on Biology NEET exam pattern, Physics, or Chemistry, being familiar with the format helps you strategize your preparation more effectively.

To support your NEET preparation journey, we also provide downloadable resources such as the latest NEET exam pattern PDF, which includes section-wise analysis, topic weightage, and more. For students who prefer content in regional languages, you can also explore our NEET exam pattern in Hindi resource. These tools will help you stay updated and study smarter.

Understanding the NEET exam pattern is crucial for students aiming to crack this highly competitive medical entrance test. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and serves as the gateway for MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India.

Detailed Structure of the NEET Exam

The NEET exam pattern consists of a single paper that includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from three primary subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). The syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum of Classes 11 and 12, ensuring uniformity for students across different boards.

Each subject is divided into two sections:

  • Section A – 35 Questions
  • Section B – 15 Questions (Out of which 10 are to be attempted)

This structure allows students some flexibility in answering questions based on their strengths.

Total Number of Questions and Marks

The total number of questions in the NEET exam is 200, but students are required to answer 180 questions. The breakdown is as follows:

  • Physics: 45 Questions (180 Marks)
  • Chemistry: 45 Questions (180 Marks)
  • Biology: 90 Questions (360 Marks – divided equally between Botany and Zoology)

Each question carries 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. The total exam is scored out of 720 marks.

Exam Duration and Mode (Offline/Online)

As per the official NEET exam pattern, the duration of the exam is 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes). The exam is conducted in offline mode, meaning it is a pen-and-paper-based test. Students must mark their answers on an OMR sheet using a ballpoint pen.

The NEET exam is conducted in 13 different languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages, to ensure accessibility for students from all parts of India.

The NEET exam pattern follows a well-structured distribution of questions across three core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Each subject carries significant weight in the overall exam, but a strategic understanding of the subject-wise breakdown can help students prioritize their preparation effectively.

Subject-Wise Question Distribution in NEET 2025:

  • Physics: 50 questions
  • Chemistry: 50 questions
  • Biology: 100 questions (Botany + Zoology)

Total: 200 questions (out of which candidates need to answer 180)

Focus on Biology: The Most Crucial Subject

Biology holds the highest weightage in the NEET exam, contributing 50% of the total questions. This makes mastering Biology essential for every NEET aspirant.

Biology NEET Exam Pattern

The Biology NEET exam pattern consists of 100 questions, equally divided between Botany and Zoology. However, candidates are required to attempt only 90 questions (45 from Botany and 45 from Zoology), as each section is divided into two subsections — Section A (35 questions) and Section B (15 questions, out of which only 10 need to be answered).

This optional pattern in Section B allows students to choose questions they are more confident about, which increases the chances of scoring higher.

How Many Questions in NEET Biology?

If you're wondering, "How many questions in NEET Biology?" — the answer is clear:

  • 100 questions total,
  • 90 to be attempted,
  • 360 marks out of 720 are from Biology alone.

This shows just how important Biology is in determining your overall NEET rank.

Understanding the NEET Question Paper format is essential for aspirants aiming to excel in one of the most competitive medical entrance exams in India. The NEET exam is structured to test the depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Zoology and Botany). Let’s dive into the section-wise format and marking scheme of the NEET question paper.

Section-Wise Explanation: Section A and Section B

The NEET Question Paper for each subject—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—is divided into two parts: Section A and Section B.

  • Section A:This section contains 35 questions. All questions are compulsory, and students must attempt every question.
  • Section B:This section contains 15 questions, out of which only 10 need to be answered. This selective approach gives candidates some flexibility and reduces pressure.

This division is applicable to all three subjects, making the NEET question pape balanced and candidate-friendly. Here's how it breaks down across subjects:

Subject Section A (Compulsory) Section B (Attempt Any 10) Total Questions Attempted
Physics 35 10 out of 15 45
Chemistry 35 10 out of 15 45
Biology (Botany + Zoology) 35 + 35 10 + 10 90

NEET Marking Scheme: +4 for Correct, -1 for Wrong

The marking scheme of the NEET question paper plays a significant role in your final score:

  • +4 marks for every correct answer
  • -1 mark for every incorrect answer
  • 0 marks for unattempted questions

So, strategic answering is crucial. Avoid guesswork unless you're confident, as wrong answers can lead to negative marking and impact your rank.

Let’s break down the marking with an example:

  • If you attempt 160 questions and get 140 correct and 20 wrong:
    • Score = (140 × 4) - (20 × 1) = 560 - 20 = 540 marks

This makes it important to not only focus on accuracy but also on time management while solving the NEET question pape.

Understanding how the NEET exam pattern has evolved over the years is crucial for aspirants preparing for upcoming exams. While the NEET exam pattern 2022 set a specific standard, recent updates have introduced subtle yet significant changes that candidates must be aware of. Let's delve into a detailed comparison between the NEET 2022 exam pattern and the latest NEET exam pattern.

Key Changes in NEET Exam Pattern

While the core structure of the exam remains the same, including the subjects, duration, and total marks, some modifications have been observed in the distribution of questions and internal choices. The aim is to make the exam more flexible and aligned with different educational boards across India.

Comparison Table: NEET Exam Pattern 2022 vs Latest Pattern

Feature NEET Exam Pattern 2022 Latest NEET Exam Pattern (2025)
Mode of Exam Offline (Pen & Paper based) Offline (Pen & Paper based)
Duration 3 hours 20 minutes 3 hours 20 minutes
Total Number of Questions 200 (180 to be attempted) 200 (180 to be attempted)
Subjects Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany + Zoology) Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany + Zoology)
Question Format MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
Sections per Subject Section A (35 questions), Section B (15 questions, attempt 10) Section A (35 questions), Section B (15 questions, attempt 10)
Total Marks 720 720
Marking Scheme +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect
Internal Choice Available in Section B Available in Section B
Syllabus Based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 Based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 (aligned with rationalized syllabus from some boards)

What Has Remained the Same?

  • Total Questions & Marking Scheme: The NEET question paper continues to offer 200 questions, out of which candidates must attempt 180. The marking scheme remains unchanged with +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones.
  • Subject Weightage: Equal importance is given to Physics, Chemistry, and Biology — Biology still remains the most scoring subject for many, making it essential to understand the Biology NEET exam pattern in detail.
  • Exam Mode and Duration: The exam remains a pen and paper-based test with a time limit of 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Why It Matters?

Knowing the difference between the NEET exam pattern 2022 and the latest pattern helps students tailor their preparation strategies. For instance, understanding that Section B allows internal choice enables better time management and prioritization during the exam.

NEET Exam Pattern in Hindi

For Hindi-medium students, the NEET exam pattern in Hindi remains identical to the English version in terms of structure and syllabus. Students can choose Hindi as the language of the question paper while filling out the NEET application form.

How Many Questions in NEET Biology?

In both 2022 and the latest NEET pattern, Biology includes 100 questions (50 each from Botany and Zoology), out of which 90 need to be attempted — 45 from each part. Knowing how many questions in NEET Biology helps focus preparation on high-weightage chapters and practice accordingly.

Download NEET Exam Pattern PDF

To make your preparation more organized, you can download the NEET exam pattern PDF from the official NTA website or trusted educational portals. Having a copy of the NEET pattern handy is useful for revising the structure and planning your mock tests effectively.

The NEET exam pass mark is the minimum score a candidate must secure to qualify for the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and become eligible for medical or dental admissions in India. The pass mark varies every year depending on several factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of applicants, and available seats.

Minimum Qualifying Marks for Different Categories

The NEET exam pass mark is different for various categories. Here's a breakdown of the minimum qualifying percentile and corresponding score range (based on recent trends):

Category Qualifying Percentile NEET Pass Mark (Score Range)
General (UR) 50th Percentile 720 – 137
OBC/SC/ST 40th Percentile 136 – 107
UR-PwD 45th Percentile 136 – 121
OBC/SC/ST - PwD 40th Percentile 120 – 107

Note: These scores are based on NEET 2023 data. The actual NEET exam pass mark may vary slightly each year.

Factors Affecting Cutoff Scores

The NEET exam pass mark or cutoff score is not fixed and can change every year. Several factors influence these changes:

  • Difficulty Level of the NEET Paper: A tougher question paper may lead to lower cutoff marks and vice versa.
  • Number of Candidates Appearing: A higher number of candidates can increase competition, affecting the cutoff.
  • Availability of Seats: More seats may lead to a lower NEET exam pass mark, while fewer seats can raise it.
  • Category-wise Reservation: Different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD) have different qualifying marks as per reservation norms.
  • Performance of Candidates: If the overall performance of candidates is high, the cutoff will also go higher.

Understanding the NEET exam pass mark is essential for aspirants aiming to secure a seat in top medical colleges in India or abroad. Students should aim to score well above the qualifying cutoff to increase their chances of admission, especially for government medical colleges where the competition is intense.

For students across India, especially in Hindi-speaking regions, language should never be a barrier to success in competitive exams. Recognizing this, the NEET exam pattern in Hindi has been made available by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to ensure inclusivity and ease of understanding.

NEET Paper Available in Hindi Language

The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is conducted in multiple languages, and Hindi is one of the officially supported regional languages. Candidates opting for Hindi can confidently attempt the exam in their preferred language without any translation issues. The question paper in Hindi follows the same NEET exam pattern as the English version, ensuring fairness for all students.

Here are a few key points to know:

  • The NEET question paper in Hindi includes all subjects – Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Students receive a bilingual question paper (Hindi and English) for better comprehension.
  • The difficulty level and exam structure remain exactly the same as other language versions.

NEET Exam Pattern in Hindi: Important Highlights

Subject Sections No. of Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Physics Section A + B 35 + 15 4 180
Chemistry Section A + B 35 + 15 4 180
Biology (Botany + Zoology) Section A + B 35 + 15 (each) 4 360
  • Each correct answer carries 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response.
  • The total duration of the exam is 3 hours 20 minutes.
  • Biology NEET exam pattern in Hindi also follows the same format, split into Botany and Zoology.

NEET Exam Pattern in Hindi PDF (Downloadable)

To help students understand the structure in more detail, you can access a NEET exam pattern in Hindi PDF that outlines:

  • Total number of questions
  • Marking scheme
  • Section-wise distribution
  • Sample questions in Hindi

If you're preparing for NEET, having quick access to the official NEET exam pattern PDF is a must. A well-structured PDF gives you a clear overview of the subject-wise marks distribution, number of questions, exam duration, marking scheme, and section-wise breakdown. With everything in one place, you can streamline your study strategy and boost your preparation effectively.

Why download the NEET exam pattern PDF?

  • Easy to refer and revise
  • Helpful for planning mock tests and time management
  • Accessible offline anytime
  • Great resource for last-minute revision

To excel in the NEET exam, understanding and aligning your preparation with the NEET exam pattern is essential. Here's how you can tailor your strategy to the pattern, boost efficiency, and increase your chances of success.

Time Management Strategies

Time management is a critical factor in the NEET exam. Since the test comprises 200 questions (out of which 180 must be attempted) and spans 3 hours 20 minutes, students have approximately one minute per question. Here are some effective tips:

  • Simulate real-exam conditions: Practice mock tests with the same time limit as the actual NEET exam. This helps build speed and accuracy under pressure.
  • Create a subject-wise study plan: Allocate more time to subjects you find challenging, but maintain a balance. Focus especially on Biology, as it holds the highest weightage.
  • Use the Pomodoro technique: Study in intervals (25 minutes focused, 5 minutes break) to maintain concentration without burning out.
  • Set weekly goals: Track your progress and adjust your preparation accordingly to cover all topics in time.

By mastering time management, you'll not only be able to complete the paper on time but also have enough buffer for review.

Importance of Practicing Past NEET Question Papers

Solving previous years' NEET Question Papers is one of the smartest ways to understand the actual NEET exam pattern. Here's why this step is crucial:

  • Familiarity with question format: The more you practice, the better you understand the types of questions typically asked in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Identify recurring concepts: Certain topics are frequently tested in NEET. Regular practice will help you spot patterns and focus your revision.
  • Build exam temperament: Solving real question papers enhances confidence and reduces exam-day anxiety.
  • Evaluate performance: Self-assess your answers and identify weak areas for improvement.

Aim to solve at least one NEET Question Paper every week and gradually increase the frequency as the exam approaches.

Focusing on High-Weightage Topics

When preparing according to the NEET exam pattern, it’s essential to prioritize topics that carry more marks. This ensures maximum output for your effort.

  • Biology NEET Exam Pattern Focus:
    • Human Physiology
    • Genetics and Evolution
    • Ecology and Environment
    • Cell Structure and Function

(Important: NEET Biology has 90 questions worth 360 marks, making it the most scoring section.)

  • Chemistry High-Weightage Areas:
    • Organic Chemistry (especially named reactions)
    • Chemical Bonding
    • Coordination Compounds
    • Thermodynamics
  • Physics Key Topics:
    • Mechanics
    • Thermodynamics
    • Current Electricity
    • Modern Physics

Gaining a clear understanding of the NEET exam pattern is one of the most crucial steps in your preparation journey. It not only gives you insight into the structure and marking scheme of the exam but also significantly enhances your performance on the actual test day. Here's why understanding the NEET exam pattern is essential:

1. Helps in Strategic Preparation

Knowing the NEET exam pattern enables aspirants to design a focused and strategic study plan. When students are aware of how many questions are asked in NEET Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, they can allocate their time and resources wisely. Understanding the pattern also helps in identifying the weightage of topics, allowing students to prioritize high-yield areas and plan subject-wise revision schedules more effectively.

2. Reduces Exam Stress

Familiarity with the exam format reduces anxiety and boosts confidence. By understanding the number of questions, type of questions (MCQs), marking scheme (including negative marking), and total duration of the exam, students can simulate real exam scenarios during practice. This reduces surprises on exam day and minimizes last-minute panic, making it easier to stay calm and composed.

3. Boosts Accuracy and Speed During the Actual Exam

A thorough understanding of the NEET question paper structure and time allocation helps improve accuracy and time management. Regular mock tests based on the actual NEET exam pattern help students develop the ability to solve questions swiftly and accurately under timed conditions. This is crucial for achieving a higher score and crossing the NEET exam pass mark confidently.

Understanding the NEET exam pattern is essential not only for scoring well but also for determining your chances of getting into a medical college in India. The structure of the exam plays a significant role in shaping your score, which directly influences your eligibility and selection for various courses like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH, and determines whether you get admission into a government or private college.

Government vs Private College Admission

The competition for government medical colleges is incredibly high due to their subsidized fee structure and high academic reputation. The NEET exam pattern, which includes 200 questions (of which 180 must be attempted) from Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, is designed to filter out only the top performers.

  • Government Colleges: To secure a seat in a government medical college, students need exceptionally high NEET scores. Since the NEET exam pattern gives equal weight to all subjects, strong performance—especially in Biology NEET exam pattern—is crucial, as it comprises 50% of the questions.
  • Private Colleges: These typically have lower NEET cutoff scores compared to government colleges. While the NEET exam pass mark is enough to be eligible, admission largely depends on your All India Rank (AIR) and the institution’s own criteria.

MBBS vs BDS vs AYUSH Course Eligibility

Your performance, influenced by the NEET exam pattern, also dictates which medical course you’re eligible for.

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): The most sought-after course. Requires higher NEET scores. Biology holds more weight, so understanding how many questions in NEET Biology (90 questions from Botany and Zoology) helps strategize better.
  • BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): The second most preferred medical course. Slightly lower NEET cutoff than MBBS. Scoring well in all sections is still essential due to competitive demand.
  • AYUSH Courses (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy): These courses have the lowest NEET cutoff scores, making them accessible for students with moderate scores. Still, a proper grasp of the NEET exam pattern in Hindi or English helps non-English background students to perform confidently.

A well-planned NEET Question Paper solving strategy is essential for aspirants aiming to score high in the NEET exam. Solving previous year papers not only gives you insight into the NEET exam pattern but also helps build confidence and improve time management skills.

Importance of Solving Previous Year NEET Question Papers

Solving previous NEET Question Papers is one of the most recommended methods by toppers and experts. It helps you:

  • Understand the types of questions asked and their difficulty level.
  • Identify repeated topics and important concepts, especially in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
  • Improve speed and accuracy, which is crucial in a time-bound exam.
  • Learn effective question selection strategies to maximize your score.
  • Get a realistic feel of the actual NEET exam environment.

Practicing at least the last 5-10 years of NEET Question Papers is highly beneficial for effective revision.

Time Allocation Per Section

Proper time management is key when solving the NEET paper. Here's a suggested breakdown:

  • Biology (90 Questions): Aim to complete in 50-60 minutes. As the largest section, it’s important to be quick and accurate.
  • Chemistry (45 Questions): Allocate 35-40 minutes. Focus on formulas, reaction mechanisms, and concept-based questions.
  • Physics (45 Questions): Give about 45-50 minutes. Since this section often involves calculations, use tricks and shortcuts to save time.

One of the key advantages of the NEET exam is its accessibility to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. To ensure every aspiring medical student gets a fair chance, the NEET exam pattern is available in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Assamese, and Odia.

NEET Exam Pattern in Hindi

For students who have completed their schooling in Hindi medium or are more comfortable with the language, NEET exam pattern in Hindi offers a significant advantage. The NEET question paper in Hindi is a direct translation of the English version, ensuring that students are not disadvantaged due to language barriers. The structure, number of questions, and marking scheme remain the same.

Benefits for Hindi Medium Students

  • Better Understanding: Complex scientific terms and biology concepts are easier to understand when presented in a familiar language.
  • Equal Opportunity: NEET in Hindi ensures that students from rural or regional Hindi medium backgrounds can compete fairly.
  • Improved Confidence: Answering questions in a known language boosts confidence during the exam and can lead to better performance.

Important Notes for Language Selection

  • The language of the NEET question paper must be selected while filling out the application form and cannot be changed later.
  • The NEET exam pattern in Hindi is available only at selected exam centers. Make sure to choose a nearby center that offers the Hindi language option.
  • Bilingual question papers (Hindi and English) are provided when you select Hindi as your medium. This helps avoid confusion in case of translation discrepancies.

Biology is the most crucial section of the NEET exam, comprising 90 questions and 360 marks—which makes up 50% of the total NEET score. A strong grasp of the Biology NEET exam pattern is essential to maximize your score and secure a good rank.

Chapter-wise Weightage Based on Past Question Papers

Here’s a list of high-weightage chapters in NEET Biology, based on an in-depth analysis of previous years' question papers:

Class 11 Biology – Important Chapters

Chapter Approx. No. of Questions Weightage (%)
Diversity of Living Organisms 8–10 12–13%
Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants 4–5 7%
Cell Structure and Function 6–7 9–10%
Plant Physiology 4–5 7–8%
Human Physiology 10–12 15–17%

Class 12 Biology – Important Chapters

Chapter Approx. No. of Questions Weightage (%)
Reproduction 5–6 9–10%
Genetics and Evolution 9–10 14–15%
Biology in Human Welfare 1–2 2–3%
Biotechnology and Its Applications 3–4 5–6%
Ecology and Environment 6–7 10–12%

Note: The actual number of questions may vary slightly each year, but these chapters consistently appear in the NEET question paper with significant weightage.


Tips to Score High in Biology

Scoring well in Biology can be a game-changer in your NEET results. Follow these tips to ace this section:

? Master the NCERT Textbooks

  • NCERT books for Class 11 and 12 are the backbone of the Biology NEET exam pattern.
  • Around 85–90% of questions in the Biology section are directly or indirectly based on NCERT content.

? Prioritize High-Weightage Topics

  • Focus more on topics like Genetics, Human Physiology, Ecology, and Cell Biology.
  • Revise these chapters frequently and attempt topic-wise mock tests to strengthen your grip.

? Create a Chapter-Wise Revision Plan

  • Allocate time based on chapter importance and your comfort level.
  • Use flowcharts, diagrams, and mnemonics for faster recall during revision.

? Practice with Previous Year Papers

  • Solve NEET question papers from the last 10 years.
  • Identify recurring question patterns and important subtopics within chapters.

? Attempt Mock Tests Regularly

  • Take full-length NEET mock tests under timed conditions.
  • Analyze performance and focus on weak areas.

? Work on Concept Clarity

  • Avoid rote memorization—focus on understanding concepts.
  • This is especially important in application-based questions in chapters like Biotechnology and Physiology.

Understanding the NEET exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. Knowing how many questions appear in each subject, the marking scheme, and the time allotted helps students strategize better, manage time during the exam, and reduce unnecessary stress. Whether you're focusing on Biology NEET exam pattern, or exploring how the NEET exam pattern in Hindi differs, having a strong grasp of the format can significantly boost your confidence and performance.

To make your preparation smoother, we highly recommend downloading the NEET exam pattern PDF. This downloadable resource is a quick reference guide that can help you stay on track. Combine it with regular practice using previous NEET question papers and mock tests to gain real-time experience.

Remember, knowing the pattern is just half the battle. Practicing consistently, analyzing your performance, and refining your strategy are what will ultimately help you meet or exceed the NEET exam pass mark. Stay focused, keep practicing, and take full advantage of all available resources.

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Tutelage Team
Tutelage Team
Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 08, 2025

Author Email: info@studytutelage.com Contact Number: +91 9818560331


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