NEET Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme Explained for MBBS Entrance
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is India’s most significant medical entrance exam. Lakhs of students take this extremely competitive exam every year with the hope of getting a seat in an MBBS or BDS program. With such a high amount at stake, having a clear vision of the NEET exam pattern and marking scheme is very important for efficient preparation.
Here in this blog, we will analyse the NEET exam pattern, topics, question types, marking scheme, and how you can utilize this to strategize a winning plan for your medical profession.
What is NEET?
NEET is a national-level entrance examination organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical and dental programs in all India. It is compulsory for all those students who are aspiring for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses (such as BAMS, BHMS, and BUMS) in recognized government and private institutes.
NEET is the sole medical entrance test for MBBS in India after the cancellation of tests such as AIIMS and JIPMER.
NEET Exam Overview
Before we proceed to the exam pattern and marking scheme, let’s briefly look at the major features of the NEET exam:
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Exam Level: National
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen-and-paper-based)
- Exam Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes)
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology)
- Total Questions: 200 (180 to be answered)
- Maximum Marks: 720
- Languages Provided: 13 (Hindi, English, Urdu, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Assamese, Oriya, Punjabi, and Malayalam)
NEET 2024 & 2025 Exam Pattern (Latest)
NTA revised the NEET exam pattern from 2021, which are still in force. The pattern is created to synchronize with shifts in state board syllabi because of academic disturbances in the last few years. Here is the detailed breakdown of the new format:
Subject-Wise Breakdown:
Every subject is split into two parts:
Section A: 35 questions (compulsory)
Section B: 15 questions (attempt any 10)
The total number of questions given in the paper is 200, but candidates must attempt only 180.
Subject-Wise Distribution:
1.Physics
Section A: 35 questions
Section B: 15 questions (attempt any 10)
Total questions to be answered: 45
Marks: 180
2.Chemistry
Section A: 35 questions
Section B: 15 questions (attempt any 10)
Total questions to be answered: 45
Marks: 180
3.Biology (Botany + Zoology)
Botany: Section A (35), Section B (15, attempt 10)
Zoology: Section A (35), Section B (15, attempt 10)
Total Biology questions to be answered: 90
Marks: 360
Total:
Questions: 180 (out of 200)
Maximum Marks: 720
Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Marking Scheme of NEET
Understanding the marking scheme is essential because it can significantly affect your final score. NEET follows a negative marking system, so you must be cautious while attempting questions.
Here’s the procedure:
Correct Answer: +4 marks
Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
Unanswered/Blank Question: 0 mark (no penalty)
Multiple answers marked: Considered incorrect; -1 mark
This implies that accuracy is equally crucial as knowledge. Irresponsible guessing can damage your score.
Illustration:
If you get 150 questions correct and 30 wrong:
Correct: 150 × 4 = 600 marks
Incorrect: 30 × (-1) = -30 marks
Total Score: 600 – 30 = 570 marks
NEET Subject-Wise Weightage and Focus Areas
Although NTA does not officially release a fixed chapter-wise weightage, analysis of past year papers gives us a good idea of high-priority topics.
Physics:
Often considered the toughest by medical aspirants due to its numerical nature.
Important Topics:
Mechanics
Thermodynamics
Electrodynamics
Modern Physics
Optics
Physics requires strong conceptual understanding and regular practice of numericals.
Chemistry:
Considered moderate in difficulty. It includes Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.
Important Topics:
Chemical Bonding
Coordination Compounds
Thermochemistry
Organic Reactions
Mole Concept
Concentrate on NCERT books for theory and solving last year questions.
Biology:
The highest scoring unit, as it accounts for 50% of the total marks.
Key Topics:
Human Physiology
Plant Physiology
Genetics and Evolution
Cell Biology
Reproduction
Ecology and Environment
NCERT Biology class 11 & 12 books are strictly needed and enough in order to crack this unit.
How to Make the Best Use of the NEET Pattern and Marking Scheme for Preparation
Knowing the exam pattern is just the beginning. Here’s how you can utilize that knowledge to study better and achieve a higher score.
- Give More Weight to High-Weightage Topics
Give more emphasis to the topics that have come out again and again in previous exams. Prioritizing does not imply neglecting other chapters, but it provides more returns for your labor.
- Practice MCQs with Time Constraints
As NEET is a timed test, practice solving MCQs under time pressure. This will enhance your accuracy and time management.
- Master Eliminating Wrong Choices
When you are not sure of an answer, eliminate obviously wrong choices. This maximizes the probability of guessing correctly if necessary.
- Refrain from Random Guessing
Due to negative marking, refrain from answering questions on which you are absolutely sure. Strategic skipping is preferable to taking wild guesses.
- Take Mock Tests Seriously
Mock full-length tests mimic the actual exam scenario. Review your performance at the end of each test and address weak points accordingly.
- Solidify NCERT Concepts
Particularly for Biology and Chemistry, the majority of questions are directly chosen or derived from NCERT textbooks. Reading NCERT carefully can assist you in getting more marks with minimal confusion.
Exam Day Strategy Based on the Pattern
If you know well how the marking and structure works, it makes exam day easy to plan for.
- Begin with the strongest subject you have to help your confidence flow right from the start.
- Break into a time plan around 50 minutes per subject approximately.
- Fill out easy questions first and mark tougher questions to revise later.
- Dedicate the last 15–20 minutes to check answers marked or going over math problems.
- Adopt one OMR strategy (fill as you go or fill at the end) and exercise it through mocks.
NEET is not only a knowledge test but also a test of strategy, perseverance, and discipline. Familiarity with the pattern of the exam and the marking scheme can make a huge difference in the way you prepare and perform.
By prioritizing high-weightage topics, optimal time management, and strict avoidance of careless errors, you can achieve the maximum score and get one step closer to your goal of being a doctor.
Begin your preparation today with clarity, confidence, and commitment. With our guidance, NEET success is within your reach. Call Zen Educational Consultancy for further details.
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