Are you preparing for NEET UG 2026 but feeling overwhelmed by the neet ug syllabus changes? Understanding the exact exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation and maximizing your score.

The NEET exam will be conducted in the first week of May 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Importantly, the exam will maintain its offline pen-and-paper format with a total of 180 compulsory questions across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. According to the marking scheme, each correct answer will earn you four marks, while each incorrect response will result in a deduction of one mark. Additionally, the comprehensive syllabus consists of 97 chapters covering both Class 11 and Class 12 topics from all three subjects.

The syllabus remains a critical component for students aiming to secure admissions in prestigious medical institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, and other medical colleges across India. Furthermore, the National Medical Commission (NMC) will release the official syllabus alongside the information bulletin, primarily following NCERT guidelines for Classes 11 and 12[-5]. With detailed coverage of 79 chapters across key topics, mastering the neet ug syllabus requires strategic preparation and thorough understanding of all subject areas.

NEET UG 2025 Pattern Overview and Key Changes

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced significant changes to the NEET UG 2025 pattern, reverting to the pre-COVID format. These modifications will directly impact how you prepare for the examination, making it essential to understand every detail.

Offline Mode and Duration: 3 Hours

NEET UG 2026 will be conducted in the traditional pen-and-paper mode (OMR-based). This offline examination format ensures standardized assessment across all testing centers. Notably, the exam duration has been reduced from the previous 200 minutes to exactly 180 minutes (3 hours). This change represents a return to the pre-pandemic time allocation, eliminating the extra time that was temporarily introduced during COVID-19.

The return to the traditional format means you’ll need to manage your time more efficiently during the examination. Since the time reduction coincides with fewer questions, you should adjust your practice sessions accordingly to build the stamina and speed required for the actual test day.

Total Questions in NEET 2026: 180 MCQs

For NEET UG , you must attempt a total of 180 multiple-choice questions. These questions are distributed across subjects in the following manner:

·        Physics: 45 questions (180 marks)

·        Chemistry: 45 questions (180 marks)

·        Biology: 90 questions (360 marks)

The total marks for the examination remain 720. Each subject carries significant weight in the final score, with Biology accounting for half of the total marks. This distribution aligns with the neet ug syllabus requirements and emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation across all subjects.

Removal of Optional Section B in Each Subject

One of the most crucial changes in the neet exam pattern for 2025 is the elimination of the optional Section B. Previously, each subject had two sections:

·        Section A with mandatory questions

·        Section B with optional questions where students could choose which ones to attempt

Under the revised pattern, there is no longer any choice of questions. All 180 questions are now compulsory, eliminating the flexibility that existed in previous years. The NTA officially stated that “there will not be any Section B anymore”, confirming the change to a single-section format for all subjects.

This modification simplifies the exam structure while creating a more standardized assessment process. Consequently, your preparation strategy should focus on mastering the entire neet ug  syllabus rather than selectively studying certain topics.

Exam Timing and Language Options

The NEET UG usually examination is scheduled to take place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. You should arrive at the examination center well before the entry closing time of 1:30 PM to avoid any last-minute complications.

The NTA offers remarkable flexibility regarding language options. The exam will be available in 13 different languages:

·        English

·        Hindi

·        Assamese

·        Bengali

·        Gujarati

·        Kannada

·        Malayalam

·        Marathi

·        Odia

·        Punjabi

·        Tamil

·        Telugu

·        Urdu

When selecting English, you’ll receive the test booklet in English only. If you choose Hindi, you’ll get a bilingual test booklet in both English and Hindi. For regional languages, the test booklet will be bilingual, featuring your selected regional language alongside English. In case of any ambiguity in translation, the English version will be considered final.

Your language selection must be made during the application process and cannot be changed later. Therefore, choose carefully based on your comfort and proficiency.

Subject-Wise Question Distribution and Total Marks

Understanding the distribution of questions and marks across subjects gives you a clear roadmap for your NEET preparation strategy. The NTA has established a specific allocation that emphasizes certain subjects more than others, guiding how you should allocate your study time.

Physics: 45 Questions, 180 Marks

Physics accounts for 25% of the total NEET UG examination. With 45 compulsory multiple-choice questions, this section contributes 180 marks to your overall score. Unlike previous years, there are no optional questions – you must attempt all 45 questions in this section.

Key chapters that historically carry significant weightage include System of Particle and Rigid Body, Laws of Motion, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effect of Current & Magnetism, and Thermodynamics. Physics is considered by many students as the most challenging section of the exam, making it crucial to allocate sufficient preparation time to these high-yield topics.

Chemistry: 45 Questions, 180 Marks

Similarly, Chemistry comprises 45 questions worth 180 marks total, constituting another 25% of the NEET 2025 exam. This section is divided into three subsections—Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry—each receiving approximately equal emphasis. Every correct answer in Chemistry earns you 4 marks.

The balanced distribution among Chemistry’s three branches means you should develop equal proficiency in all areas. High-scoring chapters often include Chemical Bonding, Hydrocarbons, and Thermodynamics. Essentially, a strong foundation in all three Chemistry subsections is vital for maximizing your score in this portion of the exam.

Biology: 90 Questions, 360 Marks

Biology holds the most significant weight in NEET, constituting 50% of the total marks. This section contains 90 questions worth 360 marks. The Biology component is further divided into two equal parts:

·        Botany: 45 questions worth 180 marks

·        Zoology: 45 questions worth 180 marks

As the most crucial subject in NEET, Biology demands proportionally more of your preparation time. Given that half of your potential score comes from this section, mastering biological concepts should be a primary focus of your study plan.

Total Marks in NEET UG: 720

The NEET UG  examination carries a total of 720 marks across all three subjects. This overall distribution is structured as:

Subject	Questions	Marks	Percentage
Physics	45	180	25%
Chemistry	45	180	25%
Biology	90	360	50%
Total	180	720	100%

This mark distribution directly influences how you should allocate your preparation time across the neet ug syllabus. Given that Biology carries twice the weight of either Physics or Chemistry, allocating proportionally more time to Biology topics can potentially yield better returns on your study investment.

Throughout your preparation, remember that the examination has reverted to featuring 180 compulsory questions with no optional section. Each question carries 4 marks, making every correct answer significant for your overall performance.

The mark distribution reflects the importance of each subject for medical education. Biology naturally receives more emphasis as it forms the foundation of medical studies, whereas Physics and Chemistry provide the necessary scientific background to understand complex biological processes.

Marking Scheme and OMR Sheet Guidelines

The NEET UG marking scheme plays a decisive role in determining your final score. Understanding these rules will help you develop effective strategies for maximizing your performance on exam day.

Correct Answer: +4 Marks

For the NEET UG  examination, you receive 4 marks for each correct answer across all subjects. This uniform marking approach applies equally to Physics, Chemistry, and Biology questions. Specifically, with 180 total questions, the maximum possible raw score reaches 720 marks. This standardized scoring system ensures fair assessment across all subjects, regardless of their different weightages in the exam.

Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark

NEET implements a negative marking system to discourage random guessing. Importantly, each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark from your total score. Moreover, if you mark multiple options for a single question, it’s automatically considered incorrect and subject to the same -1 penalty. Your final NEET score is calculated using this formula:

NEET Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 4) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1)

Unattempted Questions: No Penalty

In contrast to incorrect answers, unattempted questions carry neither rewards nor penalties. Certainly, this “no negative marking” policy for skipped questions allows you to strategically avoid questions you’re unsure about. Henceforth, if you cannot confidently answer a question, leaving it blank is better than risking a penalty for an incorrect guess.

OMR Sheet Filling Instructions

The OMR sheet serves as the official answer document for NEET UG, making proper completion vital for accurate evaluation. Follow these critical guidelines:

·        Use only the black ballpoint pen provided at the examination center

·        Completely darken the bubble corresponding to your chosen answer

·        Avoid making multiple marks, stray marks, or rough work on the OMR sheet

·        Fill in all required personal details, including roll number and test booklet code

·        Double-check that you’re marking answers against the correct question numbers

Above all, remember that OMR sheets are evaluated by computer software that can only read properly filled black bubbles. Once marked, answers generally cannot be changed, so proceed with caution. Many students prefer marking answers in their question booklet first, then transferring them to the OMR sheet in small batches to minimize errors.

By thoroughly understanding both the marking scheme and OMR guidelines, you can approach the NEET UG  exam with confidence and strategic precision.

NEET UG  Syllabus Breakdown by Subject

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has finalized the NEET UG 2025 syllabus with no changes compared to the previous year. Despite the pattern modifications, the content remains consistent, requiring a strategic approach to master the comprehensive curriculum across all subjects.

Physics Chapters from Class 11 and 12

The Physics section of the neet ug syllabus consists of approximately 29 chapters with an 80% theory and 20% practical weightage. High-scoring chapters include:

·        Laws of Motion (7% weightage)

·        Current Electricity (10% weightage)

·        System of Particles and Rigid Body (7% weightage)

·        Thermodynamics (7% weightage)

·        Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism (6% weightage)

Most Physics questions (70-75%) come from Class 12 topics, with the remaining 25-30% from Class 11. Hence, Class 12 concepts deserve proportionally more attention during preparation.

Chemistry Topics: Physical, Organic, Inorganic

Chemistry in the neet syllabus is divided into three main branches:

·        Physical Chemistry: Comprises 8 units including Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, and Thermodynamics, carrying approximately 45% weightage

·        Organic Chemistry: Contains topics like Hydrocarbons and Biomolecules, making up roughly 30% of Chemistry questions

·        Inorganic Chemistry: Covers 4 units including p-Block Elements and Coordination Compounds, accounting for about 25% of Chemistry questions

Chapters with highest weightage include Chemical Bonding (9%), Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids (9%), and P-block Elements (7%).

Biology Syllabus: Botany and Zoology Combined

Biology forms the cornerstone of the neet exam syllabus, divided into:

·        Botany (45% weightage): Key chapters include Plant Kingdom, Plant Physiology, and Molecular Basis of Inheritance

·        Zoology (55% weightage): Focuses on Animal Kingdom, Human Physiology, and Genetics

Particularly, Genetics and Evolution carries 18% weightage, Human Physiology 20%, and Ecology and Environment 12%. The syllabus covers 10 major units ranging from Diversity in Living World to Biotechnology.

NEET Total Chapters Across Subjects

Overall, the neet total chapters across subjects is approximately 97, though recent updates indicate a reduction to 79 chapters. The distribution is:

·        Physics: 29 chapters

·        Chemistry: 30 chapters

·        Biology: 38 chapters (combining Botany and Zoology)

Primarily, the syllabus follows NCERT guidelines for Classes 11 and 12, making these textbooks essential for preparation. Additionally, the NTA provides the complete syllabus PDF on their official website, which serves as the definitive guide for examination preparation.

Deleted Topics and Syllabus Adjustments for Upcoming Years(as of Now)

The neet ug syllabus has undergone significant reductions, streamlining from 97 chapters to approximately 79 chapters across all subjects. These changes aim to reduce the burden on aspirants while maintaining the core content necessary for medical education. Let’s examine what’s been removed from each subject.

Removed Topics in Physics: Rolling Motion, Cyclotron

In Physics, several key topics have been eliminated from both Class 11 and Class 12 portions. Among the most notable removals are Momentum Conservation and Center of Mass concepts from Rotational Motion. Alongside these, the Cyclotron and Magnetic dipole moment of revolving electrons have been struck from the Magnetic Effects section. Other significant deletions include:

·        Geostationary Satellites from Gravitation

·        Free charges and bound charges inside conductors from Electrostatics

·        LC oscillations from Electromagnetic Induction

·        Davisson-Germer experiment details from Dual Nature of Matter

Removed Topics in Chemistry: Surface Chemistry, Polymers

Chemistry has seen the complete removal of two major chapters: Environmental Chemistry and Polymers. The Environmental Chemistry unit formerly covered air, water, and soil pollution, alongside green chemistry principles. As well as this, the Polymers chapter—which included classification, polymerization methods, and biodegradable polymers—has been entirely deleted. Additional removals include:

·        Surface Chemistry concepts

·        Parts of Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen (Cyanides and Isocyanides)

·        Third law of thermodynamics

Removed Topics in Biology: Environmental Chemistry, Transcription Details

Biology has experienced the most extensive cuts, primarily in Plant Physiology and Ecology sections. Transport in Plants—including water movement, cell-to-cell transport, and translocation—has been completely removed. To begin with, the entire Environmental Issues unit covering pollution, waste management, and deforestation has been deleted. On balance, Reproduction topics like binary fission and vegetative propagation have also been eliminated. Human Physiology has seen cuts to digestive system details and elementary structure of sensory organs.

These syllabus reductions affect how you should approach your NEET preparation, allowing you to focus more intensively on the remaining topics without getting distracted by content that won’t appear on the exam.

Conclusion

Mastering the revised NEET UG  syllabus represents a crucial step toward achieving your medical education goals. The significant changes to the exam pattern, particularly the return to the pre-COVID format with 180 compulsory questions and a strict 3-hour time limit, demand adjustments to your preparation strategy. Most importantly, the elimination of the optional Section B across all subjects means you must thoroughly prepare every topic within the reduced 79-chapter syllabus.

The subject-wise distribution remains consistent with Biology carrying 50% weightage, while Physics and Chemistry each constitute 25% of the total 720 marks. Therefore, allocating your study time proportionally across these subjects will maximize your score potential. The standard marking scheme awards 4 marks for each correct answer and deducts 1 mark for incorrect responses, making strategic answering equally important as knowledge acquisition.

Though the syllabus has been streamlined from 97 to 79 chapters, this reduction should not lead to complacency. Instead, view it as an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of core concepts that remain essential for medical education. The removed topics across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology allow you to focus your energy more effectively on high-yield content.

Undoubtedly, proper time management during preparation will prove decisive for your success. Creating a structured study plan that addresses all subjects while giving additional attention to Biology can help you navigate this challenging examination. Additionally, practicing with previous years’ question papers under timed conditions will build the stamina and speed required for the actual test day.

Remember that NEET UG remains the gateway to prestigious medical institutions like AIIMS and JIPMER across India. The syllabus changes, though significant, still maintain the core knowledge requirements essential for medical professionals. Armed with this comprehensive understanding of the updated pattern and syllabus, you can approach your NEET UG  preparation with clarity, confidence, and purpose.