NEET 2025 Biology Syllabus: Download PDF, Reductions, Exam Pattern, and Preparation Tips

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Sahaj Anand

Content Writer | Journalism Graduate | Updated 3+ months ago

The NTA Has officially released the syllabus for NEET 2025 on its official website. The biology section has further been divided into Botany and Zoology and includes important topics in the subjects of Genetics, Ecology, Human Physiology, and Biotechnology.

The NEET 2025 Biology exam would test the candidates on multiple-choice questibons in the subjects of Botany and Zoology and would lay importance on major topics of Class 11 and Class 12.

  • Total Questions: 90 questions (45 questions from Botany and 45 questions from Zoology).
  • Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options.
  • Marking Scheme: Each right answer is credited with 4 marks. One mark is deducted from the student's score for every incorrect answer.
  • Time duration: This portion of Biology forms a part of the total examination time of 3 hours but the time frame given for just Biology is unspecified.
  • Distribution of Marks: The section on Biology would comprise 360 marks out of a total of 720 marks for the overall examination.

In NEET 2024, 9.93 lakh students qualified out of 12.3 lakh candidates, with an 80% success rate. Biology, with 360 marks, was crucial; 72% of top scorers scored over 300. About 85% of questions were NCERT-based, 65% tested concepts, and 20% were application-based.

Check the latest Updates:

NEET Biology Syllabus: Topic-Wise Weightage

The NEET Biology syllabus carries 360 marks and is divided between Class 11 and Class 12 topics. About 45% of questions come from Class 11, which deals with the basics like Diversity and Cell Structure, while 55% are from Class 12, which deals with Genetics, Ecology, and Human Physiology. Most questions are NCERT-based, testing both concepts and applications.

Class 11 Biology Topic-Wise Weightage

The Class 11 Biology syllabus for NEET 2025 includes the foundational topics that form the basis for more advanced biological concepts in later classes, focusing on core areas of Botany and Zoology.

Unit/Topic Key Concepts Approximate Weightage
Diversity in the Living World Classification of Life Forms, Five Kingdoms, Phyla of Animals, Plant Classification 8-10%
Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants Morphology of Plants, Animal Tissues, Plant Anatomy, Animal Anatomy 10-12%
Cell Structure and Function Cell Theory, Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells, Organelles, Cell Cycle 7-9%
Plant Physiology Photosynthesis, Respiration, Transport in Plants, Growth and Development 10-12%
Human Physiology Digestion, Breathing, Blood Circulation, Excretion, Locomotion 12-14%

Class 12 Biology Topic-Wise Weightage

The Class 12 Biology syllabus is an expansion of the content learned in Class 11, advancing into more complicated topics related to Genetics, Ecology, and Biotechnology, which play a significant role in medical entrance exams like NEET 2025.

Unit/Topic Key Concepts Approximate Weightage
Reproduction Sexual and Asexual Reproduction, Human Reproductive System 8-10%
Genetics and Evolution Heredity, Mendel’s Laws, Molecular Genetics, Evolution 12-14%
Biotechnology and Its Applications Genetic Engineering, Applications in Medicine & Agriculture 8-10%
Ecology and Environment Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Environmental Issues, Pollution 10-12%

High-Scoring Topics in NEET 2025 Biology Syllabus

NEET Biology requires one to focus strategically on high-weightage topics that frequently appear in the exam. These are high-scoring topics because they significantly contribute to the overall score and are often more straightforward to prepare if aligned with NCERT textbooks.

Below is a list of high-scoring topics from both Class 11 and Class 12:

Class Topic Why It’s High-Scoring
Class 11 Diversity in the Living World Frequent direct questions on classification and examples.
Cell Structure and Function High conceptual clarity yields straightforward questions.
Plant Physiology Covers processes like photosynthesis and respiration, often asked in exams.
Human Physiology A vast topic but with repeated and direct question patterns.
Class 12 Genetics and Evolution Includes key concepts like Mendel’s laws and molecular genetics.
Ecology and Environment High weightage with relatively simple and application-based questions.
Biotechnology and Its Applications Focus on genetic engineering and its practical uses in medicine.
Reproduction Direct questions on human and plant reproduction.

Deleted Topics from NEET 2025 Biology Syllabus

The NTA has removed some topics in the NEET 2025 Biology syllabus to reduce repetition and make the preparation process less complex. Such deletions will be applicable for both Class 11 and Class 12, and students will be able to focus on the core concepts only.

The deleted topics are shown in the tables below for both the classes:

Unit Chapter Topics Deleted
Diversity in the Living World Taxonomic Aid Herbariums, museums, botanical gardens, and related classification methods.
Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants Angiosperm Detailed descriptions of flowering plants, including examples and morphology.
Plant Physiology Secondary Growth Lateral meristem activity and growth in woody plants.
Transport in Plants Osmosis, active transport, transpiration (except Xylem and Phloem).
Mineral Nutrition Roles, deficiency symptoms, and functions of minerals in plants.
Vernalization and Seed Dormancy Developmental processes like vernalization and dormancy in plants.
Human Physiology Sense Organs Structure and functions of human sensory organs.
Digestion and Absorption Detailed processes of digestion and nutrient absorption in humans.
Reproduction Reproduction in Organisms General concepts of asexual and sexual reproduction across species.
Strategies for Enhancement Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production Hybridization, tissue culture, and crop improvement techniques.
Ecology Succession Primary and secondary ecological succession processes.
Environmental Issues Topics on pollution, global warming, and conservation strategies.

NEET 2025 Biology Exam Pattern

The Biology section is very important and holds 50% of the total marks in NEET 2025. It is further divided into two subsections: Botany and Zoology. Both these subsections test both theoretical knowledge and practical application, so a strong conceptual understanding is very important. The exam pattern for the Biology section is as follows:

NEET 2025 Botany Marks Distribution

The Botany section in NEET 2025 has only one section (Section A) with 45 compulsory questions. The total marks for Botany will be 180, and it will be equally divided between both sections.

Section Number of Questions Marks per Question Total Marks Key Notes
Section A 45 4 180 In Section A, all 45 questions are compulsory, covering important topics from Botany across both Class 11 and Class 12.

NEET 2025 Zoology Marks Distribution

The Zoology section in NEET 2025 also covers in only one section. Just like Botany, it also  consists of 45 compulsory questions. The total mark for Zoology is 180 with an equal division between both sections.

Section Number of Questions Marks per Question Total Marks Key Notes
Section A 45 4 180 Section A contains 45 compulsory questions from Zoology, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of topics from both Class 11 and Class 12.

Preparation Tips for the NEET 2025 Biology Exam

The NEET 2025 Biology exam requires preparation with a well-thought-out strategy because of its significant weightage of 360 marks. Thus, to get maximum marks, key topics must be mastered, a constant practice done, and the NCERT-based study material reinforced in your mind. Some valuable preparation tips for you are as follows that will help you excel in Biology.

  • Follow NCERT Textbooks: NCERT is the primary source for NEET Biology; read, understand, and memorize the concepts from the books.
  • Understand Core Concepts: Focus on core topics like Human Physiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Ecology, which are commonly tested.
  • Regular Revision: Revise regularly, especially on topics that need rote memorization, like the classification of plants and animals.
  • Practice Diagram-Based Questions: Diagrams play a significant role in Biology; practice labeling and drawing diagrams for topics like plant anatomy and human systems.
  • Solve Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year NEET papers to understand question patterns, frequently asked topics and time management.
  • Time Management: Dedicated time for each topic and high-weightage areas like Human Physiology and Genetics.
  • Regular Mock Tests: Practice mock tests regularly to evaluate your performance and increase speed and accuracy.

Preparation Strategy for Scoring 340+ in NEET Biology in One Month

Scoring 340 in NEET Biology can be achievable in a month if you concentrate and work with an effective strategy. This will include proper time management, rigorous revision, and a targeted study plan to cover only the high-weightage topics and optimize your concepts.

Below is a concise day-wise preparation strategy plan:

Day Topic Focus Key Activities
Day 1-3 Class 11 - Diversity in Living World, Cell Structure and Function Study classification, biological kingdoms, cell organelles, and cell division. Practice diagrams for plant and animal cells.
Day 4-6 Class 11 - Human Physiology, Plant Physiology Focus on digestion, respiration, transport in plants, and photosynthesis. Revise key processes and functions.
Day 7-10 Class 12 - Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution Study human reproduction, Mendelian inheritance, and gene regulation. Solve numerical problems for genetics.
Day 11-13 Class 12 - Biotechnology and Its Applications, Ecology Learn biotechnological methods, applications in agriculture and medicine, and ecosystem dynamics.
Day 14-16 Class 12 - Reproductive Health, Human Health, and Disease Understand contraceptive methods, diseases, immunity, and related disorders. Revise the immune system.
Day 17-19 Class 11 - Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants Study morphology and anatomy, focusing on plant tissues, and animal systems (circulatory, digestive). Practice diagrams.
Day 20-23 Class 11 - Plant Physiology, Human Physiology (Revise) Revise photosynthesis, plant hormones, and human organ systems. Review key terms and concepts.
Day 24-26 Class 12 - Genetics (Advanced), Ecology and Environment Focus on molecular genetics, population genetics, and environmental issues. Solve practice questions.
Day 27-28 Revision of All Topics (Class 11 + Class 12) Revise weak areas, go through summary notes, and solve past year papers.
Day 29-30 Mock Tests and Final Review Take full-length mock tests, review wrong answers, and analyze time management. Focus on weak topics.

Also, Check: NEET Biology Preparation

NEET 2025 Biology Syllabus: Complete Breakdown

The NEET 2025 Biology syllabus is divided between Class 11 and Class 12, which covers foundational and advanced topics from Botany and Zoology. A clear understanding of the syllabus breakdown helps students prioritize high-weightage areas and focus on topics critical to scoring well in the exam. Below is a detailed yet concise explanation of the syllabus:

Class 11th NEET Biology Syllabus

  • High-weightage topics include Human Physiology and Cell Biology, which are often tested in NEET.
  • Plant Physiology is conceptually challenging and requires in-depth understanding.
  • Diversity-related questions deal with NCERT content, so proper revision is necessary in that regard.
Unit Topics Subtopics
UNIT 1: Diversity in Living World Living and Classification What is Living?; Biodiversity; Taxonomy & Systematics; Concept of species and taxonomical hierarchy; Binomial nomenclature
Five Kingdom Classification Classification of Monera, Protista, Fungi, and Viruses; Characteristics and examples of each group
Plant Classification Algae, Bryophytes, Gymnosperms, Pteridophytes (salient features and examples of each)
Animal Classification Classification of non-chordates up to phyla level and chordates up to classes level (examples of each)
UNIT 2: Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants Plant Morphology & Anatomy Morphology of root, stem, leaf, inflorescence, flower, fruit, seed; Modifications and relevant practical examples (e.g., Malvaceae, Cruciferae)
Animal Tissues Morphology and anatomy of systems in frogs (digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, reproductive)
UNIT 3: Cell Structure and Function Cell Theory and Structure Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; Plant and animal cells; Organelles like mitochondria, Golgi bodies, lysosomes, nucleus
Biomolecules Structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids; Enzymes and enzyme action
Cell Division Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis; Significance of these processes
UNIT 4: Plant Physiology Photosynthesis Process of photosynthesis, C3 and C4 pathways, factors affecting photosynthesis
Respiration Cellular respiration (glycolysis, TCA cycle, and electron transport chain); Energy production and respiratory quotient
Plant Growth & Development Seed germination, plant growth phases, differentiation; Role of growth regulators (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinin)
UNIT 5: Human Physiology Breathing & Respiration Mechanism of breathing, gas exchange, transport of gases, regulation of respiration, respiratory disorders
Body Fluids & Circulation Blood composition, blood groups, circulatory system, cardiac cycle, ECG, hypertension, coronary artery disease
Excretory System Excretion types, human excretory system, urine formation, osmoregulation, kidney function regulation
Locomotion & Movement Types of movement, skeletal muscle, skeletal system, joints, disorders like arthritis, osteoporosis
Nervous System Structure and function of neurons, nervous system (CNS, PNS), nerve impulse generation and conduction
Chemical Coordination Endocrine glands, hormones, regulation of hormone action, disorders related to hormones (e.g., diabetes, goiter)

Class 12th NEET Biology Syllabus

  • Genetics is one of the most scoring topics, with many numerical and application-based questions.
  • Questions are direct, requiring conceptual clarity from NCERT textbooks in biotechnology.
  • Ecology is an integral part of the syllabus, which links environmental concepts with real-world relevance.
Unit Topics Subtopics
UNIT 6: Reproduction Sexual Reproduction in Plants Flower structure, male & female gametophytes, pollination types, pollen-pistil interaction, double fertilization, apomixis, parthenocarpy, polyembryony, significance of seed & fruit formation
Human Reproduction Male and female reproductive systems, gametogenesis (spermatogenesis & oogenesis), menstrual cycle, fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, placenta formation, parturition, lactation
Reproductive Health Importance of reproductive health, prevention of STDs, birth control methods, contraception, MTP, amniocentesis, infertility treatments (IVF, ZIFT, GIFT)
UNIT 7: Genetics and Evolution Heredity & Variation Mendelian inheritance, deviations (incomplete dominance, co-dominance, multiple alleles, polygenic inheritance), chromosome theory, sex determination, linkage & crossing over, Mendelian disorders (e.g., Thalassemia, Hemophilia), chromosomal disorders (Down’s syndrome, Turner’s syndrome)
Molecular Basis of Inheritance DNA & RNA structure, DNA replication, central dogma, transcription, translation, Lac Operon, human genome project, DNA fingerprinting, protein synthesis
Evolution Origin of life, biological evolution, evidence from paleontology, anatomy, embryology, molecular evidence, Darwin’s theory, natural selection, Hardy-Weinberg principle, gene flow, human evolution
UNIT 8: Biology and Human Welfare Health & Disease Pathogens causing human diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, cancer), immunology basics, vaccines, drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco use
Microbes in Human Welfare Role of microbes in food processing, industrial production, sewage treatment, biocontrol agents, biofertilizers
UNIT 9: Biotechnology and Its Applications Biotechnology Principles Genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology)
Applications in Health & Agriculture Human insulin & vaccine production, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms (Bt crops, transgenic animals), biosafety issues (biopiracy, patents)
UNIT 10: Ecology and Environment Organisms and Environment Population interactions (mutualism, competition, predation, parasitism), population growth, birth and death rates, age distribution
Ecosystem Ecosystem patterns and components, energy flow, productivity, decomposition, pyramids of number, biomass, and energy
Biodiversity and Conservation Concept and patterns of biodiversity, importance, threats, conservation methods, hotspots, endangered species, biosphere reserves, national parks, Red Data Book, sacred groves

NEET Biology Study Notes

NEET Biology study notes are concise, framed versions meant to help a student rapidly grasp key concepts and consequently evolve in a brief period. These notes capture all the required definitions, diagrams, formulas, and practice questions. It is an important means of last-minute revision and reinforcement for the topics relevant to the exam.

Best Books for NEET 2025 Biology Syllabus

The best Books with NEET 2025 biology with excellent graphics, topic-specific multiple-choice questions, and concise explanations are:

Book Name Author/Publisher
NCERT Biology Class 11 & 12 NCERT
Biology Vol. 1 & 2 Trueman
Objective Biology Dinesh
MTG NCERT at Your Fingertips MTG Editorial Team

Also, Check: NEET Books 2025

NEET Biology Previous Year Question Paper

Year Botony Zoology
NEET 2023 Question Paper with solutions Check Here Check Here
NEET 2022 Question Paper with solutions Check Here Check Here

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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Comments


Found 2 Comments

P
prashun dwivedi
May 1, 2024 14:01
Do we require any other book than NCERT NEET biology preparation?
A
amit
May 3, 2024 19:27

No, NCERT books are enough to give NEET exam, as it covers all the topics of NEET.

S
sheetal dubey
May 1, 2024 13:43

Do I need to cover all the topics in the syllabus to qualify for the NEET exam?


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