The NEET Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to be the same as the previous year. In 2025, NTA has shifted back to the PRE-COVID Era, and will continue in NEET 2026 as well. The NEET Exam will be conducted in an offline mode, in a pen-and-paper mode, including 180 MCQs, in 3 hours.
- For each correct answer, you will get +4 marks, and-1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer, which makes a total of 720 marks.
- The subject-based distribution is there, with Physics and Chemistry carrying 45 questions each, and Biology includes 90 questions.
The NEET Exam will be held in 13 different languages, where English is the final reference language used in case of any discrepancy.
Last year, the total marks in NEET were changed from 200 to 180, which removed the optional questions & NEET duration was reduced from 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes) to 3 hours (180 minutes).
Related Articles
- NEET 2026 Exam Pattern for Physics
- NEET 2026 Exam pattern for Chemistry
- NEET 2026 Exam Pattern for Biology
Key Summary
In this Article, we have discussed the NEET Exam Pattern 2026, including the section-wise pattern, Weightage, Total Marks & Marking Scheme.
- In NEET, biology includes 50% of the total marks, (360/720), and physics & chemistry includes 25% each.
- NEET 2026 total marks are 720 with 180 marks in Physics, 180 marks in Chemistry and 360 marks in Biology.
- The Time-presuure is similar in all subjects, whereas the speed of solving questions can differ as per the subject.
- The Physics section requires for Physics, not attempts, as with 70 to 75% accuracy rate in physics, you can have a final score of 650+ marks.
- Major of biology and chemistry questions includes NCERT, whereas Physics includes more numerical-based questions.
- What is the NEET Exam Pattern?
- NEET Exam Pattern 2026: What Has Actually Changed?
- NEET Question Pattern Subject-wise Weightage
- NEET 2026 Language Options
- How Hard is NEET Exam: Check Subject-Wise Difficulty-Level
- NEET 2026 Safe Attempt Strategy: How Many Questions Should You Attempt for 650+ or 700+?
- NEET 2026 Section-Wise Time Management
- NEET Exam Pattern: Previous Year Papers PDF
- FAQs for NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
What is the NEET Exam Pattern?
The NEET Exam Pattern will include how the medical entrance exam will be conducted, including the total number of questions, subject-distribution, marking scheme, duration and difficulty level.
- For each question in the NEET 2026 question paper, there will be 4 options, and only 1 option will be correct.
- Each correct answer will get you 4 marks, and a -1 mark will be deducted from your overall NEET score for each incorrect answer.
Candidates with all 180 questions answered correctly will get a maximum of 720 marks. Students can check below an overview of the NEET exam pattern 2026.
NEET Exam Pattern 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper, OMR Based) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 180 (All Compulsory) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Marking Scheme |
|
| Languages | 13 Languages (English final reference) |
Ques. Where can I check the NEET 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. NTA releases NEET exam pattern along with the NEET official brochure on the official website at neet.nta.nic.in.
Once released for 2026, you can visit the official website and download the official brochure and check NEET 2026 exam pattern.
Ques. What is the exam duration of NEET 2026?
Ans. Exam pattern for NEET 2026 is expected to be same as last year.
- As per the latest NEET exam pattern, the exam wil be conducted for a duration of 3 hours 180 minutes.
- On average, students will get 1 minute for each question.
Also Read: NEET Paper Analysis
NEET Exam Pattern 2026: What Has Actually Changed?
The NEET Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to be the same as 2025, following the pre-COVID structure. The major exam pattern remains similar, with certain changes in the format and exam security.
Check the difference in the NEET Exam Pattern and why it is important:
- There are no optional questions; every candidate has to attempt all 180 questions, with complete and strategic preparation.
- From NEET 2026, the NTA has introduced facial recognition, along with a live photo, as a part of the entry process.
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Changes
| Change | What It Was Before | What It Is Now | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | Up to 200 with optional questions | 180 compulsory questions | You have to answer 100% of the questions. |
| Optional Questions (Section B) | 15 per subject with internal choice | Removed completely | No selective attempt strategy anymore |
| Exam Duration | 200 minutes (3h 20m) | 180 minutes (3h) | Time pressure increased, with 1 min for each question. |
| Section Divisions | Section A & B per subject | Single compulsory section per subject | Simple structure; little decision overhead |
| Syllabus Size | Larger (pre-pruning) | Reduced to 79 chapters | Smaller syllabus but deeper concept focus |
| Security Measures | Traditional ID verification | Facial recognition & biometric checks are being introduced | Stronger identity verification, less impersonation risk |
| Mode & Marking | Offline pen-and-paper, +4/−1 | Same | Consistency helps long-term preparation. |
If you are appearing for NEET 2026, check this video by @Dr.AnandMani, to know about Change In NEET 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus.
Check:
Ques. Are Optional Questions or Internal Choices Available in NEET 2026?
Ans. No, NEET 2026, does not have any optional questions or internal choices. The NTA has made the changes in 2025, as pre-covid exam pattern, making all questions compulsory.
| Parameter | Before (COVID Era) | NEET 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Choice | Yes (Section B) | No |
| Questions to Attempt | 180 out of 200 | 180 out of 180 |
| Flexibility | High | None |
Ques. Has the Total Number of Questions or Exam Duration Changed for NEET 2026?
Ans. There are no major changes in 2026, as NEET has same number of 180 questions to be solved in 180 minutes as NEET 2025.
NEET Question & Time Structure
| Parameter | NEET 2026 |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 180 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Avg Time per Question | 1 Minute |
Ques. Are There Any Changes in the Marking Scheme or Negative Marking Rules?
Ans. No, marking scheme is not changed in NEET, it is same as each correct answer of +4 marks and for each incorrect answer, -1 marks will be deducted.
NEET Marking Scheme
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 |
| Wrong Answer | −1 |
| Unattempted | 0 |
| Maximum Marks | 720 |
NEET Question Pattern Subject-wise Weightage
The NEET Question Pattern will differ for Physics, Chemistry and Biology, not as per the syllabus, but according to the difficulty level, time consumption and scoring potential.
By understanding this, you will know about how questions will be asked in each subject, helping candidates decide where to give more time and which sections to attempt first.
NEET Physics Question Pattern
- The Mechanics and Electrivity & Magnetism, includes 55% of questions, including multi-step calculations, along with the highest time-consumption.
- The Modern Physics and Optics are of an easier difficulty level, which carries a weightage of around 27%, including 6 to 8 questions in each.
| Chapter | Key Topics | Avg. Questions | Weightage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics | NLM, WEP, Rotational Motion | 12–14 | 30% | Moderate–High |
| Electricity & Magnetism | Current, EMI, AC | 10–12 | 25% | High |
| Modern Physics | Atoms, Nuclei, Semiconductors | 6–8 | 15% | Easy–Moderate |
| Optics | Ray & Wave Optics | 5–6 | 12% | Moderate |
| Thermodynamics | Heat, Laws | 4–5 | 10% | Moderate |
| Waves & SHM | Sound, Oscillations | 2–3 | 8% | Moderate |
NEET Chemistry Question Pattern
- More than 65 to 70% questions are majorly NCERT-Based and are the most scoring subject among all 3.
- The Inorganic and Organic chemistry carries similar weightage of 35% each, including 14-16 questions each.
| Section | Key Topics | Avg. Questions | Weightage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | Mole Concept, Electrochemistry | 13–15 | 30% | Moderate |
| Organic Chemistry | Reaction Mechanisms, Biomolecules | 14–16 | 35% | Moderate |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Coordination, p-Block | 14–16 | 35% | Easy–Moderate |
NEET Biology Question Pattern
- In NEET, Biology includes 360 Marks out of 720 marks, including 50% weightage.
- Around 90% questions in biology include direct NCERT Lines and diagrams.
| Unit | Key Topics | Avg. Questions | Weightage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Physiology | Digestion, Respiration, Nervous System | 18–20 | 22% | Moderate |
| Genetics & Evolution | Mendel, Molecular Genetics | 15–17 | 18% | Moderate |
| Ecology | Ecosystem, Biodiversity | 10–12 | 13% | Easy |
| Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis, Transport | 10–12 | 13% | Moderate |
| Cell Biology | Cell Cycle, Biomolecules | 8–10 | 11% | Easy–Moderate |
| Reproduction | Human & Plant Reproduction | 8–9 | 10% | Easy |
| Biotechnology | rDNA, Applications | 6–7 | 8% | Easy |
Check:
Ques. Are Biology Questions More NCERT-Based Compared to Physics and Chemistry?
Ans. Yes, Biology is more NCERT-Based in NEET, in which majority of the questions are from NCERT Lines, diagrams and tables.
| Subject | NCERT Dependency | Question Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | Very High (90%+) | Direct theory, diagrams |
| Chemistry | High (65–70%) | NCERT + application |
| Physics | Medium | Concept + numericals |
Ques. Does Physics Have More Numerical Questions Than Theory-Based Ones?
Ans. Yes, Physics in NEET Are more numerical based in which most questions involve formulas, calculations and multi-step problems.
| Question Type | Approx Share |
|---|---|
| Numerical / Calculation-Based | 60–65% |
| Conceptual / Theory-Based | 35–40% |
Ques. Are Questions Evenly Distributed Between Botany and Zoology?
Ans. Yes, questions are properly divided into Botany and Zoology in NEET Biology, which ensures balanced weightage in plants and animal biology.
Biology Section Distribution
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Botany | 45 | 180 |
| Zoology | 45 | 180 |
| Total Biology | 90 | 360 |
NEET Exam Pattern 2026: Which Section Actually Carries the Most Weight?
The NEET Exam follows a proper, well-defined structure in which the marks distribution differs according to the subject.
The biology includes the highest weightage, whereas physics and chemistry, together, will test the speed, accuracy and conceptual depth of the candidate.
NEET 2026 Section-Wise Weightage
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Percentage Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 | 25% |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 | 25% |
| Biology: Botany | 45 | 180 | 25% |
| Biology: Zoology | 45 | 180 | 25% |
| Total | 180 | 720 | 100% |
Ques. Is the NEET Exam Pattern Objective or Subjective?
Ans. The NEET Exam will follow a proper objective-based pattern, include MCQ-Based questions, with no subjective or written answers.
- NEET is a 100% objective-based examination, in which every question includes 4 options, you have to select 1 correct option and mark it in your OMR Sheet.
- Your performance will depend more on the clarity of concepts rather than the accuracy, not the presentation or your language skills.
Ques. How many questions are there in NEET?
Ans. The NEET Exam includes a fixed number of questions, which will test candidates' knowledge on physics, chemistry and biology.
- The total number of questions in NEET is 180 MCQs, with no optional or internal choice questions.
- The Physics and chemistry includes 45 Questions each, whereas Biology includes 90 questions.
NEET 2026 Language Options
As per the NEP (National Education Policy, NEET 2026 will be conducted in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
- Candidates opting for English will get the NEET question booklet in English only.
- Candidates opting for Hindi will be provided with the NEET question booklet in Hindi and English.
- Candidates who opt for regional languages will be provided a question booklet in English+Selected regional language.
NEET 2026: Medium of Question Paper
Source: @NEET official brochure
How Hard is NEET Exam: Check Subject-Wise Difficulty-Level
The NEET Difficulty level is generally of a moderate to difficult level, which can vary according to the subjects. The Biology is majorly NCERT-Based and scoring exam, Physics is time-consuming and calculation-based and is the toughest section.
NEET Difficulty Level: Subject-Wise
| Subject | Question Nature | NCERT Dependency | Difficulty Level | Time Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Numerical & Concept-Based | Medium | Moderate to Difficult | High |
| Chemistry | Theory + Numericals | High | Easy to Moderate | Medium |
| Biology | Theory & NCERT Line-Based | Very High | Easy to Moderate | Low |
| Overall NEET | MCQ-Based | High | Moderate | High |
The NEET Exam is not difficult because of the different types of questions asked; it is difficult because millions of candidates appear for the exam, so with some mistakes, there can be a rank difference.
Check: Do PYQs Repeat in NEET
Ques. Which Subject Is Usually the Toughest in NEET—Physics, Chemistry, or Biology?
Ans. Physics is the most difficult and time-consuming subject including higher numerical questions. The Biology is the easiest exam to score, chemistry is moderate.
Subject-Wise Difficulty level
| Subject | Difficulty Perception | Scoring Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | High | Low |
| Chemistry | Moderate | Medium |
| Biology | Low | High |
Ques. Why Do Many Students Find Physics More Difficult Than Biology?
Ans. As Physics requires multi-steps calculation under less time-pressure, unlike biology which includes direct NCERT-Questions.
Physics vs Biology: Difficulty
| Factor | Physics | Biology |
|---|---|---|
| Question Type | Numerical-heavy | Theory-based |
| Time per Question | High | Low |
| NCERT Dependence | Medium | Very High |
Ques. Is NEET Difficult Because of Questions or Because of High Competition?
Ans. The Difficulty level of NEET is high because of competition rather than paper difficulty. The Exam is moderate, but their rank depends upon the difference of marginal scores.
| Factor | Impact on Rank |
|---|---|
| Question Difficulty | Moderate |
| Competition Level | Extremely High |
| Cut-off Margins | Very Narrow |
NEET 2026 Safe Attempt Strategy: How Many Questions Should You Attempt for 650+ or 700+?
To Score 650 or 700+ in NEET 2026, you should attempt the right number of questions with proper accuracy, rather than attempting every question.
With a compulsory number of 180 questions, along with a safe attempt strategy you can increase your score with less risk.
NEET 2026 Safe Attempt Strategy
- Start with the NEET Biology section as it is more theoretically based.
- Students often find the NEET Biology section easier than any other section of the NEET question paper.
- After the Biology section, move to the NEET Chemistry section as the maximum number of questions in the NEET Chemistry section are theory-based.
- Finally, solve the NEET Physics section. This section includes numerical-based questions, which are often time-consuming.
| Target Score | Correct Answers Needed | Max Wrong Allowed | Safe Attempt Range | Accuracy Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650+ | 163–166 | 6–8 | 170–174 | 95% |
| 680+ | 170–173 | 4–6 | 174–176 | 96–97% |
| 700+ | 175–178 | 1–3 | 176–179 | 98% |
NEET 2026 Section-Wise Time Management
You must have a proper strategy to solve the NEET 2026 question paper. Students who manage time effectively while solving the NEET question paper have higher chances of scoring higher in the examination.
Students can follow the time management strategies as mentioned below.
- For OMR filling, it takes around 5 seconds to fill one circle, and for 180 questions, it will take you 15 minutes.
- Keep another 15 minutes for unexpected situations while solving the NEET question paper.
- Distribute the remaining 150 minutes between Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Biology will take less time as it carries mainly theory-based questions. You can assign around 50 minutes to answer NEET Biology questions.
- Most of the questions in Chemistry are also theory-based; however, some questions may include calculations.
- You can assign around 50 minutes to solve NEET Chemistry questions.
- NEET Physics carries questions involving calculations and consumes the maximum time among the sections.
- You can assign around 60 minutes to answer questions in NEET Physics.
| Particulars | Time Allotted |
|---|---|
| OMR Filling | 15 minutes |
| Unexpected Situations/Reviewing Difficult Questions | 15 minutes |
| Biology | 40 minutes |
| Chemistry | 50 minutes |
| Physics | 60 minutes |
Ques. How Much Time Should Be Ideally Spent on Each Section in NEET 2026?
Ans. In NEET, time should be allotted based on the total question asked and the difficulty of the subject.
Ideal Time Allocation
| Subject | Ideal Time |
|---|---|
| Biology | 45–50 min |
| Chemistry | 45–50 min |
| Physics | 70–80 min |
Ques. Is It Advisable to Attempt All 180 Questions Within the Given Time?
Ans. No, attemption all questions are not mandatory. By skipping questions smartly your final score can be improved.
NEET Attempt Strategy vs Outcome
| Attempted Questions | Typical Score Outcome |
|---|---|
| 160–165 | High accuracy, safer rank |
| 175–180 | Higher negative marking risk |
NEET Exam Pattern: Previous Year Papers PDF
To understand the NEET exam pattern before actually appearing for the NEET exam 2026, you must solve previous years’ papers. You can check the table below for NEET previous years’ papers.
NEET 2026 Question papers PDF
| Paper Code | Question Paper PDF | Solutions PDF |
|---|---|---|
| NEET 2025 Question Paper Code 45 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| NEET 2025 Question Paper Code 46 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| NEET 2025 Question Paper Code 47 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| NEET 2025 Question Paper Code 48 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
NEET 2024 Question Papers PDF
| Paper Code | Question Paper PDF | Solutions PDF |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| R2 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| R3 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| R4 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| R5 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| R6 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| Q1 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| Q2 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| Q3 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| Q4 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| Q5 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| Q6 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| T1 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| T2 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| T3 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| T4 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| T5 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| T6 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| S1 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| S2 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| S3 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| S4 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| S5 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| S6 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
NEET Question Papers 2017-23
| NEET Exam Year | NEET Question Papers |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Check Here |
| 2022 | Check Here |
| 2021 | Check Here |
| 2020 | Check Here |
| 2019 | Check Here |
| 2018 | Check Here |
| 2017 | Check Here |
Also read:
- NEET Question Papers
- NEET Physics Question Paper
- NEET Chemistry Question Paper
- NEET Biology Question Paper
NEET Exam Pattern: Mock Tests
You must also appear for NEET Mock tests to understand the NEET 2026 exam pattern, improve accuracy in solving questions, and improve time management. You can attempt subject-wise NEET Mock tests below.
| Subject | NEET Mock Test |
|---|---|
| Physics | Attempt Here |
| Chemistry | Attempt Here |
| Biology | Attempt Here |
Also Read:
FAQs for NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
Ques. How to write NEET exam?
Ans. NEET 2026 exam will be conducted in offline/pen-paper mode. Students will be provided with question booklet and an OMR sheet.
On the OMR sheet, options will be listed in the form of circles and students will have to shade the circles of respective options to answer each question.
Ques. What is the highest score in NEET?
Ans. As per the NEET 2026, there are 180 questions asked in NEET 2026. Students can get highest score in NEET of 720 marks, with 4 marks are awarded for each question.
Ques. How many hours NEET exam?
Ans. NEET 2026 will be conducted for a duration of 3 hours (180 minutes). Students will get 1 minute to solve each question of NEET 2026.
Ques. How are NEET marks calculated?
Ans. NEET marks are calculated based on NEET marking scheme as below.
- 4 marks are add for each correct answer.
- 1 marks wil be deducted for each incorrect answer.
- 0 marks for unanswered question.
- 0 marks if candidates selected multiple options for single question.
Ques. How do optional questions in NEET 2026 impact your strategy?
Answer- Optional questions in Section B of NEET 2026 provide flexibility. They can impact your strategy in the following ways:
- Focus on Strengths: Prioritize topics you’re confident about to improve accuracy in Section B.
- Time Management: Skip up to 5 questions per subject in Section B to save time for challenging sections.
- Strategic Preparation: Emphasize high-weightage topics, as optional questions may focus on them.
- Avoid Guesswork: Carefully select 10 questions per subject to minimize negative marking.
Ques. How does negative marking affect your NEET 2026 score?
Answer- Negative marking significantly impacts your score in NEET. Here’s how:
- Scoring Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +4 marks.
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark.
- Unanswered: 0 marks.
- Impact: Guessing answers may lead to score deductions, especially for borderline cases.
- Strategy: Attempt only questions you’re confident about to minimize score loss.
Ques. Is NEET only MCQ-based?
Answer- Yes, NEET is entirely MCQ-based. The question paper includes:
- 200 questions, of which candidates must attempt 180.
- Four options for each question, with only one correct answer.
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology).
This format ensures standardization, objective evaluation, and time-bound testing.
Ques. Can I crack NEET in 15 days?
Answer- While 15 days is a short time, focused preparation can yield results. Here’s how:
- Prioritize High-Weightage Topics: Focus on Modern Physics, Human Physiology, and Inorganic Chemistry.
- Revise NCERT: Review Biology diagrams and Chemistry reactions thoroughly.
- Solve Previous Papers: Practice mock tests daily to improve speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: Use short, intensive study sessions with regular breaks for better focus.
While cracking NEET in 15 days is challenging, a strategic approach can improve your score.
Question. What are the passing marks for NEET 2026?
Answer- Passing marks for NEET vary by category:
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | NEET 2024 Cutoff (Marks) |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 50th Percentile | 720-137 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th Percentile | 136-107 |
| General-PwD | 45th Percentile | 136-121 |
| OBC/SC/ST-PwD | 40th Percentile | 120-107 |
Ques. What is NEET exam duration and timing?
Ans. NEET exam duration is 3 hours. Students must solve all 180 questions in NEET 2026 within the 180-minute time limit.
The timing of NEET 2026 is likely to be from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM as per the trends from previous years.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| NEET Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| NEET Exam Timing | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
Check NEET Previous Year Cutoff (2024 - 2025)
| College | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
47 | 48 | |
151 | 103 | |
141 | 132 | |
16404 | 215 | |
87672 | 260 | |
374 | 392 | |
73045 | 559 | |
510 | 634 | |
778 | 690 | |
655 | 785 | |
731 | 816 | |
676 | 889 | |
953 | 1030 | |
1010 | 1126 | |
826 | 1129 |
*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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