NEET UG exam pattern and marking scheme

This is the paper structure described in recent NTA bulletins. The current bulletin decides; if it differs from this page, follow the bulletin.

At a glance

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Botany and Zoology).
• Questions: 180 to attempt in total. Physics 45, Chemistry 45, Biology 90 (Botany 45 and Zoology 45).
• Type: multiple choice with four options and one correct answer.
• Total marks: 720.
• Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes), in one sitting.
• Mode: pen and paper (OMR answer sheet) in recent years. The bulletin states the mode for the year.
• Languages: English, Hindi and several regional languages. The bulletin lists them.

Marking scheme

• Correct answer: +4 marks.
• Wrong answer: -1 mark.
• Unattempted question: 0 marks.
• Rules for multiple marked answers, questions that are dropped and any corrections are given in the bulletin and in the official answer key notices.

Preparing with the pattern

• Biology carries half the marks, so a steady Biology routine matters most.
• Because a wrong answer costs one mark, practise deciding when to skip.
• Use the syllabus checklist and the study timetable to turn the pattern into a plan.
• The syllabus itself is set by NTA: see the official syllabus link.

Source: recent NTA NEET UG information bulletins (neet.nta.nic.in). Not yet checked line by line against the current year's bulletin. For who can appear, see NEET UG eligibility.