NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is India’s premier medical entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). For aspirants targeting NEET 2026, it is crucial to understand the exam pattern, question distribution, and marking scheme to plan an effective preparation strategy.
📄 Overview of NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper-based)
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Total Questions: 180
- Total Marks: 720
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Medium: Available in 13 languages including English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Assamese, Gujarati, and others
🧪 Subject-Wise Question Distribution
Each subject is divided into two sections:
| Subject | Section A (35 Qs) | Section B (15 Qs, attempt 10) | Total Attempted | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 | 10 | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 | 10 | 45 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 70 | 20 | 90 | 360 |
| Total | - | - | 180 | 720 |
✅ Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
- Unanswered Question: 0 mark
- Questions from Section B: No penalty for unattempted questions
Tip: In Section B, choose the 10 questions you’re most confident about to avoid negative marking.
🧭 Key Guidelines for NEET 2026 Aspirants
- Stick to NCERT Syllabus: NEET 2026 follows NCERT Class 11 & 12 syllabi (with expected rationalization).
- Understand Question Pattern: Practice mixed sets with both simple recall and high-order thinking questions.
- Prioritize Time Management: Use mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
- Choose Section B Questions Wisely: Don’t attempt more than 10, as only the first 10 are evaluated.
📌 Additional Notes
- NEET is a single-day national-level exam with no re-attempts in the same year.
- There’s no sectional timing, but managing time across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is crucial.
- Use OMR sheets during practice to simulate real test conditions.
📚 Final Thoughts
Understanding the NEET 2026 exam pattern is the first step to cracking it. Once you're clear on the question format and marking scheme, you can plan a structured study schedule with clarity and confidence.
Master the pattern. Practice smart. Crack NEET 2026!
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on current NTA trends. Always refer to the official NTA website for the latest updates.