NEET UG Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme (720 Marks, +4/−1)
NEET UG is a 720-mark, 3 hour 20 minute (200-minute) pen-and-paper OMR exam. It tests Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany + Zoology) equally. Understanding the exact pattern helps you allocate time and decide your attempt strategy before exam day.
Exam pattern: subject-wise breakdown
| Subject | Section A | Section B (attempt any 10) | Total questions attempted | Total marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 questions (compulsory) | 15 questions (attempt any 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 questions (compulsory) | 15 questions (attempt any 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Botany | 35 questions (compulsory) | 15 questions (attempt any 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Zoology | 35 questions (compulsory) | 15 questions (attempt any 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Total | 140 (compulsory) | 60 (attempt any 40) | 180 | 720 |
Pattern as per recent NTA notifications. Always verify the Section B structure in the current information bulletin — NTA may revise it.
Marking scheme
| Answer type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +4 |
| Wrong answer | −1 (negative marking) |
| Unattempted / no response | 0 |
Negative marking is real — do not guess blindly: The −1 penalty means a wrong answer costs you the equivalent of a quarter of a correct one. Only attempt a question in Section B if you can eliminate at least two options with reasonable confidence.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the NEET exam?
The standard duration is 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes). For the 2026 Re-NEET cycle, NTA scheduled 195 minutes with additional rough-work pages. Duration may be extended for PwBD candidates — confirm in the current information bulletin.
Is the NEET question paper the same in all languages?
Yes, the paper is set in English and translated into 12 other languages. If you opt for a regional language, you will receive both the regional-language version and the English version in one booklet.