NEET 2026 Exam Pattern: Questions, Marks, Marking Scheme & Changes
Knowing the NEET exam pattern thoroughly prevents surprises on exam day. Here is the complete breakdown of NEET 2026 paper structure, marking scheme, and what changed from previous years.
NEET 2026 Paper Structure
Total Questions: 200 (attempt 180). Total Marks: 720. Subjects: Biology — 100 questions (Botany 50 + Zoology 50), Chemistry — 50 questions, Physics — 50 questions. Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes). Language: Available in 13 languages including English, Hindi, regional languages.
Section A and Section B Pattern
Each subject has Section A (35 questions, all compulsory) and Section B (15 questions, attempt any 10). This means: you choose the 10 easiest questions from Section B in each subject. Total attempted: 45 questions per subject × 4 marks each = 180 marks per subject.
Marking Scheme
Correct answer: +4. Wrong answer: -1 (negative marking applies to both Section A and B). Unattempted: 0. Strategy: In Section B, select your most confident 10 answers and leave the rest blank. The choice is yours — use it wisely.
Changes from 2024 Pattern
NEET UG has undergone scrutiny following 2024 controversies. For 2026: NTA is implementing stronger exam center security, revised candidate identification protocols, and stricter question paper handling. The question pattern itself (200 questions/attempt 180) remains the same.
NEET vs AIIMS/JIPMER
Since AIIMS and JIPMER joined NEET, all MBBS admissions in India are through NEET only. AIIMS Delhi and Jodhpur have the highest NEET cutoffs (~700+ marks). JIPMER Puducherry cutoff is ~680+. All India quota seats and state quota seats use NEET ranks.
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