The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET 2026) will be conducted in the same exam pattern as earlier for students who wish to take admission in medical courses in India. For good preparation, it is very important to understand the full NEET exam pattern. Students should know about the NEET 2026 question paper structure, marking scheme, and exam duration.
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
NEET UG 2026 will be held in offline mode (pen and paper test) for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other undergraduate medical courses across India. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a single entrance test for all medical aspirants.
Key Highlights of NEET 2026
- Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper Based)
- Exam Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes)
- Medium of Exam: 13 languages – English, Hindi, and regional languages
- Total Questions: 200
- Questions to Attempt: 180
- Total Marks: 720
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern – Subject-wise Paper Breakdown
The NEET 2026 question paper will have four sections based on three subjects – Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology).
| Section | Subject | Total Questions | Questions You Need to Attempt | Marks For Each Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Physics | 35 | 35 | 4 | 140 |
| Section B | Physics | 15 | 10 | 4 | 40 |
| Section A | Chemistry | 35 | 35 | 4 | 140 |
| Section B | Chemistry | 15 | 10 | 4 | 40 |
| Section A | Botany | 35 | 35 | 4 | 140 |
| Section B | Botany | 15 | 10 | 4 | 40 |
| Section A | Zoology | 35 | 35 | 4 | 140 |
| Section B | Zoology | 15 | 10 | 4 | 40 |
In simple words:
- Each subject (Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology) has 2 sections – A & B.
- Section A: All 35 questions are compulsory.
- Section B: 15 questions are given, but you only need to attempt any 10.
- Each correct answer = 4 marks.
- Negative marking = -1 for wrong answer.
NEET 2026 Marking Scheme
Knowing the marking scheme is very important to score well in NEET 2026:
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (Negative marking)
- Unattempted Question: 0 marks
Important Note: For every wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted as negative marking. Candidates are advised to attempt questions carefully to avoid losing marks.
Subject-wise Weightage in NEET 2026
| Subject | Total Marks | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 180 | 25% |
| Chemistry | 180 | 25% |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 360 | 50% |
Note: Biology has the highest weightage with 50% of the total marks, making it the most important subject for NEET aspirants.
NEET 2026 Syllabus Coverage
The NEET exam pattern includes the entire syllabus of Class 11th and 12th as per the NCERT curriculum.
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electrodynamics, Modern Physics
- Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry
- Biology: Diversity in Living World, Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology
Important Instructions for NEET 2026 Exam
- Bring your valid admit card and ID proof to the examination centre.
- Only black or blue ballpoint pen is allowed to mark answers.
- Use of calculators, mobile phones or electronic gadgets is strictly prohibited.
- Rough work should be done in the space provided in the question booklet.
- OMR sheet should be filled carefully because once marked, answers cannot be changed.
NEET 2026 Preparation Tips
- Give more focus to Biology as it carries 50% weightage.
- Solve previous years’ question papers to get an idea of the exam pattern.
- Practice managing your time by giving mock tests.
- Thoroughly revise your NCERT books for all three subjects.
- Make subject-wise notes for quick revision.
- Concentrate on your weak areas and strengthen your understanding of concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many questions will be there in NEET 2026?
NEET 2026 will have a total of 200 questions, out of which candidates are required to attempt 180 questions — 45 from each subject.
Q2. What is the duration of NEET 2026 exam?
The NEET 2026 exam will be of 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes) duration for completing the entire question paper.
Q3. Will there be negative marking in NEET 2026?
Yes, NEET 2026 has negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.
Q4. What are the total marks for NEET 2026?
The maximum marks for NEET 2026 are 720. Four marks are awarded for each correct answer.
Q5. How many questions from Section B should I attempt?
In Section B, you have to attempt exactly 10 questions out of 15 in each subject. Even if you attempt more than 10, only the first 10 answers will be evaluated.
Q6. Which subject has the highest marks in NEET?
Biology (Botany and Zoology together) carries the highest weightage of 360 marks, which is 50% of the total marks.
Q7. Can I change my answer after marking it on the OMR sheet?
No, once you have marked an answer on the OMR sheet, it cannot be changed. So, please mark your answers carefully.
Q8. Is the NEET 2026 exam conducted online or offline?
NEET 2026 will be conducted in offline mode, as a pen and paper based test.
The NEET 2026 exam pattern remains the same, with a total of 180 questions to be attempted out of 200, carrying 720 marks. With a clear understanding of the exam pattern, marking scheme, and time duration, candidates can plan their preparation strategy in an effective way. Focus on NCERT books, practise regularly, and manage your time wisely to Crack NEET 2026 successfully.
Stay updated with the latest NEET 2026 notifications on www.neet2026.com for exam dates, application forms, and preparation material.
Latest Posts