Exam prep·India· 5 min read

NEET Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The structure of NEET UG — subjects, number of questions, marking scheme, mode, duration, and where the official syllabus comes from.

By the GlobalStudyBoard editorial team · Verified against 1 cited source

Last updated 30 September 2026

A clean computer-based-test workstation with monitor, keyboard and privacy divider. — Illustration · not a photo — read how we use AI images

Subjects and mode

NEET UG is a pen-and-paper (offline) test covering three subjects — Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) — based on the Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum. Biology carries the largest share of questions, reflecting its weight in a medical entrance test.

Marking scheme

NEET uses a +4 / −1 marking scheme: four marks for each correct answer and one mark deducted for each wrong answer, with the paper scored out of 720. The exact number of questions, the structure of any optional section, and the negative-marking rule are specified in the official bulletin each year, so confirm the current pattern there.

Correct answer: +4 marks
Incorrect answer: −1 mark
Unattempted: 0 marks
Total: 720 marks

Duration

The NEET (UG) 2026 information bulletin set the duration of the test at three hours (180 minutes). As timing has been adjusted in the past, verify the current duration in the official information bulletin before exam day.

Syllabus source

The NEET syllabus is published officially and is based on the Class 11 and Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology curriculum. The syllabus is periodically reviewed, so download the latest official syllabus rather than relying on older copies.

Frequently asked questions

Is there negative marking in NEET?

Yes. NEET uses +4 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong answer, out of a total of 720 marks. Confirm the current question structure in the official bulletin.

Is NEET online or offline?

NEET UG is conducted in offline, pen-and-paper (OMR) mode. Confirm the mode for the current year in the official notification.

Which subject has the most questions?

Biology (Botany and Zoology together) carries the largest share of questions, reflecting its weight in a medical entrance exam.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: NTA — NEET official site.

Last verified: 3 June 2026. Content updated 30 September 2026, without a full re-check.