Exam Pattern
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Understand the NEET exam structure: sections, question count, marking rules, and time allocation — so you can plan your attempt strategy.
NEET at a glance
180
Total questions
45
Per section
3 hours
Duration
720
Total marks
Section-wise breakdown
| Section | Questions | Max marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Botany | 45 | 180 |
| Zoology | 45 | 180 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Marking scheme
+4
Correct answer
−1
Wrong answer
0
Unanswered
Time management tips
- Allocate roughly 45 minutes per subject to cover all 45 questions
- Attempt all questions in each section
- Skip tough questions early and return to them if time allows
- With −1 negative marking, don't guess blindly — eliminate at least 2 options first
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in NEET 2026?
NEET has 180 questions: 45 each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology.
What is the marking scheme of NEET?
Each correct answer earns +4 marks and each incorrect answer deducts −1 mark. Unanswered questions carry 0 marks. Total marks: 720.
Is there negative marking in NEET?
Yes. −1 for every wrong answer. This makes random guessing risky — smart elimination of options is important.
How long is the NEET exam?
The exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes). That gives roughly 60 seconds per question for the 180 questions on the paper.