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
200
Total questions
180
To attempt
3 hours
Duration
720
Total marks
Section-wise breakdown
| Section | Section A | Section B | Total to attempt | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 | 15 (attempt 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 | 15 (attempt 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Botany | 35 | 15 (attempt 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Zoology | 35 | 15 (attempt 10) | 45 | 180 |
| Total | 140 | 60 (attempt 40) | 180 | 720 |
Marking scheme
+4
Correct answer
−1
Wrong answer
0
Unanswered
Time management tips
- Allocate roughly 50 minutes per subject to cover all 45 questions
- Attempt Section A first — all 35 are mandatory
- In Section B, read all 15 and pick the 10 you're most confident about
- 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 200 questions: 50 each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology. Each section has 35 mandatory + 15 optional (attempt any 10), so you answer 180 questions total.
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 54 seconds per question for the 200 questions on the paper.