NEET Practice
Exam guide · NEET UG

How the exam works

Pattern, marking, and eligibility — the mechanics you need before you walk in, explained at a glance.

What's here

Exam pattern

Official question count, marks, and duration breakdown by subject.

View official PDF
Marking scheme

How correct, incorrect, and unattempted answers are scored.

Sign in required

The pattern, marking scheme, and eligibility details below need an account to view.

At a glance

Questions
180
compulsory, MCQ
Total marks
720
4 marks per question
Duration
180 min
3 hours, single shift
Subjects
3
Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology

Question pattern by subject

SubjectQuestionsMarks
Physics45180
Chemistry45180
Botany45180
Zoology45180
Total180720

Marking scheme

+4
Correct answer
−1
Incorrect answer
0
Unanswered
  • If more than one option is found correct, +4 is awarded to anyone who marked any of the correct options.
  • If all options are found correct, +4 is awarded to everyone who attempted the question.
  • If a question is found wrong or is dropped, +4 is awarded to all candidates, whether attempted or not.

Exam facts

  • ModePen and paper (OMR sheet)
  • Duration3 hours (180 minutes)
  • Question typeMCQ — 4 options, single correct/best answer
  • Languages13 mediums, incl. English, Hindi, and 11 regional languages

Eligibility, in brief

  • Minimum age: 17 years, completed on or before 31 December of the exam year.
  • No upper age limit.
  • Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in the qualifying exam (Class 12 or equivalent).
  • Candidates awaiting Class 12 results may appear, but must clear the qualifying exam before the first counselling round.

Source: NTA Information Bulletin, NEET (UG)-2026. Pattern, marking scheme, and eligibility basics — official and stable across cycles; verify current-year specifics on the NTA website before applying.

Sign in to view the exam guide

Log in to view