NEET is a single pen-and-paper OMR exam of 180 questions and 720 marks over 200 minutes. Three subjects: Biology (90 questions), Physics (45) and Chemistry (45). Marking is +4 / −1 / 0. There is no sectional time limit and, in the current pattern, no optional questions — the Section A/B split with internal choice used during the pandemic years has been discontinued, so confirm the structure on the current notification.
The paper at a glance #
| Mode | Offline, pen-and-paper, OMR sheet |
| Duration | 200 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes) |
| Questions | 180 |
| Total marks | 720 |
| Marking | +4 correct, −1 incorrect, 0 unattempted |
| Sectional timing | None — allocate your own |
| Languages | 13, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Urdu |
Subject structure #
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Biology — Botany | 45 | 180 |
| Biology — Zoology | 45 | 180 |
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
Time allocation that works #
200 minutes for 180 questions is about 67 seconds per question, but even allocation is the wrong approach. A workable split:
| Section | Target time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 60–70 min | Mostly recall; fastest per question |
| Chemistry | 45–55 min | Inorganic is fast, Physical needs calculation |
| Physics | 60–70 min | Slowest per question; most time-consuming |
| Buffer / OMR check | 15–20 min | Non-negotiable |
- Attempt Biology first. It is half the paper and the fastest to score, which banks marks before fatigue sets in.
- Leave the OMR buffer. Filling 180 bubbles takes real time and mis-filling is unrecoverable.
- No sectional limit means Physics can silently eat your Biology time. Set a hard stop per section.
- The OMR is the answer of record. A correct answer in the booklet with a wrong bubble scores −1.
Language and centres #
The paper is offered in 13 languages. You choose the medium at application, and it cannot be changed later. Candidates selecting a regional language receive a bilingual booklet with English, and in case of any ambiguity the English version prevails.
NEET exam pattern — frequently asked questions
What is the NEET exam pattern?
Is NEET online or offline?
Is there sectional timing in NEET?
Does NEET have optional questions?
In how many languages is NEET conducted?
Verified fees, centres and reviews.
Disclaimer: The exam pattern follows the latest NTA notification and has changed in recent cycles. Verify for your exam year.
