NEET Exam Pattern

NEET Exam Pattern 2026

Summary Table – NEET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern

Information for NRI Students

The NEET (UG) - 2026 test pattern has been significantly updated from the previous years. The exam now consists of 180 compulsory questions across four subjects, with no optional questions or sectional divisions. All questions must be attempted within the allocated time. The NEET (UG) - 2026 Examination for admission in the Session 2026-27 follows this streamlined pattern.

Subject-wise breakdown of the NEET UG 2026 exam structure is as follows:

1. Physics:
   • 45 questions, 180 marks
   • Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
2. Chemistry:
   • 45 questions, 180 marks
   • Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
3. Botany:
   • 45 questions, 180 marks
   • Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
4. Zoology:
   • 45 questions, 180 marks
   • Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Total Marks: 720

Note: Each correct answer is awarded 4 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. Unattempted or unanswered questions receive no marks.

Important Points to Note:

All questions in the exam are compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs), where candidates must select the correct or most suitable option for each question.

In case of discrepancies, the following scoring rules apply:
(i) Correct answers or the most appropriate responses are awarded four marks (+4).
(ii) Incorrect options are penalized with a deduction of one mark (-1).
(iii) Unanswered questions receive no marks (0).
(iv) If multiple options are correct, candidates marking any of them receive four marks (+4).
(v) If all options are correct, all candidates who attempted the question receive four marks (+4).
(vi) In cases of incorrect questions or options, all candidates receive four marks (+4) regardless of their attempt status.

All 180 questions are compulsory and must be attempted. There are no optional questions or sections in NEET 2026.

Any discrepancies found after key verification challenges will be addressed as follows:

• Correct answers earn four marks (+4)
• Incorrect answers result in a deduction of one mark (-1)
• Unanswered questions receive no marks (0)
• If multiple options are correct, only those who mark any correct option will receive four marks (+4)
• In case a question is deemed incorrect or is dropped, all candidates who attempted it will receive four marks (+4), whether due to human or technical error.

It is recommended that candidates perform calculations using the provided constants (if any) in the questions.

Mode of Examination

The NEET (UG) exam for 2026 is conducted in a pen and paper format, where candidates are required to mark their answers on machine-readable OMR sheets using a ballpoint pen provided at the exam center. Any attempt to tamper with the OMR sheet during or after the exam will result in the disqualification of the candidate for a period of three years.

Duration of Test

The test duration is set at three hours (180 minutes). For Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) requiring additional time due to physical limitations, one hour of compensatory time will be provided making the total duration 4 hours for PwBD candidates, regardless of whether they opt to use a scribe or not.

Medium of the Question Papers

In alignment with the directives of the National Education Policy (NEP), the NEET (UG) - 2026 examination is being administered in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Major Changes for NEET 2026

Key Updates from Previous Years:

1. Optional Questions Completely Removed: The provision for optional questions that was introduced temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic has been permanently eliminated.
2. Reduced Total Questions: From 200 questions, the exam now has 180 compulsory questions.
3. Shorter Duration: Exam time reduced from 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes) to 3 hours (180 minutes) for regular candidates.
4. No Sectional Division: Previous Section A (35 questions) and Section B (15 questions with 10 optional) format has been removed. Each subject now has a single section with 45 compulsory questions.
5. Streamlined Format: All 180 questions must be attempted - no choice or optional questions available.

For NRI Students - Important Notes:

• Exam Pattern Consistency: The 2026 pattern is expected to remain consistent with the simplified format introduced in 2025.
• Time Management: With reduced duration and no optional questions, effective time management becomes crucial - approximately 1 minute per question.
• Language Options: All 13 language options remain available, ensuring accessibility for international students.
• PwBD Accommodations: Students with disabilities continue to receive one hour of compensatory time, making their total exam duration 4 hours.
• No Additional Changes Expected: Unless NTA announces otherwise, the 2026 pattern is expected to follow the same simplified format as 2025.