NEET Exam Pattern 2026
Complete exam pattern and structure for NEET 2026 with subject-wise question distribution and marking scheme. All 180 questions are compulsory — no Section A/B, no optional questions.
3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Duration
180 (All Compulsory)
Total Questions
720 Marks
Total Marks
Multiple Choice Questions
Question Type
Subject-wise Question Distribution
| Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Important: As per NMC Letter CDN-20011/289/2024 dated 05.12.2024, all 180 questions are compulsory. There are no optional questions or Section A/B divisions. The exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes).
Physics
Chemistry
Biology (Botany + Zoology)
Total
Marking Scheme
Key Changes for NEET 2026
No More Section A/B
The Section A and Section B format has been removed. All 180 questions are compulsory — no choice or optional questions.
Duration Reduced
Exam duration is now 3 hours (180 minutes), down from the earlier 3 hours 20 minutes. This means exactly 1 minute per question.
Subject-wise Distribution
- • Physics: 45 questions (180 marks)
- • Chemistry: 45 questions (180 marks)
- • Botany: 45 questions (180 marks)
- • Zoology: 45 questions (180 marks)
Time Management Guide
Recommended time allocation for 3 hours (180 minutes) exam:
Physics
45 min
~1 min per question
Chemistry
45 min
~1 min per question
Biology
70 min
~0.8 min per question
Pro Tip: Keep 20 minutes buffer for revision and OMR sheet filling (45+45+70+20=180 min). Start with your strongest subject to build confidence.
How to Fill OMR Sheet Correctly
Do's
- • Use only blue/black ball point pen
- • Fill the circle completely and darkly
- • Mark only one answer per question
- • Check roll number and details carefully
- • Fill bubbles in the same order as questions
Don'ts
- • Don't use pencil or gel pen
- • Don't make stray marks on OMR sheet
- • Don't fill multiple circles for one question
- • Don't fold or damage the OMR sheet
- • Don't write anything outside designated areas
Important Exam Guidelines
Exam Rules
- • OMR sheet based examination
- • Use only blue/black ball point pen
- • No negative marking for unattempted questions
- • Rough work to be done on question booklet only
- • Carry valid ID proof and admit card
Strategy Tips
- • Attempt easier questions first
- • Be careful with negative marking (-1 for wrong answer)
- • Time management is crucial - stick to time limits
- • Review answers if time permits
- • Don't leave questions you're confident about