CHECKOUT IMPORTANT DATES
Understanding the NEET UG exam pattern is essential for any aspirant aiming to excel in this highly competitive medical entrance test. Knowing the structure, the types and number of questions, the marking scheme—including negative marking—and the distribution of subjects allows candidates to create a focused and strategic preparation plan. This knowledge helps in prioritizing high-yield topics, planning subject-wise revision schedules, and utilizing time and resources wisely, ultimately maximizing the chances of a higher score and selection in top medical colleges.
Moreover, understanding the NEET exam pattern is crucial for eligibility and selection, as the pattern directly shapes scoring and ranking. It ensures that aspirants know not just what to study, but how to study and approach the test. This comprehensive awareness aids in avoiding surprises on the exam day and ensures that students are fully prepared to tackle all aspects of the test. Ultimately, it provides clarity, direction, and boosts self-assurance for the NEET journey.
According to the NEET 2026 exam design, the test will be a 180-minute, or three-hour, paper-pencil-based test (PBT). There are 180 objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in all, covering biology, chemistry, and physics. Botany and Zoology are two more subfields within the biology course.
The NEET UG 2026 exam will continue with its established structure, following a pen-and-paper (offline) mode across centers in India and select cities abroad. The NEET UG Exam is designed to be completed in 180 minutes (3 hours) without any sectional cut-off, providing candidates the flexibility to attempt questions in any order. The question paper is available in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and several regional languages, aligning with the location of the exam center.
Four marks are awarded for each question, and one mark is deducted for each incorrect response. The comprehensive NEET exam structure and pattern are shown in the following table.
Subjects
No of Questions
Marks
Physics
45
180
Chemistry
Biology (Botany + Zoology)
90
360
Total
180 Questions
720 Marks
Ques.1 What is the mode of NEET UG 2026?
Ans. NEET UG 2026 will be conducted in offline mode as a pen-and-paper (OMR sheet) based test.
Ques.2 What is the duration of the NEET UG exam?
Ans. The total duration of NEET UG exam is 3 hours (180 minutes). All students must complete the paper within this time.
Ques.3 How many questions are asked in NEET UG 2026?
Ans. A total of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are asked:
Ques.4 Are all questions compulsory in NEET UG 2026 exam?
Ans. Yes, all 180 questions are mandatory. The optional Section B format from earlier years has been removed.
Ques.5 In how many languages is the NEET UG exam offered?
Ans. NEET UG is offered in 13 languages, including: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, and Urdu.