Understand NEET UG's eligibility rules, subject-wise question breakdown, marking scheme, and the upcoming shift to a multi-day Computer-Based Test from 2027.
NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — Undergraduate)
Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET UG is India's single, uniform entrance examination for admission to undergraduate medical programmes — including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS), and B.Sc Nursing — across all government and private medical institutions, including premier colleges like AIIMS and JIPMER.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: At least 17 years by December 31 of the admission year; no upper age limit.
- Core Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in Class 12.
- Minimum Marks: General/EWS require 50% aggregate in PCB; reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) require 40%; PwD candidates require 45%.
Core Exam Structure & Layout
| Subject Track | Compulsory Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Botany (Biology Part 1) | 45 | 180 |
| Zoology (Biology Part 2) | 45 | 180 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Crucial Scoring Metrics
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
- Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct choice; -1 for every incorrect choice; 0 for unattempted.
- Pattern Updates: NTA has moved to a structure where Section B options have been eliminated, returning to standard compulsory questions per subject segment.
Major Admission System Upgrades & Transition
- CBT Mode (from 2027 onward): The government plans to phase out the traditional single-day pen-and-paper format. From the 2027 session, NEET UG is scheduled to transition into a secure Computer-Based Test administered across 5 to 6 continuous days in multiple sessions, to reduce paper logistics issues and prevent malpractice.
- Institutional Restructuring: A systemic overhaul of the NTA's infrastructure, technology, and organizational processes is underway following recommendations from a high-level expert committee.
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