NEET UG 2026 Exam Date, Syllabus & Pattern for MBBS | Complete Guide

NEET UG 2026 Marking Scheme

The marking scheme is crucial for strategic exam preparation and score calculation.

Marking System:

• Correct Answer: +4 marks

• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (Negative Marking)

• Unanswered Question: 0 marks

• Multiple Answers Marked: -1 mark (Treated as incorrect)

Score Calculation Formula:

Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 4) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1)

Example: If a candidate answers 140 questions correctly and 30 incorrectly with 10 unanswered:

• Score = (140 × 4) – (30 × 1) = 560 – 30 = 530 marks

Important Note: The negative marking system heavily penalizes guessing. It’s strategically better to leave a question unanswered than to guess incorrectly. Focus on attempting questions only when reasonably confident about the answer.

NEET UG 2026 Syllabus Overview

The NEET 2026 syllabus is based on Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT curriculum as prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The syllabus has undergone some rationalization to align with updated NCERT textbooks.

Total Chapters in NEET 2026 Syllabus:

NEET 2026 Physics Syllabus (19 Chapters)

Class 11 Physics Topics:

• Physical World and Measurement

• Kinematics

• Laws of Motion

• Work, Energy and Power

• Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body

• Gravitation

• Properties of Solids and Liquids

• Thermodynamics

• Kinetic Theory of Gases

• Oscillations and Waves

Class 12 Physics Topics:

• Electrostatics

• Current Electricity

• Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism

• Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents

• Electromagnetic Waves

• Optics

• Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation

• Atoms and Nuclei

• Electronic Devices

Deleted Topics: Communication Systems (completely deleted), Semiconductors (partially reduced)

NEET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus (30 Chapters)

The Chemistry syllabus is divided into three main categories:

Physical Chemistry Topics:

• Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

• Structure of Atom

• States of Matter

• Thermodynamics

• Equilibrium

• Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry

• Chemical Kinetics

• Surface Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry Topics:

• Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

• Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

• p-Block Elements

• d- and f-Block Elements

• Coordination Compounds

Organic Chemistry Topics:

• Purification and Characterization of Organic Compounds

• Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry

• Hydrocarbons

• Organic Compounds Containing Halogens

Deleted/Reduced Topics: Hydrogen (deleted), Polymers (partially removed), Chemistry in Everyday Life (deleted)

NEET 2026 Biology Syllabus (38 Chapters)

Biology carries the highest weightage in NEET with 360 marks (90 questions) out of 720 total marks. The syllabus is divided into Botany and Zoology.

Botany Topics (Class 11 & 12):

• Diversity in Living World

• Structural Organization in Plants

• Cell Structure and Function

• Plant Physiology

  • Photosynthesis

  • Respiration

  • Plant Growth and Development

• Reproduction in Plants

• Genetics and Evolution

• Biology and Human Welfare

• Biotechnology and its Applications

• Ecology and Environment

Zoology Topics (Class 11 & 12):

• Structural Organization in Animals

• Human Physiology

  • Digestion and Nutrition

  • Breathing and Exchange of Gases

  • Body Fluids and Circulation

  • Excretory Products and their Elimination

  • Locomotion and Movement

  • Neural Control and Coordination

  • Chemical Coordination and Integration

• Human Reproduction

• Reproduction and Development

• Genetics and Evolution

• Biology and Human Welfare

• Biotechnology and its Applications

• Ecology and Environment

Deleted/Reduced Topics: Reproduction in Organisms (deleted), Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production (deleted), Environmental Issues (reduced), Mineral Nutrition (reduced)

Why Understand the NEET 2026 Syllabus?

Efficient Preparation: Knowing the exact syllabus helps you create a focused study plan without wasting time on non-relevant topics.

Time Management: The reduced syllabus (79 chapters instead of the full NCERT content) allows better time allocation to important topics.

Strategic Revision: You can prioritize high-weightage topics and allocate revision time accordingly.

Concept Clarity: Understanding syllabus helps identify connections between topics across subjects.

Better Performance: Students following the official syllabus tend to score better as they focus on relevant topics only.

NEET 2026 Exam Pattern: Subject-wise Question Analysis

Physics (45 Questions – 180 Marks)

Physics questions in NEET test conceptual understanding and numerical problem-solving abilities. Questions often combine multiple concepts. Topics like Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics typically carry higher weightage.

Preparation Strategy: Focus on understanding fundamental concepts, practice numerical problems regularly, and solve previous year papers to understand question patterns.

Chemistry (45 Questions – 180 Marks)

Chemistry questions cover theoretical knowledge, chemical reactions, and calculations. The subject is divided into Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Each section requires different preparation strategies.

Preparation Strategy: For Physical Chemistry, master numericals and derivations. For Inorganic Chemistry, focus on facts and reactivity patterns. For Organic Chemistry, understand mechanisms and reaction patterns.

Biology (90 Questions – 360 Marks)

Biology carries the highest weightage and requires memorization combined with conceptual understanding. Topics include plant physiology, human physiology, genetics, and ecology.

Preparation Strategy: Create concept maps and diagrams for visual learning, read NCERT line-by-line, and practice question-based revision regularly.

NEET 2026 Difficulty Level and Question Pattern

Expected Difficulty Level: Moderate to Moderately Difficult

Question Pattern Types:

• Direct Recall Questions: Test factual knowledge from NCERT

• Application-Based Questions: Require applying concepts to new situations

• Numerical Problems: Require calculations and formula application

• Concept Linking Questions: Connect topics from different chapters

• Diagram/Figure-Based Questions: Test understanding of biological structures and processes

NEET 2026 vs NEET 2025 Comparison:

• Similar pattern with 180 compulsory MCQs

• Same marking scheme (+4, -1, 0)

• Same 3-hour duration

• No Section B optional questions

• Focus remains on NCERT-based conceptual understanding

How to Prepare for NEET UG 2026 Based on Pattern and Syllabus

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1-4)

• Complete Class 11 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology thoroughly

• Focus on NCERT textbooks only

• Understand concepts rather than memorizing

• Take notes and create formula sheets

Phase 2: Comprehensive Preparation (Months 5-9)

• Complete entire Class 12 syllabus

• Build connections between Class 11 and Class 12 topics

• Start solving practice problems and mock tests

• Identify weak areas and strengthen them

Phase 3: Advanced Practice (Months 10-12)

• Solve previous year NEET papers (10-15 years)

• Take full-length mock tests weekly

• Focus on time management and accuracy

• Practice solving questions quickly while maintaining accuracy

Phase 4: Final Revision (Last 2 months)

• Revise all subjects systematically

• Solve more mock tests

• Clear remaining doubts

• Practice high-yield topics more frequently

Tips for Mastering NEET 2026 Exam Pattern

Understand Question Distribution: Know that Biology has 90 questions while Physics and Chemistry each have 45. Allocate your preparation time accordingly.

Practice with Negative Marking in Mind: While solving practice tests, be cautious about attempting questions. This trains your mind for exam strategy.

Time Allocation Strategy: Divide 180 minutes among three subjects strategically. For example, allocate more time to Biology (90 questions in ~60-70 minutes), and distribute Physics and Chemistry evenly.

Focus on High-Weightage Topics: Certain topics have historically appeared more frequently. Prioritize these for thorough preparation.

Mock Tests and Analysis: Take at least one full-length mock test weekly. Analyze performance to identify improvement areas.

NCERT Mastery: 80-90% of NEET questions come directly from NCERT. Master NCERT textbooks completely before exploring other resources.

Key Takeaways for NEET UG 2026 Aspirants

Exam Date Clarity: Mark May 3, 2026, on your calendar and plan your preparation accordingly.

Pattern Understanding: 180 compulsory MCQs in 3 hours with +4/-1 marking—understand this pattern thoroughly.

Syllabus Mastery: Focus on 87 chapters (19 Physics, 30 Chemistry, 38 Biology) based on NCERT Class 11 and 12.

Strategic Preparation: Allocate time based on weightage—60% to Biology, 20% each to Physics and Chemistry.

Regular Assessment: Take mock tests regularly to evaluate progress and adjust your preparation strategy.

Concept Focus: NEET rewards conceptual understanding over rote learning. Focus on “why” and “how” rather than just “what.”

Final Thought:

Success in NEET UG 2026 comes from clear understanding of the exam pattern, comprehensive knowledge of the syllabus, and consistent, smart preparation. Start early, stay focused, and maintain a balanced approach across all three subjects. With dedication and the right strategy, your dream of securing admission to a prestigious MBBS program is achievable.

Best wishes for your NEET 2026 preparation journey!