The National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test, or NEET, is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India and the most sought after. It serves as a platform for gaining admission into MBBS and BDS courses at various colleges throughout the country.

NEET Exam Pattern

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the paper-and-pencil-based NEET exam in an offline mode. All candidates take the same test, which follows a uniform structure to assess their knowledge in physics, chemistry, and biology (botany and zoology). The concept of the NEET examination includes the following components:

1. Mode of Examination: Offline (Pen and Paper Based).
2. Language options: 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, and various other regional languages, are available for the exam.
3. Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes).

4. There are a total of 200 questions, of which you must attempt 180.

5. Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), four options with a single correct answer.
6. Sections:
There are 50 questions in Physics, out of which you need to attempt 45.
o Chemistry: 50 questions (45 to be attempted).
o Biology: There are 100 questions (of which 90 are to be attempted), with a focus on botany and zoology.

We further divide the two subjects mentioned above into two sections:

• Section A: There are 35 questions that require a mandatory response.
• Section B: Of the 15 questions, only 10 require an attempt.

Marking Scheme

Understanding the marking scheme is crucial as it aids in formulating a strategy for achieving high scores in the exam. The marking scheme of NEET will be:

1. Correct Answer: +4 Marks.
2. Incorrect Answer: There will be negative marking, with the option to mark a cross for each incorrect answer—in the event of a mistaken attempt.
3. Unattempted Questions: Unattempted questions will receive zero marks or a deduction.
4. Total Marks: 720 marks are the maximum for the exam.

For instance, if a candidate correctly answers 120 out of 180 questions but provides 60 incorrect answers, the computation will be as follows:
•    Marks for correct answers: 120 × 4 = 480
•    Marks deducted for incorrect answers: 60 × 1 = 60
• Total Score: 480 - 60 = 420.

In addition to the minimum marks, the quiz also has a maximum total mark for a specific topic or focus. The NEET examination carries a maximum score of 720 marks, with each topic receiving equal weight in the distribution of marks. Below is the subject-wise and topic-wise weightage: 
1. Physics (180 Marks)
• Mechanics: ~25%
• Thermodynamics: ~10%
• Electrodynamics: ~20%
• Optics and Wave: ~10%
• Modern Physics: ~15%
• Other Topics: ~20%
2. Chemistry (180 Marks)
• Physical Chemistry: ~35%
states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibrium, etc.
• Organic Chemistry: ~40%
hydrocarbons, functional groups, biomolecules, etc.
• Inorganic Chemistry: ~25%

The topics covered include the Periodic Table, Coordination Chemistry, and Chemical Bonding.

3. Biology (360 Marks)
• Human Physiology: ~20%
• Genetics and Evolution: 18%
• Ecology: ~10%
• Cell Biology: 15%
• Plant Physiology: 10%
• Reproduction and Development: 10%
• Biotechnology and Applications: 7%
• Other Topics: 10%

Further paper-pencil test structuring

Include the Optical Mark Reading Sheet, which is filled with the use of a blue pen or a black pen. Some of the suggestions are:
• Proper Filling: Try to fill the bubbles without any double entries.
• Section-wise Timing: Set the maximum number of questions such that there is enough time for sectioning options.
• Avoid Corrections: If there are any inclusions, do not attempt corrections.
• Checking Marks: Try to answer as many questions as possible, but do not answer them without proper preparation, as there are negative markings.

FAQs

Q1: What is eligibility for NEET?

• To be eligible for the examination, applicants must possess Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. The minimum qualification percentage varies depending on the class.

Q2: Can I fill the NEET application form in any language other than English?

• Yes, 13 languages in total are available for the NEET exam, including Tamil, Telugu, Assamese, etc. State the language for the application form correctly.

Q3: Can I take more than one attempt for NEET?

• Simple, no. The number of attempts by a high school graduate in this examination will be unlimited, subject to fulfillment of age criteria and other eligibility conditions.

Q4: What steps should I follow to plan my preparation for NEET?

• Centrally follow the NCERT syllabus, solve and understand previous year's papers, take tests, assess numerical accuracy, and consistently avoid weak areas.

Q5: Should students carry any electronic devices like mobile phones, calculators, etc. to the center?

• No. It goes without saying that students cannot use any technological tools, such as mobile phones or smartwatches, inside the exam center.

Q6: How difficult is the NEET in comparison to other exams you appeared for?

• It is only a tough exam. Physics is the toughest, followed by chemistry and biology.

Q7: What happens if the results of two students are the same?

• In the event of a tie, we will apply the following rules:
First and foremost, Biology received higher overall marks.
2. I received higher marks in Chemistry.
3. After that, the number of incorrect questions decreased.
4. As a last resort, we will use the preferred age, giving preference to those who are older.

Summary

Understanding the exam pattern, scheme, and weightage of given topics is crucial in preparing for NEET, as it is a highly competitive examination. We encourage prospective candidates to approach their studies methodically, emphasizing high-weightage sections and ensuring ample practice. With a clear comprehension of the rules and the format, excelling in NEET is bound to come about with only hard work and good strategies. Use your preparation amount judiciously and strive to make sure that you score higher marks!