NEET UG 2025: NTA Scraps Optional Section, Revises Exam Pattern

New Delhi, January 27, 2025: In a significant update for aspiring medical professionals, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a revision to the NEET UG exam pattern for 2025. The key change is the discontinuation of the optional section, reverting to the pre-COVID format. This means candidates will now have to answer 180 compulsory questions within a reduced time frame of 180 minutes.  

What’s Changed?

The NEET UG exam, a gateway to undergraduate medical courses in India, had introduced an optional section (Section B) in each subject to provide some flexibility to students, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This allowed students to attempt a certain number of questions out of a larger set, giving them a choice.  

However, the NTA has now decided to discontinue this optional section for NEET UG 2025. The exam will now consist of 180 compulsory questions, with 45 questions each from Physics and Chemistry, and 90 questions from Biology (Botany and Zoology combined). The total duration of the exam has also been adjusted to 180 minutes (3 hours), down from the previous 200 minutes.  

Why the Change?

The optional section was introduced as a temporary measure to mitigate the academic disruptions caused by the pandemic. With the situation normalizing, the NTA has opted to return to the original exam pattern, which was in place before the pandemic. This decision aims to ensure a standardized and more focused assessment of candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the core subjects.  

Revised Exam Pattern at a Glance:

• Total Questions: 180 (Compulsory)  
• Physics: 45 Questions  
• Chemistry: 45 Questions  
• Biology (Botany & Zoology): 90 Questions  
• Total Time: 180 minutes (3 hours)  
• Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer, 0 for unanswered questions.
• Mode of Exam: Pen and Paper based (Offline)  

Impact on Students:

This change will require students to adjust their preparation strategies. Here’s what it means for them:

• Focused Preparation: Students will need to focus on mastering the entire syllabus of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, as there will be no option to skip or choose questions.  
• Time Management: With a reduced time frame, effective time management during the exam will be crucial. Students need to practice solving questions quickly and accurately.
• Increased Competition: With all questions being compulsory, the competition is expected to intensify. Students need to aim for higher accuracy to secure a good score.

Expert Advice for NEET UG 2025 Aspirants:

• Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance to get ample time to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly.
• NCERT is Key: Focus on NCERT textbooks as they form the foundation for the NEET UG exam.  
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and improve your time management skills.  
• Conceptual Clarity: Focus on understanding the concepts rather than rote learning. This will help you tackle application-based questions effectively.
• Revision is Crucial: Regularly revise the topics you have studied to retain the information.
• Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep, diet, and exercise to stay focused and energized throughout your preparation.

NTA’s Official Statement:

The NTA has released an official statement regarding the change in the exam pattern. It stated, “Aspirants are hereby informed that the question paper pattern and examination duration will revert to the pre-COVID format where there will not be any Section B anymore.”  

Other Important Updates:

Along with the change in the exam pattern, the NTA has also clarified that the APAAR ID is not mandatory for NEET UG 2025 registration. Aspirants can continue to register using other available means, the details of which will be provided in the information bulletin soon.  :

The discontinuation of the optional section in NEET UG 2025 marks a return to the traditional exam format. While this change requires students to adapt their preparation strategies, it also emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the core subjects. By focusing on conceptual clarity, regular practice, and effective time management, aspirants can successfully navigate this change and achieve their goals of pursuing a career in medicine.  

Stay Tuned:

For the latest updates on NEET UG 2025, including exam dates, application process, and other important information, candidates are advised to regularly visit the official NTA website