
NEET 2025 Guide: Exam Details, Eligibility & Preparation Tips
27-02-2025
Being a doctor is a dream cherished by countless students—a career that embodies compassion, dedication, and the power to transform lives. For many aspiring doctors in India, the journey toward this noble profession begins with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). NEET 2025 stands as the gateway to undergraduate medical and dental programs such as MBBS and BDS, making it a significant milestone for students pursuing a career in the medical field.
Since 2019, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted with conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) on behalf of the National Medical Commission. NEET is widely regarded as one of India’s most competitive and sought-after exams, opening doors to prestigious government and private medical colleges nationwide. The NEET 2025 exam is scheduled for May 4, 2025, marking an important date for countless aspirants. It is the ultimate stepping stone for students working tirelessly to turn their aspirations of donning a white coat and stethoscope into reality.
Key Highlights of NEET 2025
- Exam Mode: NEET 2025 will be conducted offline, in pen-and-paper format. Candidates will need to answer questions from three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology).
- Exam Pattern:
- There are 200 questions in the NEET UG exam, which are multiple-choice. Out of these 200 questions, students must answer only 180 questions.
- These 200 questions are divided into two sections – Section A and Section B. Section A of each subject contains 35 questions, while Section B consists of 15 questions each. Out of these 15 questions in Section B, candidates can answer any 10 questions.
- The 200 questions are divided into three sections:
- Physics: 50 questions (35 in Section A, 15 in Section B)
- Chemistry: 50 questions (35 in Section A, 15 in Section B)
- Biology (Botany and Zoology): 100 questions (70 in Section A, 30 in Section B)
- Each correct answer will earn 4 marks, and 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2025, to qualify for the exam.
- Nationality: Eligible candidates include Indian citizens, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India), PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin), or Foreign Nationals.
- Educational Qualification: Students completing or in the process of completing their 10+2 or equivalent studies are eligible with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as subjects. Minimum marks requirement:
- General: 50%
- OBC/SC/ST: 40%
- PwD: 45%
- Exam Duration: The exam will last 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- Syllabus: The syllabus will be based on the NCERT curriculum for Class 11 and 12. Focus areas include:
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics…
- Chemistry: Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry…
- Biology: Human Physiology, Genetics, Ecology…
For a detailed syllabus, Click here.
- Application Fees:
- General: Rs. 1700/-
- General-EWS/OBC-NCL*: Rs 1600/-
- SC/ST/PH: Rs. 1000/-
- Centres outside India fee: Rs 9500/-
- Admit Card and Exam Centres:
- The admit card will be available for download on the official NTA website before the exam.
- Exam centres will be located nationwide and in select international locations. Check the admit card for your assigned centre.
- Result and Counselling:
- NEET 2025 results will be declared within a few weeks after the exam.
- Candidates will participate in a centralized counselling process for admissions to All India Quota (AIQ) seats and state quota seats.
Tips to Crack the NEET UG 2025
As mentioned earlier, NEET is one of the most competitive exams in India, requiring a structured and well-planned approach. With thousands of aspirants competing for limited seats, strategic preparation is essential. Success depends on understanding the syllabus, managing time effectively, and using smart study techniques. Students must focus on consistency, dedication, and regular revision to overcome challenges and achieve their dream of entering the medical field.
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: The foundation of NEET questions lies in the NCERT syllabus for Classes 11 and 12, so it’s important to focus on these textbooks first and foremost. In addition to the NCERT books, using reference books for more in-depth understanding and practice can give you an edge over others. Make sure to identify high-weightage chapters in each subject—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—and prioritize these in your study routine. Regularly review the full syllabus to ensure that no topic is left out.
- Create a Study Plan: A study plan is crucial to stay on track. Allocate specific time for each subject every day, ensuring you maintain a balance between learning new topics, revision, and practice. Setting weekly goals to cover specific chapters can help you measure progress and stay motivated. Don’t forget to prioritize subjects based on your strengths and weaknesses, giving more time to challenging areas while maintaining consistency in subjects you’re comfortable with.
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key to mastering the concepts and improving time management for NEET. Solve mock tests and previous years’ question papers to get acquainted with the exam pattern. This will help you understand the level of difficulty and the kinds of questions to expect. You can also attempt sectional tests to focus on individual topics in more detail. After each test, take time to analyse your performance, identify weak areas, and work to improve them.
- Regular Revision: Revision plays an essential role in retaining concepts over time. Schedule weekly revision sessions where you review key formulas, biological terms, and reaction mechanisms. It’s helpful to create brief notes highlighting important points during your study sessions, so you can use them effectively when revising. You can also try using flashcards or mind maps for visual learners to enhance your understanding and memory retention of complex concepts.
- Maintain Mental and Physical Health: In the rush of preparation, it’s easy to neglect your mental and physical well-being, but staying healthy is equally important. Take short breaks during long study sessions to prevent burnout and maintain focus. Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep to allow your brain to recharge. A balanced diet is crucial for energy levels, and relaxation techniques like meditation can help alleviate stress. Prioritizing your health will ensure you stay productive and mentally sharp for the duration of your preparation.
How to Balance Board Exams with NEET
Balancing board exam preparation with NEET 2025 can seem challenging, but with a structured approach, it’s manageable. As both exams share a common syllabus in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, use this to your advantage. When you’re studying for your board exams, take extra care to understand the key concepts in-depth because they will also form the foundation for NEET. Try to include NEET-focused practice, like mock tests, alongside your board revision. Create a balanced study plan that allows you to focus on your board exams initially, gradually shifting your attention to NEET preparation as both exam dates approach. This method helps you stay on top of your preparations and boosts your chances of success in both exams.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to NEET 2025 preparation, Knowledge Plant Academy in Bangalore offers an integrated pre-university education system with specialized coaching for NEET UG, JEE, KCET, CLAT, NDA, and more. The academy combines a strong foundation in school subjects with expert coaching in NEET, ensuring that students receive both academic support and targeted preparation for the medical entrance exam. With experienced faculty and an integrated curriculum, Knowledge Plant Academy helps students maximize their potential and achieve success in NEET UG, making it an ideal choice for aspirants aiming to secure a seat in prestigious medical colleges.