List of Major Changes between NEET UG 2025 and NEET UG 2026 Syllabus

By Ankit Gupta

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Updated on 28 Jan 2026, 10:42 IST

Comparing NEET 2025 vs NEET 2026 changes is critical for aspirants. With reforms by NMC and NTA, even small tweaks in syllabus or exam pattern can affect preparation strategy. In this blog we highlight the differences, the official announcements, and how students should adapt.

NEET 2025 Syllabus overview

  • The official NEET (UG) 2025 syllabus was released by NTA / NMC, and serves as the baseline for comparisons.
  • A major shift in 2025 was the removal of the optional Section B in each subject. Earlier pattern had Section A + Section B (where one had optional questions) – that was scrapped.
  • In 2025, the exam had 180 total questions, all compulsory, across Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
  • Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
  • Syllabus size had already been pruned in earlier years — from ~97 chapters down to ~79 chapters per latest sources.

Thus, NEET 2025 served as a “post-reform” baseline: no optional sections, fixed question count, and a revised syllabus already.

List of topics removed in NEET 2026 syllabus

Subject Topics Removed in NEET 2026
Physics Rolling motion, Reynold’s number, Heat engines & refrigerator, Forced & damped oscillations, Doppler effect, Van de Graaff generator, Color coding of resistors, Potentiometer (parts), Cyclotron, Davisson–Germer experiment, Advanced transistor/semiconductor topics
Chemistry Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry (introductory parts), Atomic Structure (isotopes, isobars, shells/subshells, dual nature), Chemical Thermodynamics (sections), p-Block Elements (detailed parts), Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen (cyanes/isocyanides, detailed mechanisms), Polymers (detailed classification), Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry in Everyday Life (drugs, antiseptics in depth)
Biology Transport in Plants (detailed mechanisms), Mineral Nutrition, Taxonomic Aids (herbarium, museum, keys), Advanced morphology of Angiosperms, Secondary Growth in plants, Vernalization & Seed Dormancy, Sense Organs (advanced details), Digestion & Absorption (some subtopics), Reproduction in Organisms (some parts), Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production (plant breeding, tissue culture), Ecological Succession, Environmental Issues (pollution, ozone depletion, etc.)

Also Check: How to download the NEET 2026 admit card

NEET Expected Exam Pattern Changes in 2026

  • NEET 2026 continues with 180 compulsory MCQs. There is no optional section.
  • Mode: still pen & paper (offline) for 2026. There has been speculation about online mode later, but for 2026 it remains offline.
  • Distribution:
  • Total marks: 720 (each correct +4, wrong −1)
  • Time: 3 hours (180 minutes) remains unchanged.

NEET Syllabus Modifications & Rationalization

  • The NEET 2026 syllabus is largely aligned with the NCERT class 11 / 12 curriculum, similar to 2025.
  • Official sources state that no massive overhaul is expected; many sources say syllabus “will keep the same as previous year.”
  • However, some speculation and reports suggest further reduction (5–7%) or “rationalization” of less critical topics.
  • Because NCERT itself has undergone updates, some chapters may be removed or compressed; topics which were pruned already may not return.

Also Read: Tips and Study Plan to Score 600+ in NEET 2026

Weightage & Emphasis Shifts

  • In 2026, Biology remains the heftiest portion (~50% of total marks), physics and chemistry share the rest equally (~25% each).
  • Within Biology, high-weight chapters likely include: Human Physiology, Genetics & Evolution, Ecology & Environment.
  • In Physics & Chemistry, topics in Mechanics, Electrostatics, Chemical Bonding, Organic Chemistry are emphasized.

Must Check- How Many Days Left for NEET 2026

Detailed Comparison: NEET 2025 vs 2026

Dimension NEET UG 2025 NEET UG 2026
Total Questions 180 (with optional choice earlier) 180 compulsory MCQs, no optional section
Exam Mode Offline (pen-paper) Offline (pen-paper)
Duration 3 hours (180 min) 3 hours (180 min)
Marking Scheme +4 for correct, −1 for wrong Same scheme: +4 / −1
Syllabus changes Some removal of optional part; baseline of ~79 chapters already pruned Mostly same as 2025 in structure; small rationalizations or minor cuts possible
Weightage distribution Biology heavy, physics & chemistry balanced Similar pattern; minor internal shift in emphasis possible
Major new features Removal of optional questions, simplification of structure Continued removal of optional section, more focus on core NCERT topics

Subject-wise question weightage changes from 2025 to 2026

Subject NEET 2025 Questions NEET 2025 Weightage NEET 2026 Questions NEET 2026 Weightage
Physics 45 ~25% (180 marks) 45 ~25% (180 marks)
Chemistry 45 ~25% (180 marks) 45 ~25% (180 marks)
Biology 90 ~50% (360 marks) 90 ~50% (360 marks)
Total 180 100% (720 marks) 180 100% (720 marks)

Implications for Students / Aspirants

1. Strategy Adjustments

  • No optional questions means you must prepare all topics in each subject.
  • Prioritize high-weight chapters in Biology, Physics & Chemistry.

2. Study Material & Books

  • Use latest NCERT textbooks and NCERT Solutions (class XI & XII) as primary reference — syllabus aligns strongly.
  • Avoid relying on sources covering topics already pruned or removed.

3. Practice & Mock Tests

  • Use full-length 180-question mock tests with +4/−1 scheme.
  • Time yourself strictly for 3 hours to mirror actual exam.

4. Keep Track of Official Releases

  • Monitor NTA / NEET official website for syllabus PDF and exam-pattern notice.
  • Check updates around December 2025, when official 2026 syllabus is likely published.

5. Caveats & Uncertainties

  • Some 2026 changes are speculative, not confirmed yet. Many sources warn “no significant changes expected.”
  • The possibility of minor syllabus reductions remains.
  • Any late official announcement could introduce surprises – be flexible in planning.
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Conclusion

The leap from NEET UG 2025 to NEET UG 2026 is less about radical overhaul and more about continuity with minor refinements. Expect:

  • 180 compulsory MCQs, no optional sections
  • Use of NCERT-based syllabus with minimal changes
  • Emphasis on core, high-yield topics

Aspirants should fine-tune strategy to cover all chapters, focus on weighty topics, simulate realistic mocks, and stay alert for official updates.

Major Changes between NEET UG 2025 and NEET UG 2026 Syllabus & Pattern FAQs

Is the NEET 2026 syllabus reduced compared to NEET 2025?

As per the latest updates, the NEET 2026 syllabus is largely the same as NEET 2025, aligned with NCERT Class 11 and 12. Some reports suggest minor rationalization or trimming of less important topics, but no major reduction has been officially confirmed yet.

How many questions will be there in NEET 2026 compared to NEET 2025?

Both NEET 2025 and NEET 2026 have 180 compulsory questions. In 2025, the optional Section B was scrapped, and the same pattern continues in 2026 — all 180 questions are compulsory.

What is the marking scheme for NEET 2026? Has it changed from 2025?

The marking scheme remains unchanged. Both 2025 and 2026 follow:

  • +4 marks for each correct answer
  • −1 mark for each incorrect answer
  • 0 marks for unanswered questions

Which subjects and topics carry the highest weightage in NEET 2026?

Biology carries about 50% of the weightage (90 questions out of 180), while Physics and Chemistry contribute equally (45 each). Within Biology, chapters like Human Physiology, Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution are high-scoring. In Physics, Mechanics and Electrostatics dominate, while in Chemistry, Organic and Chemical Bonding are key areas.