How to Become a Psychiatrist in India
August 14, 2025
NEET Total Marks 2026
Section-Wise Breakdown, Marking Scheme, Passing and Qualifying Marks
As we approach NEET 2026, understanding the exam’s total marks, section-wise distribution, marking scheme, and qualifying criteria is essential for effective preparation. Based on the latest updates from the National Testing Agency (NTA) as of August 2025, the NEET 2026 exam pattern is expected to mirror previous years, with a total of 720 marks across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
This guide provides a detailed, up-to-date overview to help students plan their studies strategically.
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
NEET 2026 will assess your knowledge in three core subjects Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Biology is divided into two sections: Botany and Zoology. Each section contains 45 questions, with 4 marks awarded for every correct answer.
This means each subject/section carries a maximum of 180 marks.
NEET 2026 Total Marks Section-wise Breakdown
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| Physics | 45 | 4 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 4 | 180 |
| Zoology | 45 | 4 | 180 |
| Botany | 45 | 4 | 180 |
| Total | 180 | — | 720 |
Marking Scheme for NEET 2026
The NEET marking scheme promotes accuracy while penalizing guesswork:
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (negative marking)
- Unanswered Question: 0 marks
- Multiple Answers Marked: Treated as incorrect, -1 mark
To maximize scores, focus on attempting questions you’re confident about. Aim for at least 150–160 attempts with high accuracy to cross the 600-mark threshold for top ranks.
NEET 2026 Qualifying Marks – Category-Wise Passing Criteria
The NEET qualifying marks 2026 vary depending on the candidate’s category.
- General and EWS category candidates must score at least the 50th percentile or higher.
- OBC, SC, and ST category candidates need a minimum of the 40th percentile.
- General-PH (Physically Handicapped) candidates must achieve at least the 45th percentile.
It’s important to note that the NEET passing marks out of 720 change every year based on the exam difficulty level and the overall performance of students.
NEET 2025 Passing Marks – Category-Wise Distribution
| Category | NEET Cut-off Percentile | NEET Passing Marks (2025) |
| General / EWS | 50th | 686 – 144 |
| General-PH / PwD | 45th | 143 – 127 |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th | 143 – 113 |
| SC / OBC – PwD | 40th | 126 – 113 |
| ST – PH | 40th | 126 – 113 |
For NEET 2026, the exact passing marks will be announced along with the results, but the percentile criteria are expected to remain the same.
Previous Years’ Qualifying Cutoffs for Reference
To gauge trends, here’s a comparison of qualifying marks from recent years:
| Year | General Cutoff Marks | OBC/SC/ST Cutoff Marks | PwD Cutoff Marks |
| 2025 | 164 | 129 | 146 (General), 129 (Reserved) |
| 2024 | 162 | 129 | 145 (General), 129 (Reserved) |
| 2023 | 137 | 107 | 121 (General), 107 (Reserved) |
Cutoffs fluctuate; easier papers lead to higher marks, as seen in 2023–2025.
Preparation Tips for NEET 2026
Achieving high marks requires a structured approach:
- Subject Balance: Dedicate 40% time to Biology, 30% each to Physics and Chemistry.
- Practice Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to improve speed and reduce negative marking.
- Focus on NCERT: 80–90% of questions are NCERT-based.
- Analyze Weak Areas: Use performance trackers to boost low-scoring sections.
At VVT Coaching, our NEET programs include daily mocks, AI-driven analytics, and faculty-led revisions to help you target 650+ marks.
Why Choose VVT Coaching for NEET 2026 Preparation?
Securing qualifying marks and beyond requires expert guidance.
VVT Coaching in Chennai is your trusted partner, offering:
- Customized NEET Plans: Tailored to section-wise strengths, with focus on high-weightage Biology.
- Experienced Faculty: Mentors with 10+ years in NEET coaching, emphasizing negative marking avoidance.
- Proven Success: 90%+ students qualify annually, many scoring 650+ for top colleges.
- Resources and Support: Unlimited mocks, doubt sessions, and mental health workshops for exam resilience.
Join VVT Coaching to turn NEET 2026 into your success story.
Conclusion
Mastering NEET 2026’s total marks, section-wise distribution, and qualifying criteria is key to success in this competitive exam.
With 720 marks up for grabs and a percentile-based system, consistent preparation is vital. Stay informed via NTA updates for any 2026 changes.
VVT Coaching equips you with the skills and confidence to excel enroll today and pave your way to a bright medical career!
FAQs
Q: What are the total marks in NEET 2026?
A: The total marks for NEET 2026 are 720, distributed across Physics (180), Chemistry (180), and Biology (360).
Q: Is there negative marking in NEET 2026?
A: Yes, +4 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect, and 0 for unanswered questions.
Q: What are the qualifying marks for NEET 2026 General category?
A: Expected around 160–170 marks (50th percentile), but actuals depend on exam performance.
Q: How many questions are in each section of NEET 2026?
A: Physics: 45, Chemistry: 45, Biology: 90 (total 180 questions to attempt).
Q: Can I qualify NEET with 500 marks?
A: Yes, but aim higher (600+) for top colleges; 500 may qualify but limit options.
Q: How does VVT Coaching help improve NEET scores?
A: Through personalized plans, mock tests, and expert tips on section-wise strategies.
