NEET UG 2025 Exam Pattern, Centre, and Eligibility Changes by NTA

 

 

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) is the gateway to medical education in India, and every year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) makes refinements to enhance the examination process. For 2025, NEET UG has five notable changes affecting the exam pattern, center selection, number of exam venues, reporting protocols, and tie-breaking criteria.

As the NEET UG 2025 is scheduled for May 4, 2025, candidates should familiarize themselves with these updates to ensure a seamless preparation and exam-day experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the key changes introduced this year.

NEET UG 2025 Revised Exam Pattern

A significant shift in the revised exam pattern of NEET UG 2025 is removing optional questions from Section B. This adjustment returns the exam format to its pre-COVID structure, removing the flexibility temporarily introduced during the pandemic.

Revised NEET UG 2025 Exam Pattern

The table given below represents the revised Exam Pattern for NEET UG 2025:

• Unlike previous years the Exam Pattern has changed this year. Candidates must attempt all 180 questions with no optional choices.
  
  
• The exam continues to be conducted in pen-and-paper mode.
  
  
• The total duration remains three hours (2 PM to 5 PM).
  
  

Also Read Karnataka State Medical College Seat Distribution, New MBBS Seats in 2025

Updated NEET UG 2025 Exam Centre Selection Criteria

To improve accessibility and convenience, NTA has revised the exam center selection process, now allowing candidates to choose up to three cities instead of two during registration.

Key Exam Centre Selection Changes:

• Candidates must choose three preferred cities, listed in order of preference.
  
  
• The selected cities must be within the state of their permanent or current address.
  
  
• If fewer applicants are interested in a specific regional language, candidates may be allocated to a different city, overriding their preferences.
  
  
• This adjustment ensures candidates are assigned to nearby centers while optimizing logistics.
  
  
  

Also Read NEET Application Form 2025, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern

Reduction in Domestic Exam Centres for NEET UG 2025

The NTA has slightly reduced the number of domestic exam centers to 552 from 557. However, the number of international exam centers remains unchanged at 14.

Comparison of NEET UG Exam Centres:

This reduction aims to streamline exam center management while maintaining accessibility for candidates.

 

Also Read NEET Exam Syllabus 2025, Important Topics, Subject-Wise Paper Analysis.

NEET UG 2025 Reporting Time Adjustments

The NTA has also revised the reporting schedule at exam centers to ensure a smooth check-in process.

Updated Reporting Guidelines:

• Exam centers will open at 11 AM (one hour earlier than in previous years).
  
  
• Previously, centers opened two hours before the exam; now, they will open three hours prior.
  
  
• Candidates must enter by 1:30 PM. Late entries will not be permitted.
  
  
• The extra time will facilitate security checks, biometric verification, and seating arrangements.
  
  

This modification aims to reduce last-minute crowding and ensure a stress-free start to the exam.

Revamped NEET UG Tie-Breaking Criteria

NEET UG 2025 also introduces changes to the tie-breaking mechanism, ensuring a fair selection process for candidates with identical scores.

New Tie-Breaking Approach:

1. Higher marks in Biology.
   
   
2. Higher marks in Chemistry.
   
   
3. Higher marks in Physics.
   
   
4. Fewer incorrect responses across all subjects.
   
   
5. New Rule: An independent expert panel will supervise a random selection process if a tie persists despite the above criteria.
   
   

This additional step ensures an unbiased resolution if conventional tie-breaking methods fail.

 

NEET UG 2025: Key Revisions at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will NEET UG 2025 be conducted?

The exam is scheduled for May 4, 2025.

2. How many questions are in NEET UG 2025?

NEET UG 2025 will consist of 180 compulsory questions, broken down as follows:

• Physics: 45 questions
  
  
• Chemistry: 45 questions
  
  
• Biology: 90 questions
  
  

3. Can I select any exam city of my choice?

Candidates can only select exam centers from their permanent or present address state. They must choose three cities in preference order.

4. Has the reporting time changed for NEET UG 2025?

Exam centers will open at 11 AM, and candidates must arrive before 1:30 PM.

5. What is the revised tie-breaking rule for NEET UG 2025?

In the event of a tie, NTA will first use conventional subject-based criteria. An independent committee will supervise a random selection process if a tie remains.

6. Has the number of NEET UG domestic exam centers changed?

Domestic exam centers have been reduced from 557 to 552, while international centers remain at 14.

7. Will NEET UG 2025 have extra time to answer questions?

No, the exam lasts 3 hours (2 - 5 PM) with no additional time.

The five significant changes in NEET UG 2025 aim to refine the examination process, making it more structured and efficient. By removing optional questions, modifying center selection criteria, adjusting reporting time, and updating the tie-breaking rule, candidates must stay informed and adapt their preparation strategies accordingly.

As the exam date approaches, students must carefully review these updates and plan accordingly for a smooth examination experience.

 

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