How are 720 Marks for NEET Divided?

Students preparing for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) usually bank on books, sample papers, coaching modules and neet mock test book resources. While these are vital, one thing that most students overlook is revision of the marking scheme itself. Understanding the allocation and deduction of marks not just helps in devising the appropriate preparation strategy, but also in balancing time and accuracy in the real exam. NEET is a single entrance test for admission to approximately 90,000 seats for MBBS and BDS programs in the country. As it’s a single test for undergraduate medical aspirants, the competition is tough – lakhs students from all around the country take these exams every year but the number of seats are limited.

Every mark out of the 720 is weighted, and it can be the difference between a government medical seat, a seat in a private college — or missing out altogether. Your rank can fall even by a few thousand if there is a discrepancy of 10–15 marks. Which is why what exactly the exam looks like and how the marks are divided across subjects isn’t just an academic thing, it’s a strategic thing too – efficiency and intelligent attempts.Early mastery of the exam format and marking scheme helps students set priorities, practise appropriately, and reduce negative marking, which frequently results in missed opportunities. Aspirants can gain a thorough understanding of the material and the marking system by consulting standard NEET books, practicing from a previous year's question bank, and routinely completing NEET solved papers.

This blog will cover the marking scheme, subject-wise weighting, the distribution of the 720 NEET marks, and some crucial study strategies that will enable candidates to approach the test with clarity and confidence.

Overview of the NEET Exam Pattern

The NEET question paper assesses knowledge, conceptual clarity, and application skills in the three main subjects of biology, chemistry, and physics. Among these, biology is the most important since it forms the basis of medical science. While chemistry and physics are equally important, they require different preparation methods; chemistry requires both conceptual and memory-based learning, while physics requires analytical problem-solving.

There are 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the NEET exam, which is administered offline (with pen and paper). Each of these questions has the same weight and is dispersed throughout the three subjects. Given that the final score is 720, each correctly answered question adds four points to your score, while each incorrect response deducts one point. The pattern also introduces Section A and Section B within each subject, giving students some choice in attempting questions, which is helpful for minimizing risk.

Along with knowledge, the test evaluates speed, accuracy, and decision-making. Candidates must strike a balance between answering as many questions as they can and avoiding unnecessary negative marking in order to maximise their scores. The only way to attain that balance is to become proficient in the exam format beforehand.

Read More: Why NCERT NEET FLEX is the Best Resource for NEET 2026 Aspirants

An overview is provided in the table below:

Thus, 360 points are awarded for physics and chemistry combined, and the remaining 360 points are awarded for biology alone.

The NEET Marking System

Every NEET question is an objective multiple-choice question (MCQ). Because of the negative marking, candidates need to exercise caution.

Here are the marking guides:

• +4 points for each correct answer

• -1 per wrong answer is also given 

•  0 marks for unanswered questions

In a word: what this adds up to is that one mistake compromises 10% of your overall score. For example, if you answer 10 questions incorrectly, you lose 10 marks instead of gaining 40 marks – a 50-mark difference.

Detailed Division of 720 Marks

Let's break it down by topic to understand how to get ready:

1) Physics: 180 points

When it comes to NEET, most of the students find physics as the toughest subject for them. It demands clear thinking and problem-solving skills.

• There are forty-five questions.

• Maximum Points: 180

• Topics include modern physics, optics, current electricity, thermodynamics, mechanics, and more.

2. Chemistry: 180 points

Chemistry involves both memory-based questions and conceptual understanding. Physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry are all included.

• There are forty-five questions.

• Maximum Points: 180

• Topics: Atomic Structure, Equilibrium, Coordination Compounds, Biomolecules, etc.

3. Biology:  360 Marks

Biology has the highest weightage. An excellent rank is achievable if you score well in Biology.

Number of Questions: 90

Maximum Marks: 360

Subjects: Human Physiology, Genetics, Base Ecology, Plant Physiology, Cell Biology and Biotechnology etc.

Section-Wise Pattern

Section A: 35 questions (all must be completed)

SECTION B: Answer any 10 questions from this section.

This allows for flexibility, particularly for students who will struggle with some questions.

Here’s a table for clarity:

Why It's Important to Understand the Marking Scheme

Many candidates start preparing right away without considering the distribution of marks. While hard work is important, top rankers stand out for their strategic hard work. When you are aware of the marking and weighting system:

•  To increase your overall score, you can give priority to subjects like biology that have high scores.

• You resist the urge to attempt too many physics or chemistry problems, which could lower your grade by resulting in a negative mark.

• Exam time can be saved by avoiding challenging questions and focussing on the ones you know well.

• By simulating real-world exam scenarios, where each failed attempt lowers your final score, mock exams assist you in improving your preparation.

• Developing a risk management strategy involves knowing when to make educated guesses and when to leave a question unanswered.

• For NEET success, knowing the game's rules is ultimately just as crucial as knowing the syllabus. Gaining proficiency with the marking system, using NEET books wisely, and practicing from a mock test book and NEET solved papers will give you an advantage over thousands of other applicants.

NEET 720 Marks Division FAQs

Q1. How many NEET points are awarded for each subject?

180 points for physics, 180 for chemistry, and 360 for biology, for a total of 720 points.

Q2. In NEET, is biology more significant than physics and chemistry?

Indeed. 50% of the exam is devoted to biology. Even if you receive mediocre grades in chemistry and physics, doing well in biology can greatly raise your ranking.

Q3. What occurs if I don't respond to a question in NEET?

No points are awarded for questions that remain unanswered, but there is also no penalty. Therefore, it is sometimes safer to leave questions that are unclear blank.

Q4. What is the impact of negative marking on NEET?

Scores can be significantly lowered by negative marking. For example, you lose 10 marks directly and 40 marks indirectly (lost opportunity) for 10 wrong attempts, resulting in a 50-mark discrepancy.

Q5. How many questions should I try to get a 600+ on the NEET?

About 150 right answers are required (150 × 4 = 600). This entails making as few mistakes as possible and only answering questions you are comfortable answering.

Q6. If my physics is weak, can I still pass NEET?

Indeed, a lot of students do. Because biology has the most weight, you can still qualify and get a good rank by compensating with a high biology score and a respectable chemistry score.