NEET (UG) 2025 Examination: Everything You Need to Know About Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Cut-Offs

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is the gateway for students aspiring to pursue MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India and abroad. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is the only medical entrance exam for undergraduate medical programs in India. With the NEET (UG) 2025 exam approaching, it is crucial for aspirants to understand the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and expected cut-offs to enhance their preparation strategy.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the NEET (UG) 2025 examination, covering all essential aspects that every medical aspirant should be aware of.

Eligibility Criteria for NEET (UG) 2025

To appear for the NEET (UG) 2025 exam, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the NTA. These include:

1. Nationality:

• Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and foreign nationals are eligible to apply.

• Students planning to study MBBS abroad must also qualify for NEET to be eligible for admission to foreign medical universities.

2. Age Limit:

• The minimum age requirement is 17 years as of December 31, 2025.

• There is no upper age limit for NEET as per the latest NMC guidelines.

3. Educational Qualification:

• Candidates must have passed or appeared for their Class 12 board exams with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.

• General category students must secure at least 50% marks, while SC/ST/OBC candidates need 40% marks, and PwD candidates require 45% marks in the qualifying examination.

4. Number of Attempts:

• There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET (UG). Candidates can take the exam as many times as needed to qualify.

Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial, as any discrepancy in fulfilling these requirements may lead to disqualification from the admission process.

Exam Pattern of NEET (UG) 2025

The NEET (UG) exam pattern remains consistent, but candidates must stay updated on any changes announced by the NTA. The examination is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper) and consists of a single test paper covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

NEET (UG) 2025 Exam Structure:

• Total Questions: 180 to be attempted

• Total Marks: 720

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology)

• Mode of Examination: Offline (OMR-based)

• Exam Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)

• Languages: The exam will be conducted in 13 languages

• Marking Scheme:

  • +4 for each correct answer

  • -1 for each incorrect answer

  • 0 for unanswered questions

The paper is divided into two sections for each subject:

Subject	Section A (35 Questions)	Section B (15 Questions)
Physics	140 Marks	40 Marks
Chemistry	140 Marks	40 Marks
Botany	140 Marks	40 Marks
Zoology	140 Marks	40 Marks
Total Marks	720

Candidates should focus on mastering concepts, practicing MCQs, and improving time management skills to maximize their scores.

NEET (UG) 2025 Registration, Exam, & Result Dates

Events	NEET UG 2025 Dates
Online submission of application form	07 February 2025 to 07 March 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
Last date of fee	07 March 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
Correction in particulars	09 to 11 March 2025
Announcement of city intimation	By 26 April 2025
Downloading Admit Cards from the NTA website	By 01 May 2025
NEET UG 2025 exam date	04 May 2025
Duration of examination	180 minutes (03 hours)
Timing of examination	02:00 PM to 05:00 PM (IST)
Centre of NEET (UG) 2025	As indicated on the Admit Card
Display of recorded responses and answer keys	Will be intimated later on the website
Useful Websites	https://nta.ac.in/ https://neet.nta.nic.in/
Declaration of result on the NTA website	By 14 June 2025 (Tentative)

Expected Cut-Offs for NEET (UG) 2025

The NEET cut-off is the minimum qualifying score required for candidates to be eligible for admission. The cut-off varies each year based on factors like exam difficulty level, number of applicants, and seat availability.

Previous Years' Cut-Off Trends:

Category	NEET 2023 Cut-Off	NEET 2024 Cut-Off
General	720-137	720-162
OBC	136-107	161-127
SC	136-107	161-127
ST	136-107	161-127
PwD (General)	136-121	161-144
PwD (Reserved)	120-107	143-127

Factors Affecting NEET 2025 Cut-Off:

1. Difficulty Level of the Exam: If the paper is tough, cut-off scores may decrease, and vice versa.

2. Number of Applicants: A higher number of candidates increases competition and affects the cut-off.

3. Availability of Medical Seats: More seats can result in a lower cut-off score.

4. Reservation Policies: Cut-offs for different categories vary as per government norms.

How to Prepare for NEET (UG) 2025?

NEET preparation requires a strategic approach, dedication, and consistent practice. Here are some effective preparation tips:

• Understand the Syllabus: NEET follows the NCERT syllabus, so focus on Class 11 and 12 concepts.

• Make a Study Plan: Allocate specific time slots for each subject and stick to the schedule.

• Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving past NEET papers helps in understanding question patterns.

• Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempting mock tests enhances speed and accuracy.

• Revise Regularly: Frequent revisions ensure better retention of concepts.

Conclusion

The NEET (UG) 2025 examination is the gateway to fulfilling your dream of becoming a doctor. Understanding the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and expected cut-offs will help aspirants plan their preparation effectively. With dedication, strategic preparation, and the right guidance, securing a high NEET score is achievable.

At Saarthi MBBS, we guide students through every step of their medical journey, from NEET preparation to MBBS admission in top medical universities in India and abroad. Stay updated, stay focused, and work towards your dream medical career with confidence!