Why NEET is considered the toughest exam in India?

Shaurya Chaudhary

Shaurya Chaudhary

Content Writer

Reading time: 5 Minutes
Updated on: 17. December 2024
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☝️ At a glance

  • NEET is challenging due to its high competition and vast syllabus.
  • Over 20 lakh candidates appear annually for a limited number of medical college seats.
  • Success in NEET requires mastering NCERT books, practicing mock tests, and managing time effectively.
  • Subject-wise focus: Physics (numerical), Chemistry (organic and inorganic), and Biology (factual).
  • With the right strategy, consistent practice, and a focused mindset, cracking NEET is achievable.

📖 Table of Contents

The NEET UG exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions into MBBS, BDS, and allied courses in government medical colleges and private colleges across India.

Exam pattern of NEET UG

Subjects

Total questions

Mandatory questions

Marks per section

Physics

50

45

180

Chemistry

50

45

180

Biology (Botany + Zoology)

100

90

360

  • Total Marks: 720

  • Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes

  • Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answers; -1 for incorrect answers.

The NEET syllabus consists of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on NCERT textbooks of Class 11 and 12.

Is NEET tough? factors affecting the difficulty level

1. High competition

The limited number of seats in government medical colleges makes NEET a competitive exam. Out of 20 lakh candidates, only around 1 lakh students secure seats in medical colleges.

Type of College

Seats Available

Government Medical Colleges

~50,000

Private Medical Colleges

~45,000

2. Vast NEET syllabus

Covering the entire NEET syllabus—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—requires a strong understanding of basic concepts, particularly from NCERT books.

  • Physics: Focuses on numerical problems and concepts.

  • Chemistry: Divided into physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry.

  • Biology: The biology section has the maximum weightage with questions often based on plant physiology and other topics.

3. Negative marking system

The fear of incorrect answers leading to negative marks makes NEET a tough exam. Candidates must answer carefully to avoid losing marks.

4. Time management

NEET requires answering 180 questions within 200 minutes, making time management critical. Candidates must balance speed with accuracy.

5. Question paper difficulty

The paper level can vary annually. The Biology section often contains straightforward factual questions, while Physics and Chemistry involve conceptual and formula-based questions.

Is NEET tough compared to other competitive exams?

Let’s compare NEET with other competitive exams:

Exam

Difficulty level

Syllabus coverage

Competition

NEET

High

Comprehensive

Very High

JEE Main

Moderate to High

Conceptual

High

AIIMS Entrance (Old)

High

Analytical & Conceptual

High

The NEET exam stands out due to its massive competition and exhaustive syllabus.

Subject-wise analysis

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1. Physics

Physics is often considered the most difficult section. It demands clarity in concepts, numerical skills, and quick calculations.

  • Focus areas: Mechanics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Electrodynamics.

  • Tip: Solve practice questions daily and refer to NCERT books for core concepts.

2. Chemistry

Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry can be challenging for students without repeated revisions.

  • Key topics: Physical Chemistry (numerical), Organic (reaction mechanisms), and Inorganic (theoretical).

  • Tip: Use reference books like OP Tandon and practice formula-based questions.

3. Biology

The Biology section accounts for 360 marks, making it the scoring subject. Most questions are statement-based and factual.

  • Focus topics: Plant Physiology, Genetics, Ecology, Human Physiology.

  • Tip: Thoroughly revise the NCERT syllabus as most questions are derived directly.

How to crack NEET: Preparation strategies

1. Create a structured study plan

  • Allocate time for each subject daily.

  • Focus on weak areas and prioritize high-yield topics.

2. Practice mock tests

Regularly attempt mock tests to improve exam temperament and manage time effectively.

3. Refer to NCERT books

The NCERT books form the base of the NEET syllabus. A significant portion of questions are formula-based or straightforward from NCERT.

4. Solve previous years’ question papers

Analyze the difficulty level of past question papers to stay updated on trends.

5. Stay focused and mentally healthy

Balancing mental health is crucial to handling exam stress. Take breaks and practice meditation to stay focused.

6. Leverage NEETsheet by futureMBBS

NEETsheet by futureMBBS is a comprehensive platform designed to help NEET aspirants excel in their preparation. It offers:

  • Daily live and recorded classes conducted by India’s best EdTech teachers with a proven track record of producing top NEET ranks.

  • Unlimited doubt-solving sessions to clarify concepts quickly.

  • Mock tests and practice questions to improve exam temperament, accuracy, and time management.

  • Personalized teaching strategies tailored to individual needs.
    NEETsheet provides aspirants with the tools, expert guidance, and resources needed to streamline their preparation and secure admission to top medical colleges with a high NEET score.

Common challenges faced by NEET aspirants

  1. Stress due to competition

  2. Difficulty in completing the syllabus

  3. Lack of time management

  4. Confusion with multiple reference books

Tips to overcome NEET exam difficulty

Challenge

Solution

High Syllabus Load

Follow a daily study timetable.

Weak Subject Concepts

Use NCERT and trusted reference books.

Exam Anxiety

Practice relaxation techniques.

Poor Time Management

Attempt timed mock tests.

Why NEET is not impossible to crack

While NEET is a challenging exam, it can be cracked with the right approach:

  • Strong foundation in basic concepts.

  • Consistent practice of mock tests.

  • Proper revision of the NCERT syllabus.

Conclusion

The perception that NEET is tough stems from its high competition, vast syllabus, and the need for accuracy in a time-limited format. However, with focused preparation, thorough knowledge of NCERT textbooks, and strategic time management, achieving a good score in NEET is absolutely possible.

Stay determined, solve previous years' question papers, and maintain a positive mindset to crack this competitive examand secure admission into a top medical college.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about "NEET exam"

NEET can be challenging, but with consistent preparation and focus on NCERT, even average students can crack it.

High competition, vast syllabus, and negative marking contribute to NEET’s difficulty level.

Over 20 lakh candidates appear for the NEET exam annually.

Focus on the NCERT syllabus, practice mock tests, and manage time efficiently during the exam.

Yes, NCERT forms the foundation, but solving additional reference books and mock tests can enhance preparation.