Will the NEET Exam Pattern Change for 2025? Will NTA Introduce Any Changes

The NEET exam pattern for 2025 is a topic of intense anticipation among aspirants, especially after the controversies surrounding the NEET 2024 exam. Following issues such as alleged paper leaks and irregularities, students are keenly awaiting any updates from the National Testing Agency (NTA). So, will there be any changes in the NEET 2025 exam pattern? Here's a look at the latest developments and what students should know as they prepare.

Potential Changes to the NEET 2025 Exam Pattern

The NTA has confirmed that a special committee is reviewing possible updates to the NEET 2025 exam structure, as per a directive from the Supreme Court of India. Although no official notification has been released, the NTA is expected to conduct the exam in offline (pen-and-paper) mode, similar to previous years. The expected increase in candidates from 2024's 24.5 lakh participants could lead to tighter competition, so any modifications to the pattern will be closely watched by students and educators alike.

Why a Change in NEET 2025 Exam Pattern?

After discrepancies and controversies in the 2024 exam, including alleged misconduct, there are calls to enhance the transparency and integrity of the exam process. The review committee, known as the High-Powered Expert Committee, was formed specifically to address these concerns and will release recommendations by the end of the year. The NTA’s decision may also be influenced by recent changes to the JEE Main 2025 pattern, adding to the speculation about possible adjustments in NEET as well.

Expected NEET Exam Pattern: What to Anticipate

While the current exam format remains unchanged, students are advised to prepare based on the existing pattern until the official notification is released. Here’s what the NEET 2025 exam pattern is likely to include:

1. Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper)
2. Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes
3. Total Questions: 200 questions, of which 180 must be answered
4. Marks Distribution: Total of 720 marks, with each correct answer awarding +4 marks and each incorrect answer resulting in a -1 mark penalty.

The structure will likely include two sections per subject:

NTA’s Upcoming Official Announcement and Preparations

The final decision from the NTA will be based on the committee's recommendations and is expected to be released with the NEET 2025 information bulletin. For now, aspirants should stay informed about any updates and prepare in line with the current NEET exam pattern.

Key Concerns of NEET 2025 Aspirants

1. Possible Move to Online Mode: Although NEET has traditionally been a pen-and-paper test, there are discussions about possibly moving NEET 2025 online to prevent issues related to exam paper security.

2. Increased Competition and Level of Difficulty: With more candidates appearing each year, the level of competition is anticipated to rise, so thorough preparation is crucial.

3. Changes in Marking Scheme or Structure: If any adjustments are made, they may align with the recent JEE changes, such as removing optional questions to create a more standardized test format.