NEET UG 2025: NTA discontinues optional section, reverts to pre-COVID format

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a significant change to the NEET UG 2025 examination pattern. Starting this year, candidates will no longer have optional questions in the exam’s Section B. This update marks a return to the pre-COVID format, with the optional section and additional time introduced during the pandemic being discontinued.

Exam Pattern Reverts to Pre-COVID Norms

As per the revised pattern, the NEET UG 2025 paper will consist of 180 compulsory questions, distributed as follows:

Physics: 45 questions

Chemistry: 45 questions

Biology: 90 questions

Candidates will need to complete the paper within 180 minutes (3 hours). The NTA clarified that the optional section, which allowed students to choose 10 out of 15 questions in each subject, was introduced temporarily to address challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the return to normalcy, the exam format has reverted to its original structure.

An official statement from the NTA read, “All NEET (UG)-2025 aspirants are hereby informed that the question paper pattern and examination duration will revert to the pre-COVID format where there will not be any Section B anymore. Hence, there will be a total of 180 compulsory questions (45 questions each in Physics and Chemistry and 90 in Biology) to be attempted in 180 minutes, removing any optional questions and extra time introduced during COVID.”

Key Updates for NEET UG 2025 Aspirants

No APAAR ID Requirement: The NTA has also confirmed that an APAAR ID is not mandatory for NEET UG 2025 registration. Aspirants can use other available methods for registration, with detailed information to be provided in the upcoming information bulletin.

Mode of Examination: The exam will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode in a single shift.

Exam Date & Application Details: The exact date for the NEET UG 2025 exam and application process is yet to be announced. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NTA website for updates.

Why the Change?

The decision to discontinue the optional section and revert to the earlier pattern reflects the NTA’s intention to standardize the examination process post-pandemic. The optional questions were introduced during a time of educational disruption to provide flexibility to students. However, with educational institutions returning to regular operations, the authorities aim to maintain uniformity in the testing process.

This update will require aspirants to focus on all topics within the syllabus, as there will no longer be the option to skip questions. Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and plan their time effectively to succeed in the revised format.

Stay tuned for further updates and detailed instructions on the NEET UG 2025 application process.