Overview of the NEET 2018 Exam Pattern

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2018 was conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for aspirants seeking entry into medical and dental courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This exam serves as a crucial gateway for students aspiring to pursue MBBS and BDS programs in India. Understanding the exam pattern is key to successful preparation.

Exam Pattern of NEET 2018

Number of Questions

The NEET 2018 exam consisted of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These questions were divided across three major subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Each subject had a specific allocation of questions:

Physics: The paper contained 35 questions, each carrying 4 marks. Chemistry: The chemistry portion included 45 questions, with the same marking scheme as Physics and Biology. Biology (Botany and Zoology): This section contained 100 questions, with 35 questions in each part, each also carrying 4 marks.

Sub-Sections and Structure

The Biology section (section B) was further divided into two parts:

Section B (Part A: Botany): 25 questions, out of which candidates had to attempt 10 questions. Section B (Part B: Zoology): 25 questions, out of which candidates also had to attempt 10 questions.

It's important to note that if a candidate attempts more than 10 questions in either part B, only the first 10 questions answered will be considered. Each question in the paper carried a total of 4 marks, with a 1-mark negative marking for every incorrect answer.

Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for the NEET 2018 exam is designed to ensure fairness and encourage candidates to answer with confidence. Each correct answer fetches 4 marks, while incorrect answers lose 1 mark. This system aims to penalize guessing without a knowledge base, thus promoting deeper understanding and application of concepts.

Language of the Paper

The NEET 2018 exam was provided in eight languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, and Assamese. Candidates had the option to select the language in which they wished to appear for the exam. The language of the question paper had to be specified on the application form and could not be changed thereafter.

Medium of the Paper

Candidates choosing a bilingual medium would be provided with a question paper booklet in both English and the selected language. In case of any ambiguity in the translation of any question, the English version would be considered final.

Exam Duration: The NEET 2018 exam was conducted for a duration of 180 minutes (3 hours) in a pen and paper-based offline mode.

Preparation Tips

As a candidate prepares for the NEET 2018 exam, it is crucial to focus on questions based on their applied aspect rather than theoretical derivations. Understanding the application of concepts in real-world scenarios can significantly enhance one's performance in the exam.

Conclusion: Familiarity with the NEET 2018 exam pattern is essential for successful preparation. With a clear understanding of the number of questions, marking scheme, language options, and medium of the paper, candidates can strategize their preparation more effectively.

Thanks for your interest, and good luck with your studies!