On May 4, over 22 lakh candidates across India appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2025, the gateway exam for MBBS, BDS, and other medical programs at premier institutions such as AIIMS and JIPMER. With recent changes introduced in the exam pattern, experts are calling NEET-UG 2025 one of the most challenging iterations in recent memory.
Revised exam structure
The updated format for NEET-UG 2025 saw students attempting 180 questions in 180 minutes, with each correct response fetching four marks and each incorrect one resulting in a deduction of one mark. Unlike earlier versions of the test, there were no internal choices or section divisions; all questions were compulsory. Notably, Biology was presented as a single, unified subject instead of being divided into Botany and Zoology.
Subject-wise difficulty analysis
Experts from Aakash Institute, who analysed the question paper in detail, reported that the overall difficulty level of NEET-UG 2025 was significantly high, particularly due to the length and complexity of questions and the compressed time frame.
Physics: The most demanding section
According to the expert panel, Physics was the toughest of the three subjects. The section leaned heavily on the Class 11 syllabus and demanded strong problem-solving skills and precise calculations. Questions were mostly conceptual and numerically intensive, with a large proportion coming from Mechanics. Importantly, there were no assertion-reason or match-the-column type questions — a departure from previous years.
Chemistry: Conceptual and time-consuming
Chemistry presented a moderate to difficult challenge, with greater focus on Class 12 topics, particularly Organic and Physical Chemistry. Experts observed that many questions required a deep understanding of multiple concepts and were significantly more time-consuming than last year. The paper featured a variety of formats, including matrix match, statement-based, and assertion-reason questions — testing not just memory but analytical skills as well.
Biology: Familiar yet tricky
The Biology section, typically seen as a scoring area, was rated as moderate to difficult. While most questions followed familiar NCERT lines, a few were unexpectedly tough and even included one question based on a statement not found in the NCERT textbooks. Experts pointed out that many questions were lifted verbatim from textbook content, including introductory passages, chapter-end exercises, and profiles of scientists. The bulk of the questions came from the Class 12 syllabus, with a strong focus on Genetics and Biotechnology. Assertion-reason and multi-statement formats were common, along with questions based on textbook diagrams.
Conclusion
With its tightened structure and more demanding questions, NEET-UG 2025 not only tested students’ knowledge but also their ability to manage time and handle pressure. Experts from Aakash Institute noted that success in this year’s exam required comprehensive preparation and quick, strategic thinking — signaling a clear shift towards greater rigor in India’s most competitive medical entrance exam.