Learning how to avoid negative marking in NEET 2025 can be useful in the long run. NEET is an extremely competitive exam, and every mark plays an important role. The NEET negative marking significantly impacts your overall scores and ranks. There will be a penalty of 1 mark for every incorrect answer in the NEET UG 2025 exam. You must understand the negative marking scheme and attempt only those questions you are confident in to prevent losing marks. Scroll down to learn more about how to avoid negative marking in NEET 2025 and other important details.

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NEET Negative Marking 2025 Highlights
The NEET 2025 exam follows a simple negative marking scheme. Understanding these details is crucial to maximise your marks. This can eventually increase your admission chances in top medical colleges. You must wisely answer the questions, as one silly mistake can reduce your overall NEET score. Check below the important points of the NEET negative marking scheme in detail:
NEET Negative Marking Scheme 2025- Subject Wise
Subject | Maximum Marks | Correct Answer Per Question | Negative Marking |
Physics | 180 marks | +4 mark | -1 mark |
Chemistry | 180 marks | +4 mark | -1 mark |
Biology (Botany & Zoology) | 360 marks | +4 mark | -1 mark |
How Much Negative Marking in NEET 2025?
As per the official NEET UG notification, there is a penalty for every wrong answer in the exam. 4 marks are provided for every correct answer, and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer due to negative marking. Focusing on answering questions you know well can help you prevent NEET negative marking. Read on to find out how to avoid negative marking in NEET 2025 with score calculation steps.
How to Calculate Negative Marking in NEET 2025?
Knowing the NEET negative marking scheme can be beneficial in your preparation. The NEET question paper comprises 180 multiple-choice questions for 720 marks. 4 marks are awarded for a correct response. 1 mark is deducted for choosing an incorrect option. There are no marks for unattempted or unanswered questions. Follow these simple steps to know how to calculate negative marking in NEET.
- +4 mark for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect answer
- No mark for unattempted questions
NEET score calculation formula: 4 X Total Number of Correct Answers- 1 X Total Number of Incorrect Answers
Top Reasons for Negative Marking in NEET 2025
NEET negative marking penalises wrong answers. This can reduce your overall marks and lower your chances of admission to the target college. Some of the top reasons leading to negative marking in NEET 2025 are as follows:
- Blind Guesswork: Many aspirants select options without any strategy or knowledge. Random guesswork must be strictly avoided as it may lead to wrong answers. This can affect your overall NEET score and rank.
- Not Understanding Questions: Aspirants make avoidable mistakes without fully grasping the questions. This results in a wrong response, and they end up losing marks.
- Lack of Practice: Aspirants who have not practised enough also struggle with how to handle the questions in the exam. They are not used to test format, which increases the chances of incorrect answers.
- Hasty Mistakes: The time limit to attempt the NEET question paper is 180 minutes. Many aspirants rush to solve questions without analysing the options properly. This error leads to a loss of marks.
How to Avoid Negative Marking in NEET 2025- Tips & Tricks
Avoiding negative marking in NEET 2025 can help you score high marks in the exam. Every correct answer leads to a positive score, while incorrect answers attract a penalty.
Some of the tips and tricks on how to avoid negative marking in NEET 2025 are shared below:
Tips to Avoid Negative Marking in NEET 2025
Familiarity with Exam Format | Knowledge of the NEET exam pattern helps you understand how the marking scheme works. It provides insights into the marks allocated per question and helps you create a smart strategy for each section. |
Strong Concepts | A strong conceptual knowledge of all subjects can help you avoid confusion. This clarity is crucial because confusion leads to stress and mistakes in the exam. |
Practice Extensively | Candidates must practice mock tests that align with the actual exam level. This allows them to manage time wisely and identify their mistakes. Improving the mistakes can help them avoid repeating the same error in the exam. |
Right Exam Strategy | Aspirants must set their priorities when answering questions in the NEET 2025 exam. Attempt the questions you can answer correctly and skip doubtful questions. This can help you choose the correct options and avoid NEET negative marking. |
Time Management | The right management tricks will help you answer questions with accuracy and confidence. Review all your responses after attempting the entire question paper. |

How to Avoid Negative Marking in NEET 2025 – FAQs
Yes. A negative marking of 1 mark is applicable as a penalty for every wrong answer in the NEET 2025 exam.
You must be familiar with the test pattern, practice endlessly and use the right time management skills to avoid NEET negative marking.
Random guesswork, hasty mistakes, and lack of practice are some common reasons for negative marking in NEET.