The NEET 2022, as announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) will be held on the 17th of July, 2022. The exam is The last date to register for the exam was 20th May 2022. This year the exams have seen a rise of nearly 2.57 lakh registrations for the exam, breaching the 18 lakh mark.
The latest update said that any corrections or changes to the NEET 2022 registrations can be made until the 27th of May, 2022. This window opened on the 24th of May, 2022. This allowed the registered candidates to edit and change their credentials. The exam is usually conducted in pen and paper mode between 14:00 hours and 17:20 hours. The NTA had confirmed the dates and the criteria on its official website long back.
The exams have seen a record increase in aspirants, breaching the 18 lakh mark for the first time. The exam is a common entrance test for MBBS, AYUSH, nursing and veterinary schools. With the latest announcement, female candidates can now qualify for AFMS Medical Colleges via the NEET. The exam is conducted usually based on questions on Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with the combined syllabi of Class 11 and 12. These are generally Multiple Choice questions bearing 4 marks each.
Let’s take a look at the key takeaways that will help us understand the exam pattern better:
1. Marking Scheme
The total sum of marks for the entire exam in NEET 2022 is 720. The entire question paper consists of 180 questions.
a) Correct answer: For each correct answer, a candidate is awarded +4 marks. Thus the total obtainable marks for all 180 questions is 720.
b) Negative Marking: For each answer that is wrong, negative marking is levied. For each wrong answer, -1 is awarded to the candidate.
c) No marks awarded: If a question is left blank then the candidate is awarded no marks.
2. Time Duration
The entire exam takes place for 3 hours and 20 minutes. It usually starts at 2 pm and the exam continues until 5:20 pm in the evening. The exam is mostly conducted offline in designated examination centres. These centres are finalized by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
3. Number of Questions
The question paper consists of a total of 180 questions. These questions are divided into 3 sections, namely, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Each section is discussed as follows:
Physics: The Physics section is further divided into two sections. Section A and Section B. Section A consists of 35 compulsory questions, and Section B consists of 15 more questions from which the candidates have the choice to answer any 10.
b) Chemistry: Similar to the Physics section, the Chemistry section is also divided into two more sections, Section A and Section B. Sections A has 35 compulsory questions. Section B has 15 questions, out of which the candidates are free to choose any 10 to answer.
c) Biology: This is the last and most weighted section in the entire paper. It consists of a total of 100 questions divided into two Sections: Botany and Zoology. Each of these sections, that is Botany and Zoology, is further divided into two sections, Section A and Section B. Similar to the trends in Physics and Chemistry. In Section A there are 35 compulsory questions. Section B consists of 15 questions out of which the candidates are free to choose 10 questions.
4. Mode of Examination
While there has been a lot of confusion and talks of the exam being online. The NEET board confirmed that the Examination will be held in pen and paper mode, which is offline. This means that the exams will be monitored better. This will also ensure a hassle-free experience and would mean that the exam does not get disrupted by a lack of internet connectivity.
The exam will now be available in bilingual test booklets with the choice of language from 13 different languages. This will allow the candidates to have freedom of language while giving examinations. It will also allow the candidates to understand and answer questions better, allowing them to have more scope for success.
Table 1: Overview of exam details
Table 2: Subject-wise questions breakdown
Figure 1: Marks Breakdown of Subjects in NEET 2022
The NEET examinations are becoming increasingly competitive in nature. With each passing year, there are more number of Registrations and more eligible and talented candidates. Hence, in foresight, it becomes extremely important to have a good idea of the Exam Pattern and the Exam syllabus.
With the ever-changing and updating list of Medical marvels it is indeed difficult to keep a track of these things. Thus, from the point of view of the candidate this becomes far easier when they are helped by Mentors or their teachers.
OMR Sheet and its Know-How
With OMR sheets being used to mark NEET exam answer sheets, It becomes very important to understand how to correctly use it. While the instructions are often provided on the sheet, itself, it is important to be prepared. Here are a few tips and important things you should know:
Always use the pen provided at the Examination centers.
Darken out your answer completely, and do not scribble on it. This will ensure the answer you have given to be registered by the Scanner.
Do not chose multiple answers for the same question, unless specified.
Do not cross or tick the answers. Always darken the circle completely.
Make sure to write the Test booklet code on the OMR sheet.
Use the designated sheets on the OMR for Rough work.
