NEET Total Marks: Exam Pattern, Pass Marks & Score Calculation

NEET total marks refer to the maximum score a student can achieve in the NEET exam, which is 720 marks. For aspirants preparing through NEET online coaching, understanding the exam’s total marks, subject-wise distribution, and scoring system is crucial for setting realistic targets and improving rank. The NEET exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, with 4 marks awarded for each correct answer and negative marking for incorrect responses.

This guide explains NEET exam total marks, subject-wise distribution, pass marks, score calculation, and what a good score looks like.

What Is the Total Marks in NEET Exam?

The NEET exam total marks are 720, applicable to all candidates appearing for NEET UG. This total is derived from 180 multiple-choice questions, with each question carrying 4 marks.

NEET is a single, national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to:

• MBBS
• BDS
• AYUSH
• Veterinary and allied medical courses

👉 Total NEET marks remain the same every year, irrespective of exam difficulty or number of candidates.

Quick overview:

• Total questions: 180
• Marks per question: 4
• Maximum score (total NEET marks): 720

NEET Exam Pattern & Marks Distribution

To fully understand NEET paper total marks, it is important to know how marks are distributed across subjects.

Subject-Wise Marks Distribution

Key Insights:

• Biology alone contributes 50% of total NEET marks
• Physics and Chemistry together contribute the remaining 50%
• Strong performance in Biology significantly improves rank

Since NEET follows an MCQ-based format, accuracy plays a crucial role in maximising total NEET marks.

How Are NEET Total Marks Calculated?

NEET follows a negative marking scheme, which directly impacts the final score.

NEET Marking Scheme

• Correct answer: +4 marks
• Incorrect answer: –1 mark
• Unattempted question: 0 marks

NEET Total Marks Formula

Example Calculation

If a student answers:

• 150 questions correctly

• 20 questions incorrectly

Then:

👉 Final NEET score = 580 out of 720

This calculation method is the same for all candidates.

NEET Total Marks and Pass Mark

Many students search for neet total marks and pass mark, but NEET does not have a fixed pass mark.

Important Point

NEET qualification is based on percentile, not absolute marks.

Qualifying Percentile by Category

Expected Qualifying Marks (Approximate)

• General: 130–150 marks

• OBC / SC / ST: 105–120 marks

⚠️ These marks vary every year depending on:

• Exam difficulty
• Number of candidates
• Overall performance

Qualifying NEET does not guarantee a seat; it only makes you eligible for counselling.

What Is a Good Score Out of 720 in NEET?

A “good” score in NEET depends on the type of medical college a student is targeting. Generally, candidates aiming for government medical colleges need higher scores, while private colleges may accept comparatively lower marks. Students enrolled in a NEET crash course often focus on maximising marks in high-weightage topics and improving accuracy during revision to push their scores into a competitive range.

NEET Score Analysis

• 650+ marks → Top government medical colleges
• 600–649 marks → Strong MBBS admission chances
• 500–599 marks → Private / semi-government colleges
• Below 500 marks → Limited options, mostly private colleges

Since NEET is highly competitive, even small differences in marks can lead to large rank changes.

Total NEET Marks vs Rank (Expected Analysis)

Students often want to know how total NEET marks translate into rank.

👉 There is no fixed marks-to-rank formula because ranks depend on:

• Difficulty level of the paper
• Total number of candidates
• Tie-breaking rules

Approximate Marks vs Rank Range

These are indicative ranges, not guarantees.

NEET Total Marks – Key Points at a Glance

• Total NEET marks: 720
• Total questions: 180
• Highest weightage: Biology (360 marks)
• No fixed pass mark
• Qualification based on percentile
• Rank varies every year for the same score

Understanding these basics helps students set realistic targets and plan preparation effectively.

FAQs on NEET Total Marks

1. What is the total marks in NEET exam?

The total marks in the NEET exam are 720, calculated from 180 questions carrying 4 marks each.

2. Is NEET total marks 720 or 800?

NEET total marks are 720, not 800. Earlier formats were different, but the current pattern is fixed at 720.

3. What is the minimum pass mark in NEET?

There is no fixed pass mark. Qualification depends on achieving the required percentile cut-off.

4. How many marks are required for MBBS?

Generally, 600+ marks are needed for government MBBS colleges, while private colleges may accept lower scores.

5. Does Biology carry more marks in NEET?

Yes, Biology carries 360 marks, which is half of the total NEET marks.

How Tutoroot Helps You Maximise Your NEET Score

Understanding NEET total marks, exam pattern, pass marks, and score calculation is essential for every NEET aspirant aiming for a top rank. With a maximum score of 720 marks, NEET demands not just hard work, but smart preparation, concept clarity, and exam-focused practice. Knowing how marks are distributed and calculated helps students set realistic targets and improve performance strategically.

At Tutoroot, NEET preparation goes beyond syllabus coverage. Our expert mentors help students focus on high-weightage topics, improve accuracy, and avoid common mistakes that impact total NEET marks. With personalised online tuition classes, regular assessments, and doubt-solving support, Tutoroot enables students to prepare smarter and score higher with confidence.

If your goal is to maximise your NEET score and secure admission to a top medical college, the right guidance makes all the difference—and Tutoroot is built exactly for that.