Biology is the most important and highest-scoring section of the NEET exam, carrying 360 marks out of 720. Within biology, there are two divisions—botany and zoology—that collectively determine the final score. By understanding the weightage of Botany and Zoology, aspirants can focus on the high-weightage chapters. This will help them study efficiently and save time for other subjects.
This Story also Contains
Why Understanding Botany and Zoology Weightage Matters for NEET?
NEET Biology Chapter-Wise Weightage Comparison
Botany vs Zoology in NEET: Most Important High-Weightage Chapters
Smart Study Strategy for NEET Biology 2026 Based on Weightage
NEET 2026 Biology Practice Questions: Botany and Zoology
Botany vs Zoology - NEET Biology Chapter-Wise Weightage Trends (2021-2025)
A strong understanding of Biology not only increases accuracy but also helps to compensate for the mistakes in the Physics and Chemistry sections. With the right strategy, you can maximise your score and improve your Biology preparation for the NEET exam.
Why Understanding Botany and Zoology Weightage Matters for NEET?
In NEET Biology, Botany focuses on the study of plants, including their structure, functions, growth, reproduction and evolution. On the other hand, zoology deals with animals, including their anatomy, physiology and health. Most botany questions are direct and NCERT-based, making it a high-scoring area. Zoology requires a clear understanding rather than rote memorisation.
Both sections are equally important and carry their own weightage in the exam. A clear understanding of these two branches helps students connect the concepts and strengthen their overall preparation. By balancing both sections, students can cover the NEET Biology syllabus on time. Check 100 most important NEET Biology questions to score 330 + marks and understant the weightage trends.
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By understanding the NEET biology chapter-wise weightage, students can prioritise the chapters and plan their study time accordingly. These units not only help you to save time and increase accuracy but also keep you calm and reduce exam stress.
The table below provides an analysis of the Botany section from the last five years:
The data is from the last five years, and transport in plants, the Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production and Mineral Nutrition chapters are not in the syllabus now.
Sr. No.
Chapter
Weightage (%)
1.
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
8.79%
2.
Biotechnology: Principles & Processes
6.60%
3.
Cell Cycle and Cell Division
4.84%
4.
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
4.84%
5.
Principles of Inheritance & Variation
4.84%
6.
Biomolecules
4.40%
7.
Morphology of Flowering Plants
3.52%
8.
Cell: The Unit of Life
3.30%
9.
Anatomy of Flowering Plants
3.30%
10.
Organisms & Populations
3.30%
11.
Ecosystem
3.30%
12.
Biotechnology & Its Applications
3.08%
13.
Plant Kingdom
2.86%
14.
Photosynthesis in Higher Plants
2.64%
15.
Evolution
2.64%
16.
Biodiversity and Conservation
1.98%
17.
Plant Growth and Development
1.76%
18.
Respiration in Plants
1.32%
19.
Environmental Issues
1.32%
20.
Transport in Plants
1.10%
21.
Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production
1.10%
22.
Mineral Nutrition
0.44%
Total
71.27%
It can be observed from the table that the molecular basis of inheritance, biotechnology, cell division, sexual reproduction in flowering plants and genetics dominate the high-weightage chapters.
The table below provides an analysis of the Zoology section from the last five years:
The data is from the last five years, and the digestion and absorption chapter is not in the NEET syllabus now.
Sr. No.
Chapter
Weightage (%)
1.
Animal Kingdom
5.49%
2.
Human Health and Disease
5.06%
3.
Human Reproduction
4.62%
4.
Structural Organisation in Animals
4.18%
5.
Chemical Coordination and Integration
2.86%
6.
Reproductive Health
2.20%
7.
Microbes in Human Welfare
2.20%
8.
Breathing and Exchange of Gases
1.98%
9.
Locomotion and Movement
1.76%
10.
Biological Classification
1.54%
11.
Digestion and Absorption
1.54%
12.
Body Fluids & Circulation
1.10%
13.
Excretory Products and Elimination
1.10%
14.
Neural Control and Coordination
0.66%
15.
Reproduction in Organisms
0.22%
Total
36.51%
It can be observed from the table that the animal kingdom, human health and diseases, human reproduction and structural organisation in animals are the high-weightage chapters and cover almost half of the syllabus of the Zoology section.
Botany vs Zoology in NEET: Most Important High-Weightage Chapters
While NEET Biology carries equal marks for both Botany and Zoology, the high-weightage chapters vary. The table below shows the most important chapters that cover almost 60-65% of the total NEET Biology syllabus. So whether you are short on time or revising the syllabus, these chapters should be on priority.
Section
Major Chapters Covered
Chapter Weightage
Total Weightage
Botany
Morphology of Flowering Plants
3.52%
51.03%
Anatomy of Flowering Plants
3.30%
Cell Cycle and Cell Division
4.84%
Biomolecules
4.40%
Cell: The Unit of Life
3.30%
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
4.84%
Molecular Basis of Inheritance
8.79%
Principles of Inheritance & Variation
4.84%
Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
6.60%
Organisms & Populations
3.30%
Ecology
3.30%
Zoology
Structural Organisation in Animals
4.18%
13.86%
Human Health and Disease
5.06%
Human Reproduction
4.62
It can be observed from the table that Botany dominates the high-weightage chapters, as it includes principles of inheritance and variation, and the molecular basis of inheritance. Therefore, start NEET Biology preparation 2026 with Botany chapters to gain confidence and cover a large portion of the syllabus early.
Smart Study Strategy for NEET Biology 2026 Based on Weightage
Now that it is clear which are the most important units and chapters, it is important to prepare a strategy to prepare them effectively.
Follow the NCERT Line by Line
Most of the NEET questions are asked directly or indirectly from the NCERT lines or diagrams. Start by reading the NCERT textbook line by line and highlighting the most important points and definitions.
Revise Through Concept Maps and Flashcards
Concept maps and flowcharts are very helpful in learning the sequence of a process. For example, stages of Prophase I in Meiosis I, which is a frequently asked topic in NEET.
Practice PYQs and Mock Tests
NEET Biology MCQs can be application-based or memory-based. In both cases, solving PYQs and mock tests helps your brain think and memorise the concepts. This ensures high accuracy and improves confidence during exams.
Integrate Botany and Zoology Topics
Study the related topics, such as reproduction in plants and animals, together. This approach helps to build a strong foundation and improve long-term memory for the exam.
Smart Time Allocation
Focus the majority of your study time on these high-weightage units and the remaining on low-weightage ones. Since Botany covers a major part of the syllabus, give priority to those chapters and revise them again and again.
Use Mnemonics
Mnemonics are easy, quick and fun. They can make you learn lengthy topics in a few minutes. Processes that include several steps, for example, the steps of rDNA technology.
NEET Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters
Q1. Which chromosome in the human genome has the highest number of genes?
Options:
Chromosome 10
Chromosome X
Chromosome Y
Chromosome 1
NEET 2026 Free Mock Test with Solutions
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Chromosome 1 is the largest human chromosome and carries the most genes of all the chromosomes. It has more than 2,000 protein-coding genes that play a wide variety of fundamental biological functions. Chromosome X also carries many genes, particularly for sex-linked characteristics, but not as many as chromosome 1. Chromosome 10 has fewer genes than chromosome 1, and "Chromosome Y" has fewer than 100 genes. Thus, chromosome 1 has the most genes in the human genome.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Chromosome 1.
Q2. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the process of replication in E.coli?
Options:
The DNA dependent DNA polymerase catalyses polymerization in one direction that is 3' to 5'
The DNA dependent RNA polymerase catalyses polymerization in one direction, that is 5' to 3'
The DNA dependent DNA polymerase catalyses polymerization in 5' to 3' as well as 3' to 5' direction
The DNA dependent DNA polymerase catalyses polymerization in 5' to 3' direction
Difficulty: Easy
Explanation:
In prokaryotic organisms such as E. coli, the process of DNA replication is carried out by DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, which operates exclusively in the 5′ → 3′ direction. This directional activity allows for the continuous synthesis of the leading strand, while the lagging strand is formed in segments known as Okazaki fragments.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4) The DNA dependent DNA polymerase catalyses polymerization in 5' to 3' direction.
Zoology
Q3. Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The presence or absence of hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity.
Statement II: The hymen is torn during the first coitus only.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Options:
Both Statement I and Statement II are true
Both Statement I and Statement II are false
Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Difficulty: Medium
Explanation:
The presence or absence of a hymen is not a reliable indicator of virginity because the hymen can also be broken by a sudden jolt, insertion of a vaginal tampon, active participation in some sports and in some women the hymen persists even after coitus.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
Q4. Match List I with List II:
List I
Lst II
A
Unicellular glandular epithelium
I
Salivary glands
B
Compound epithelium
II
Pancreas
C
Multicellular glandular epithelium
III
Goblet cells of alimentary canal
D
Endocrine glandular epithelium
IV
Moist surface of buccal cavity
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Options:
A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
Difficulty: Medium
Explanation:
A. Unicellular glandular epithelium (III) Goblet cells of the alimentary canal B. Compound epithelium (IV) Lines the moist surface of the buccal cavity C. Multicellular glandular epithelium (I) Salivary glands D. Endocrine glandular epithelium (II) Pancreas
Goblet cells are single-celled glands that secrete mucus, aiding in lubrication and protection. Compound epithelium protects against mechanical and chemical stress in areas like the buccal cavity. These glands are made up of multiple cells working together to produce and secrete saliva. The endocrine part of the pancreas (islets of Langerhans) secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which chapter in Biology is most important for NEET?
A:
The most important Biology chapters for NEET are Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Principles of Inheritance and Variation, and Biotechnology, as they carry the highest weightage. These chapters consistently contribute a large portion of questions, making them essential for scoring high in the exam.
Q: What topics get repeated in NEET Biology?
A:
Topics that frequently get repeated in NEET Biology are from units Genetics, Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, Ecology, and Reproduction. NCERT-based concepts from diagrams, definitions, and tables are asked almost every year with similar patterns.
Q: Which part of Biology is easier to score in NEET - Botany or Zoology?
A:
Botany is generally considered easier to score because most questions are directly NCERT-based and factual, whereas Zoology requires deeper conceptual understanding. However, with proper NCERT revision and PYQ practice, students can score high in both sections.
Indeed, aside from NEET, there are a number of lucrative job choices in PCB. Strong wage potential is available in fields including biotechnology, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, biomedical engineering, data science in healthcare, and pharmaceutical research, particularly with higher education. Promising careers include those in environmental science, food technology, clinical research, and regulatory affairs. Compared to NEET, exams like IAT, CUET, and private university admissions are less difficult but nonetheless lucrative because they provide access to reputable universities.
While North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous) offers regular higher secondary and degree programs, specific details about them running integrated NEET courses require direct confirmation from the college, though autonomous colleges have the flexibility to introduce such specialized programs.
It is feasible to complete the NEET and Class 12 theory course in four months, but only with a methodical, well-thought-out approach. Focus on NCERT first because it is essential for both exams and a large portion of the syllabus overlaps. Make a rigorous daily schedule, balance theory with multiple-choice questions, review frequently, and take practice exams. The secret to success is consistency, astute planning, and concentrated study time.
Preparing for both NEET and JEE entrance exams at the same time would be challenging but possible. AS physics and chemistry are both subjects common to both exams. Students need to balance math and biology. A proper timetable can help you manage time and prepare for the exam without stress. You can register for the mock test for JEE students, conducted by Creers360. Giving a mock test can help you analyse your in-depth performance. The last date of registration on 8th January. The link to the mock test is attached herewith.
Preparing for both NEET and JEE together is possible, but honestly, very tough.
The syllabus is huge. NEET needs strong Biology, and JEE needs strong Math.
Both exams have very different styles and expectations.
Only students with very strong basics and high discipline can manage both well.
If you are an average student, it’s better to choose one exam and focus fully on it. These are my honest advise to you, you can prepare for one exam and crack that exam, the future opportunities are many in JEE and NEET.
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