How to Minimize Negative Markings in the NEET 2025?

How to Minimize Negative Markings in the NEET 2025?

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Apr 14, 2025 03:42 PM IST | #NEET
Upcoming Event
NEET  Result Date : 14 Jun' 2025 - 14 Jun' 2025

How to minimise negative marking in NEET 2025: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one of India's most competitive tests, deciding entry into the best medical colleges. With more than 15 lakh candidates competing each year, each mark can make all the difference. However, negative marking can greatly affect your final score and rank. In NEET 2025, for every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted, while correct answers fetch +4 marks. This article will guide you on how to minimize negative marking effectively and maximize your score.

This Story also Contains
  1. NEET 2025 Negative Marking Overview
  2. How to Calculate Negative Marking in NEET 2025?
  3. Reasons for Negative Marking in the NEET Exam?
  4. How to Minimize Negative Markings in the NEET 2025 Exam?
  5. Common Mistakes to Avoid in NEET Exam
How to Minimize Negative Markings in the NEET 2025?
How to Minimize Negative Markings in the NEET 2025?
LiveNEET 2025 Live: NTA NEET answer key soon; updates on result date, cut-off, MBBS admissionMay 14, 2025 | 2:07 PM IST

A candidate will get nearly 3 to 4 days to file objects against NTA NEET answer key 2025. The official dates are yet to be out. However, once the dates are over, candidates won't be allowed to submit the objections. 

Read More

How frustrating it gets when a NEET aspirant analyzes a mock test and, instead of getting +4 marks on a question, ends up with -1. Technically, they lose 5 marks! Just 4-5 such questions are enough to bring their entire score down in the NEET exam, and with that, their confidence drops even lower. Negative marking has a huge impact on the AIQ ranks, which can affect the acceptance in medical colleges according to the priority list of an aspirant in the counselling sessions.

NEET 2025 Negative Marking Overview

Below is the overview of the NEET 2025 negative marking:

Subject

Total Question

Total Marks

Marks for Correct Answer

Marks for Incorrect Answer

Marks for Unanswered Questions

Physics

45

180

+4

-1

0

Chemistry

45

180

+4

-1

0

Biology

90

360

+4

-1

0

Also Read:

JSS University Mysore 2025

NAAC A+ Accredited| Ranked #24 in University Category by NIRF | Applications open for multiple UG & PG Programs

TOEFL ® Registrations 2025

Accepted by 13,000 universities worldwide | Offered in 200+ countries | 40 million people have taken TOEFL Test

How to Calculate Negative Marking in NEET 2025?

It is important for all the aspirants to understand how negative marking is done in NEET 2025. There are 180 mandatory questions in the exam with a maximum of 720 marks. Learning how the answers are marked can help analyse the performance better and prevent unnecessary loss of marks.

To find out the total negative marks, count the number of questions answered wrongly. Then, use the formula given below to approximate your final NEET score:

NEET Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 4) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1)

This means you gain +4 marks for each correct answer and lose 1 mark for every wrong answer. Skipped questions carry no marks - positive or negative.

Reasons for Negative Marking in the NEET Exam?

Negative marks can reduce your chances of entering a good medical college. Knowing the pattern of the exam and applying proper strategies can prevent you from losing marks.

Guesswork/Random guessing

  • Some aspirants randomly mark answers, hoping for luck. Probability says that guessing won’t help in the long run - they’ll end up losing marks.

NEET 2025 Rank & College Predictor
Know your NEET 2025 Rank based on your expected marks & admission chances in top Medical & Dental colleges by using NEET 2025 College Predictor.
Try Now

OMR Filling Mistake

  • Some aspirants fill in the wrong option in the OMR sheet, but this mistake is fixable. They mess up the question sequence, and all the hard work goes to waste.

  • While filling out the OMR, align the question number properly, place a finger on the number, double-check, and then carefully fill in the bubble.

Manav Rachna-MRIIRS Allied Health Sciences Admissions 2025

Admissions open for Bachelor of Physiotherapy, B.Sc Nutrition & Dietetics ,B.Sc Food Science & Technology

SRM Dental College BDS Admissions

Ranked #19 by NIRF, NAAC A++ Accredited | Recognized by dental council of India

Not reading the question properly.

  • This is very common, especially with statement-based, assertion-reason, and twisted NCERT line questions.

  • While reading questions, underline keywords like “not,” “correct,” “incorrect,” etc. Underline key terms while attempting the paper. This helps avoid misinterpretation and prevents silly mistakes.

Assertion-Reason Confusion

  • Aspirants often get confused between “A is the correct explanation of R” and “A is not the correct explanation of R.”

  • The more they practice, the better their approach becomes.

Not reading all the options.

  • Commonly, aspirants just see option A, think it's right, and mark it without checking options B, C, and D. This is a major mistake.

  • Use the option elimination method. Eliminate wrong options first, then choose the best one. This way, their answer are more accurate.

Not analyzing the mock test.

  • If aspirants don't analyze their mock tests properly, they're likely to repeat the same mistakes. So the rule is they should not attempt the next mock test until they've fully analyzed the previous one.

  • Analyze and revise weak topics, then go for the next mock. That’s the only way to improve.

How to Minimize Negative Markings in the NEET 2025 Exam?

The negative marking can be improved by post-test analysis practice. After every mock test:

1. Be Familiar with the Exam Pattern

Being aware of the NEET Exam pattern allows you to use your time more effectively and prevent errors.

2. Be Precise

Answer only those questions where you are sure. Don't guess, as guessing will cost you negative marks. Stick to attempting the questions you know.

3. Practice Mock Tests

Mock tests help you in:

  • Identifying your weak areas.

  • Using your time more effectively.

  • Feel more confident.

4. Smart Strategy

While taking the exam:

  • Do easy questions first.

  • Skip tough questions and return to them later.

  • Make an effort to rule out incorrect options to guess correctly.

5. Do Not Overthink

  • Do not waste time on easy questions.

  • Have faith in your practice and answer confidently.

6. Build Concepts

  • Be confident with the concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

  • This will prevent errors due to misunderstandings.

7. Time Management

Good time management allows you not to rush and thus avoid mistakes:

  • Give time to each subject.

  • Spend the last 10 minutes checking your answers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NEET Exam

  1. Guessing Without Thinking: Don't guess at random.

  2. Not Practicing Mock Tests: There are more mistakes without practice.

  3. Poor Time Management: Hurrying results in incorrect answers.

Also Read:

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Introduction to Psychology
Via San Jose State University, San Jose
Forensic Science DNA Analysis
Via University of Cambridge, Cambridge
Radiology Technician
Via VIVO Healthcare
Food laws and Standards
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
OPRA Exam Preparation
Via Academically
Coursera
 355 courses
Futurelearn
 310 courses
Edx
 233 courses
Udemy
 191 courses
Swayam
 106 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
University of Alberta, Edmonton
 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3
University of Wisconsin, Madison
 329 Union South 1308 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI 53715-1149

Questions related to NEET

Have a question related to NEET ?

Hello,

As per your mentioned query, No you cannot get admission without NEET in BHMS. As per the eligibility criteria , you have to give NEET exam for getting admission in BHMS course.

To know more , kindly go through the given link:

https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/bhms-admission-without-neet

Revert for further query!

With an EAMCET rank of 4197 and belonging to the BC-B category, you have a good chance of getting a seat in NIMS Hyderabad, but it depends on the course you're aiming for. If you're looking for paramedical or allied health science courses (not MBBS), then yes, you may get a seat. For MBBS, NEET is mandatory, so without it, MBBS is not possible. Keep checking official counselling updates for exact cutoff details and seat allotments.



With 475 marks in NEET 2025 and belonging to the SC category, your expected All India Rank (AIR) might be around 2,43,000 to 2,44,000 based on previous trends. You have a fair chance of getting an MBBS seat in a government medical college under the 15% All India Quota, as the SC cutoff has been close to this score in past years. Still, it depends on this year’s cutoffs, so attend both AIQ and state counselling.



With a NEET 2025 score of 514 in the General category and a Punjab state domicile, securing a Government Medical College (GMC) seat in Punjab is unlikely.


Punjab GMC NEET 2024 Cutoff (General Category)

Based on previous years' data, the closing ranks for General category candidates in Punjab's GMCs were:

GMC Amritsar: Closing rank of 26,020 with a score of 651.

GMC Patiala: Closing rank of 26,434 with a score of 591.

GMC Faridkot: Closing rank of 27,000 with a score of 585.

GMC Mohali: Closing rank of 28,000 with a score of 580.

Hello,

With a NEET score of 355 and belonging to the SC category with Karnataka domicile, securing a seat in a government medical college in Karnataka is unlikely.

In 2024, the cutoff for SC candidates under the state quota was approximately 521 marks.  Your score of 355 is significantly below this threshold.

However, you might consider applying to private medical colleges in Karnataka, where the cutoff for SC candidates was around 487 marks in 2024.

Keep in mind that cutoffs can vary each year based on factors like the number of applicants and seat availability. So, you should participate in the counselling process and explore all available options.

You can also use our NEET College Predictor tool to predict which colleges you can get based on your scores or rank.

Hope it helps !

View All

Column I ( Salivary gland)

 

Column II ( Their location)

Parotids

I

Below tongue

Sub-maxillary / sub-mandibular

Ii

Lower jaw

Sub-linguals

Iii

Cheek

Option: 1

a(i), b(ii) , c(iii)

 


Option: 2

a(ii), b(i), c(iii)

 


Option: 3

a(i), b(iii), c(ii)


Option: 4

a(iii), b(ii), c(i)


Ethyl \; ester \xrightarrow[(excess)]{CH_{3}MgBr} P

the product 'P' will be ,

Option: 1


Option: 2


Option: 3

\left ( C_{2}H_{5} \right )_{3} - C- OH


Option: 4


 

    

           

 Valve name                            

             

Function

    I   Aortic valve     A

Prevents blood from going backward from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle.

    II   Mitral valve     B

 Prevent blood from flowing backward from the right ventricle to the right atrium.

    III   Pulmonic valve     C

 Prevents backward flow from the aorta into the left ventricle.

    IV   Tricuspid valve     D

 Prevent backward flow from the left ventricle to the left atrium.

 

Option: 1

I – A , II – B, III – C, IV – D


Option: 2

 I – B , II – C , III – A , IV – D


Option: 3

 I – C , II – D , III – A , IV – B


Option: 4

 I – D , II – A , III – B , IV – C 

 

 


Column A Column B
A

a) Organisation of cellular contents and further cell growth.  

B

b) Leads to formation of two daughter cells.

C

c) Cell grows physically and increase volume proteins,organells.

D

d)  synthesis and replication of DNA.

Match the correct option as per the process shown in the diagram. 

 

 

 

Option: 1

1-b,2-a,3-d,4-c
 


Option: 2

1-c,2-b,3-a,4-d


Option: 3

1-a,2-d,3-c,4-b

 


Option: 4

1-c,2-d,3-a,4-b


0.014 Kg of N2 gas at 27 0C is kept in a closed vessel. How much heat is required to double the rms speed of the N2 molecules?

Option: 1

3000 cal


Option: 2

2250 cal


Option: 3

2500 cal


Option: 4

3500 cal


0.16 g of dibasic acid required 25 ml of decinormal NaOH solution for complete neutralisation. The modecular weight of the acid will be

Option: 1

32


Option: 2

64


Option: 3

128


Option: 4

256


0.5 F of electricity is passed through 500 mL of copper sulphate solution. The amount of copper (in g) which can be deposited will be:

Option: 1

31.75


Option: 2

15.8


Option: 3

47.4


Option: 4

63.5


0.5 g of an organic substance was kjeldahlised and the ammonia released was neutralised by 100 ml 0.1 M HCl. Percentage of nitrogen in the compound is

Option: 1

14


Option: 2

42


Option: 3

28


Option: 4

72


0xone is

Option: 1

\mathrm{KO}_{2}


Option: 2

\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}


Option: 3

\mathrm{Li}_{2} \mathrm{O}


Option: 4

\mathrm{CaO}


(1) A substance  known as "Smack"

(2) Diacetylmorphine

(3) Possessing a white color

(4) Devoid of any odor

(5) Crystal compound with a bitter taste

(6) Obtained by extracting from the latex of the poppy plant

The above statements/information are correct for:

Option: 1

Morphine


Option: 2

Heroin


Option: 3

Cocaine


Option: 4

Barbiturates


Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

6 Jobs Available
Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

5 Jobs Available
Veterinary Doctor

A Veterinary Doctor diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases in animals. They perform surgeries, advise on nutrition, and guide animal care and breeding. To become one in India, students must complete a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc) after studying Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12. The role combines medical expertise with compassion for animal welfare.

5 Jobs Available
Speech Therapist

Speech therapists are essential medical professionals addressing speech disorders. Whether it's delayed speech in children or difficulties in pronunciation, these experts play a crucial role. This article explores how to become a speech therapist in India, covering courses, colleges, and the responsibilities of this impactful profession.

4 Jobs Available
Gynaecologist

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

4 Jobs Available
Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

3 Jobs Available
Oncologist

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

3 Jobs Available
Anatomist

An anatomist studies the structure of living organisms, especially the human body. They conduct research, teach anatomy, assist in biomedical imaging and forensic analysis, and collaborate on medical advancements. Most work in academic or research settings.

2 Jobs Available
Narcotics Officer

A Narcotics Officer investigates drug use, tracks traffickers, and conducts undercover operations to arrest dealers. They collaborate with government agencies at borders and work with NGOs to raise awareness about drug abuse. This vital role helps reduce illegal activities, making communities safer and limiting the spread of drugs. If you’re committed to law enforcement, this career could be your path.

4 Jobs Available
Research Associate

If we talk about a career as a research associate, it all comes down to one thing - curiosity towards nature and the passion to find answers. A career as a research associate is full of thrill and excitement. However, a research associate also faces a lot of challenges and failures while working on a project. A job of a research associate includes a spectrum of Science as a subject in detail. 

2 Jobs Available
Drug Inspector

A Drug Inspector ensures the quality and safety of medicines by inspecting pharmaceuticals throughout the production, distribution, and sale processes. They ensure drugs meet health standards, preventing unsafe or substandard medicines from reaching consumers. Drug Inspectors are responsible for monitoring compliance with regulations, conducting inspections, and ensuring that products meet required safety and efficacy standards.

2 Jobs Available
Biotechnologist

A Biotechnologist is a professional who possesses strong knowledge and techniques that are utilised in creating and developing innovative products that improve the quality of human life standards. A biochemist uses biological organisms to create and improve goods and procedures for agriculture, medicine, and sustainability. He or she researches the genetic, chemical, and physical characteristics of cells, tissues, and organisms to determine how they can be used industrially.

2 Jobs Available
R&D Personnel

A career as R&D Personnel requires researching, planning, and implementing new programs and protocols into their organization and overseeing new products’ development. He or she uses his or her creative abilities to improve the existing products as per the requirements of the target market.

2 Jobs Available
Back to top