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NCERT vs NEET Syllabus Differences: What Every Biology Student Should Know

NCERT vs NEET Syllabus Differences: What Every Biology Student Should Know

#NEET
Irshad AnwarUpdated on 05 Dec 2025, 03:26 PM IST

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one of the most competitive medical entrance tests in India. Among the three subjects, Biology holds 50% of the total weightage. The NTA asks the majority of its questions from the NCERT, but not all of them. Therefore, students must review the differences between the NCERT and NEET syllabus to prepare effectively for the biology section. This article provides a detailed breakdown of NEET topics that do not match the NCERT syllabus. Students will also find the chapter-wise weightage and some important preparation tips to strengthen their preparation.

This Story also Contains

  1. NEET Biology Syllabus and Weightage Overview
  2. Key Differences Between NCERT and NEET Syllabus
  3. Impact of Knowing the NCERT vs NEET Syllabus Differences
  4. NEET Preparation Tips Based on the NCERT vs NEET Syllabus Comparison
NCERT vs NEET Syllabus Differences: What Every Biology Student Should Know
NCERT vs NEET Syllabus Differences: What Every Biology Student Should Know

As not much time is left for the NEET exam, knowing what to study and what to avoid becomes more important for aspirants. A clear analysis of the NCERT vs NEET syllabus for classes 11 and 12 highlights the topics which require additional reference beyond the NCERT. By following these updates and variations, students can plan their routine more efficiently. This article will guide them through the difference between the NCERT and NEET 2026 syllabus and make preparation more focused.

NEET Biology Syllabus and Weightage Overview

The biology section in the NEET exam contributes to 50% of the overall weightage. So, being aware of the NEET biology chapter-wise weightage becomes important to score well.

Given below is a table that includes all the chapters along with the number of questions asked in the past NEET 5 years. Some of the chapters are removed by the NTA, and these updates are regularly reflected in the difference between NCERT and NEET syllabi.

Chapters

Total Questions (2021–2025)

Ecosystem

15

Morphology of Flowering Plants

16

Biotechnology: Principles & Processes

30

Anatomy of Flowering Plants

15

Plant Growth and Development

8

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

22

Cell Cycle and Cell Division

22

Cell: The Unit of Life

15

Organisms & Populations

15

Principles of Inheritance & Variation

22

Evolution

12

Biotechnology & Its Application

14

Biomolecules

20

Human Reproduction

21

Human Health and Disease

26

Molecular Basis of Inheritance

40

Structural Organisation in Animals

19

Transport in Plants

5

Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

12

Biological Classification

7

Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production

5

Microbes in Human Welfare

10

Respiration in Plants

6

Animal Kingdom

25

Reproductive Health

10

Digestion and Absorption

7

Chemical Coordination and Integration

13

Breathing and Exchange of Gases

9

Environmental Issues

6

Locomotion and Movement

8

Plant Kingdom

13

Reproduction in Organisms

0

Body Fluids & Circulation

5

Biodiversity and Conservation

9

Mineral Nutrition

2

Neural Control and Coordination

5

Excretory Products and Elimination

5

Key Differences Between NCERT and NEET Syllabus

Understanding the syllabus is an important step in preparing effectively for the NEET. The NCERT textbooks provide the basic concepts, but the NTA asks some additional and application-based questions. A table is provided below, which shows the NCERT vs NEET syllabus comparison. Regular practice of NEET Biology mock tests further improves students’ speed and boosts confidence.

Concepts

NCERT

NEET

Steps of Taxonomy

✅

❌

Types of Life Cycles of the Plant Kingdom

✅

❌

Characteristics and Classification of Angiosperms

✅

❌

Epithelial tissue

❌

✅

Semi-Technical Description of a Typical Flowering Plant

✅

❌

Solanaceae Family

✅

❌

Cartilage: Structure, Function and its Types

❌

✅

Structure of Bone Tissue

❌

✅

Anatomy of a Long Bone

❌

✅

Types of Bones

❌

✅

Fluid Connective Tissues

❌

✅

Plasma in Blood

❌

✅

Erythrocytes

❌

✅

Leukocytes

❌

✅

Types of Leukocytes

❌

✅

Platelets In Blood

❌

✅

Nervous Tissue

❌

✅

Lenticels

❌

✅

Metabolites and their types

✅

❌

History and Discovery of Photosynthesis

✅

❌

Micturition

✅

❌

Refractory Periods

✅

❌

MHC and Antigen Presenting Cells

✅

❌

Animal Husbandry

✅

❌

Inbreeding

✅

❌

Difference between Out-breeding: Out-crossing and Cross-breeding

✅

❌

Artificial Insemination & MOET

✅

❌

Apiculture and Fisciculture

✅

❌

Plant Breeding - Definition

✅

❌

High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs)

✅

❌

Plant Breeding for Disease Resistance: Conventional Breeding

✅

❌

Plant Breeding for Disease Resistance: Mutation Breeding

✅

❌

Plant Breeding for Disease and Pest Resistance

✅

❌

Biofortification

✅

❌

Single Cell Protein

✅

❌

Tissue Culture & Somatic Hybridization

✅

❌

Flavr Savr Tomatoes

✅

❌

Golden Rice

✅

❌

Molecular Farming

✅

❌

Transgenic Microorganisms

✅

❌

Major Abiotic Factors

✅

❌

Responses To Abiotic Factors

✅

❌

Adaptations

✅

❌

Life History Variations

✅

❌

Competitive Exclusion Principle

✅

❌

Ecosystem Services

✅

❌

Difference Between Alpha, Beta & Gamma Diversity

✅

❌

The Earth Summit

✅

❌

Impact of Knowing the NCERT vs NEET Syllabus Differences

  • Understanding the NCERT vs NEET syllabus differences allows aspirants to prepare a proper NEET study plan.

  • They can identify those topics from the NEET biology syllabus which are frequently asked by the NTA but are not included in the NCERT.

  • Knowing the NCERT vs NEET syllabus comparison helps students avoid wasting time on the low-priority topics.

  • The difference between the NCERT and NEET syllabus provides clarity on which chapters need additional references beyond the NCERT books for NEET.

  • Candidates can aim for the scoring chapters first and practise 100 most important NEET biology questions to score 330+ marks in NEET exam using the NCERT vs NEET Syllabus differences.

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NEET Preparation Tips Based on the NCERT vs NEET Syllabus Comparison

Students can begin their NEET preparation by learning exactly what to study and what not to study. Given below are some tips that aspirants can follow to make the most use of the NCERT vs NEET syllabus for classes 11 and 12. Following the right NEET preparation tips, along with weightage, improves accuracy and confidence. A clear NCERT vs NEET syllabus comparison saves a lot of time and boosts overall performance.

  • Start the preparation by learning the NCERT vs NEET syllabus for classes 11 and 12 and the NEET chapter-wise weightage.

  • Make separate notes for the extra topics which are asked in the NEET using the NEET biology question paper.

  • Students can use the difference between the NCERT and NEET syllabus to create a checklist, which makes their preparation effective and efficient.

  • The NTA asks many questions about the important NEET biology diagrams, making it important for students to revise diagrams.

  • Candidates preparing for NEET at home use the NCERT vs NEET syllabus comparison to complete high-weightage chapters without coaching.

NEET 2026 Free Mock Test with Solutions
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NEET Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is NEET Biology 100% from NCERT?
A:

NEET Biology is mostly based on the NCERT textbooks, mainly for the theory and the diagrams, but not 100%. Some questions in the NEET exam are asked beyond the NCERT by the NTA. Students will have to practice extra questions to build conceptual understanding and application-based skills.

Q: What is the difference between the NEET and NCERT syllabus?
A:

The difference between NEET and NCERT syllabus mainly occurs in the additional topics, deeper application-based questions. Some advanced topics are included in NEET but are not fully explained in the NCERT textbooks. Going through the comparison helps aspirants identify such topics and prepare effectively.

Q: Can I score 360 in Biology by studying only the NCERT?
A:

Yes, it is possible to score 360 in Biology by studying the NCERT textbooks thoroughly. These books include all the theory, real-life examples, and well-labelled diagrams. Aspirants should focus on the biology chapter-wise weightage and practice NEET previous year question papers to score well in the exam.

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Is there is any better option rather than NEET in pcb for high paying jobs

Hello aspirant,

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.

Thank you

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Does NL autonomous college preferred to give class XI students integrated NEET courses?

Hello,

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.

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Can I cover my syllabus for both neet and 12th theory within 4 months?

Hello aspirant,

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.

Thank you

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24 Dec'25
Is it possible to prepare both neet and jee entrances exam ?

Good Morning, Aspirant,

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.


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Is it possible to prepare both neet and jee entrances exam ?

Hello Aspirant

Preparing for both NEET and JEE together is possible, but honestly, very tough.
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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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