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

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

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.

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 to score 700 marks in the 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.

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NEET Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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: 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.

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Questions related to NEET

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NEET ?

The options for a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) medical student are vast, even if they don't pursue or crack NEET!

The best careers utilize the strong scientific foundation gained in high school.

A PCB background prepares you well for entrance exams like AIIMS Paramedical, JENPAS UG, or BITSAT. Don't limit yourself to NEET; use your science skills for highly in-demand careers in diagnostics, research, and therapy.

This article details a range of science career options available after Class 12: https://www.careers360.com/careers/articles/career-options-after-12th-science-pcb-counar


Hello,

Neet exam ke liye sabse important or crucial book NCERT hai.

Kisi bhi or book ko krne ke pehle make sure ki aap ncert achhe se krlo.

Uske baad physics me grip achhi krne ke liye hc verma kr skte hain mechanics le portion ke liye

Inorganic, organic chemistry or biology le liye strictly NCERT follow karein

Physical chemistry ke liye kisi module ki help lein

Hello,

The NEET application form usually opens in February and the last date is usually in March . The exam is generally held in May . The form is filled online on the official NTA NEET website.

For the SC category , you need at least 40% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12 to be eligible. The minimum age required is 17 years , and there is no upper age limit .

You can fill the NEET form only through the official NTA website when the registration starts.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Yes, NEET 2026 study materials and books covering most scoring concepts are available in Hindi medium.

Here is most scoring concept in NEET:

Biology (50% weightage )

  • Human Physiology
  • Genetics & Evolution
  • Ecology & Environment
  • Cell Structure & Function

Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules)
  • Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Equilibrium)

  • Inorganic Chemistry (Coordination Compounds, p-block elements)

Physics

  • Mechanics (Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, Power)

  • Modern Physics (Semiconductors, Nuclear Physics)

  • Optics & Electrostatics

You can access book in Hindi from mentioned link below:

https://medicine.careers360.com/hi/articles/best-books-for-neet

Hope it helps.

Hello,
Many private and government-affiliated institutions in India have specfial quotas for foreign nationals.
Admission under this category usually depends on her valid passport or citizenship status and her qualifying exam. Some colleges may also require entrance exams, depending on the course.
Hope this helps you.