NEET 2025 Subject-Wise Syllabus: Detailed Breakdown and Preparation Strategies
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is India’s gateway to undergraduate medical courses like MBBS and BDS. Scheduled tentatively for May 4, 2025 (based on NTA’s historical pattern), NEET tests candidates across three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). As of March 23, 2025, the official syllabus, finalized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in December 2024, remains aligned with the 2024 syllabus, incorporating topics from Classes 11 and 12 NCERT curricula with some reductions and modifications from prior years. This guide provides a detailed subject-wise breakdown of the NEET 2025 syllabus and actionable preparation strategies to help you excel.
Exam Overview
- Total Questions: 180 (compulsory, no optional Section B as per NTA’s January 2025 update reverting to pre-COVID format).
- Marks: 720 (4 marks per correct answer, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered).
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
- Subject Split: Physics (45 questions), Chemistry (45 questions), Biology (90 questions: 45 Botany, 45 Zoology).
- Mode: Pen-and-paper.
With over 20 lakh aspirants expected to compete, mastering the syllabus and adopting a strategic approach are key to securing a top rank. Let’s dive into the subject-wise breakdown and preparation tips.
Physics Syllabus: Detailed Breakdown
Physics accounts for 25% of the exam (180 marks) and often poses challenges due to its conceptual depth and numerical focus. The syllabus spans 20 units, split between Classes 11 and 12.
Class 11 Physics Topics (10 Units)
- Physical World and Measurement: Units, dimensions, errors in measurement.
- Kinematics: Motion in straight line and plane, projectile motion, uniform and non-uniform motion.
- Laws of Motion: Newton’s laws, friction, circular motion.
- Work, Energy, and Power: Work-energy theorem, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy.
- Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body: Centre of mass, torque, angular momentum.
- Gravitation: Universal law, gravitational potential, escape velocity.
- Properties of Bulk Matter: Elasticity, viscosity, surface tension, heat, specific heat capacity.
- Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, thermal equilibrium.
- Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory: Ideal gas laws, kinetic energy of gases.
- Oscillations and Waves: SHM, wave motion, Doppler effect.
Class 12 Physics Topics (10 Units)
- Electrostatics: Coulomb’s law, electric field, Gauss’s law, potential difference.
- Current Electricity: Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, electrical circuits.
- Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism: Biot-Savart law, Ampere’s law, magnetic properties.
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents: Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, AC circuits.
- Electromagnetic Waves: Properties, electromagnetic spectrum.
- Optics: Reflection, refraction, lenses, optical instruments, wave optics.
- Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation: Photoelectric effect, de Broglie wavelength.
- Atoms and Nuclei: Bohr model, radioactivity, nuclear fission/fusion.
- Electronic Devices: Semiconductors, diodes, transistors (basic concepts).
- Experimental Skills: Basic experiments (e.g., Vernier calipers, resistivity).
Weightage Highlights
- High-weightage topics: Mechanics (25–30%), Electrostatics (10–15%), Optics (10–12%), Thermodynamics (8–10%).
- Reduced topics (per 2024 update): Rolling motion details, specific heat capacity of solids (check NMC PDF for exact deletions).
Chemistry Syllabus: Detailed Breakdown
Chemistry, also 25% of the exam (180 marks), is divided into Physical, Inorganic, and Organic sections across 20 units. It’s often seen as a scoring subject due to its theoretical bent.
Class 11 Chemistry Topics (11 Units)
- Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry: Mole concept, stoichiometry.
- Structure of Atom: Atomic models, quantum numbers.
- Classification of Elements and Periodicity: Periodic trends, properties.
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure: VSEPR theory, hybridization.
- Thermodynamics: Enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy.
- Equilibrium: Chemical and ionic equilibrium, pH, buffers.
- Redox Reactions: Oxidation-reduction, balancing equations.
- Solid State: Crystal structures, unit cells.
- Solutions: Concentration terms, colligative properties.
- s-Block Elements: Alkali and alkaline earth metals.
- p-Block Elements (Group 13–14): Boron, carbon family properties.
Class 12 Chemistry Topics (9 Units)
- Electrochemistry: Conductance, electrochemical cells.
- Chemical Kinetics: Rate laws, order of reaction.
- Surface Chemistry: Adsorption, catalysis.
- p-Block Elements (Group 15–18): Nitrogen, oxygen, noble gases.
- d- and f-Block Elements: Transition metals, lanthanides, actinides.
- Coordination Compounds: Nomenclature, isomerism, bonding.
- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes: SN1/SN2 reactions, uses.
- Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers: Preparation, reactions.
- Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids: Carbonyl chemistry, acidity.
- Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids.
Weightage Highlights
- High-weightage topics: Organic Chemistry (30–35%), Physical Chemistry (25–30%), Inorganic Chemistry (25–30%).
- Notable topics: Coordination compounds, biomolecules, equilibrium.
- Reduced topics: Solid state details, environmental chemistry (e.g., tropospheric pollution).
Biology Syllabus: Detailed Breakdown
Biology dominates with 50% of the exam (360 marks), split into Botany and Zoology (45 questions each). It’s vast but scoring with strong conceptual clarity.
Class 11 Biology Topics (5 Units)
- Diversity in Living World: Classification, taxonomy, five kingdoms.
- Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants: Tissues, morphology, anatomy (e.g., frog anatomy removed).
- Cell Structure and Function: Cell theory, organelles, cell cycle.
- Plant Physiology: Photosynthesis, respiration, plant growth hormones.
- Human Physiology: Digestion, circulation, nervous system.
Class 12 Biology Topics (5 Units)
- Reproduction: Human reproduction, flowering plants, reproductive health.
- Genetics and Evolution: Mendelism, molecular basis of inheritance, evolution theories.
- Biology and Human Welfare: Health, diseases, biotechnology applications.
- Biotechnology and Its Applications: Genetic engineering, bioprocesses.
- Ecology and Environment: Ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation.
Weightage Highlights
- High-weightage topics: Genetics (15–20%), Human Physiology (12–15%), Ecology (10–12%), Reproduction (10–12%).
- Reduced topics: Earthworm anatomy, specific plant families (e.g., Malvaceae details moved to older NCERTs).
Preparation Strategies
With the exam roughly six weeks away from March 23, 2025 (assuming May 4), here’s a tailored strategy for each subject, plus a holistic plan.
Physics Preparation Strategies
- Conceptual Clarity: Start with NCERT for basics (e.g., Mechanics, Electrostatics), then use H.C. Verma or D.C. Pandey for deeper understanding.
- Numerical Practice: Solve 50–70 problems daily from high-weightage topics (e.g., Mechanics, Optics). Use past NEET papers (2020–2024).
- Formula Mastery: Create a formula sheet (e.g., F = ma, V = IR) and revise daily.
- Time Management: Allocate 45–50 minutes in mocks to Physics, aiming for 35–40 correct answers.
- Weak Areas: Focus on Thermodynamics or Waves if numericals are a struggle—use YouTube tutorials (e.g., Physics Wallah).
Chemistry Preparation Strategies
- NCERT Focus: Memorize NCERT textbooks line-by-line for Inorganic (e.g., p-Block) and Organic (e.g., reaction mechanisms).
- Practice Reactions: Write and revise 20–30 organic reactions daily (e.g., SN1 vs. SN2, Aldol condensation).
- Physical Chemistry: Master calculations (e.g., equilibrium constants, molality) with R.C. Mukherjee or P. Bahadur.
- Quick Revision: Use flowcharts for Organic (e.g., alcohol to aldehyde) and tables for Inorganic (e.g., periodic trends).
- Mock Tests: Target 40+ correct answers in 40 minutes during practice.
Biology Preparation Strategies
- NCERT as Bible: Read NCERT Biology (Classes 11 & 12) 3–4 times, focusing on diagrams (e.g., nephron, flower parts).
- High-Yield Topics: Prioritize Genetics (Punnett squares, DNA replication) and Physiology (ECG, hormone functions).
- Mnemonics: Use memory aids (e.g., “King Philip Came Over For Good Soup” for taxonomy).
- Daily Quizzes: Solve 100 MCQs daily from MTG NEET Guide or Trueman’s Biology.
- Revision: Dedicate 2 hours daily to Biology, aiming for 85–90 correct answers in mocks.
General Preparation Tips
- Study Schedule (March–May 2025):
- March 23–April 15: Complete syllabus (6–8 hours/day: 2 Physics, 2 Chemistry, 3 Biology, 1 revision).
- April 16–April 30: Revise weak areas + 2 full mocks weekly (analyze errors).
- May 1–May 3: Light revision, NCERT summaries, no new topics.
- Mock Tests: Take 10–15 full-length tests (e.g., Allen, Aakash) in exam-like conditions (2–5 PM).
- Health: Sleep 6–7 hours, eat balanced meals, and take 5–10 minute breaks hourly to avoid burnout.
- Resources: NCERT (all subjects), X posts for updates (e.g., @NEETUGUpdates), and NTA’s official site (neet.nta.nic.in).
Conclusion
The NEET 2025 syllabus, though vast, is manageable with a structured approach. Physics demands problem-solving, Chemistry requires rote and reasoning, and Biology hinges on retention. Start now—March 23, 2025, gives you just over a month to solidify your base before intensifying revision. Download the official NMC syllabus PDF from nmc.org.in, align your prep with NCERT, and practice relentlessly. With dedication and these strategies, you’re on track to ace NEET 2025 and secure your medical career!