New Delhi: NEET UG is one of the most important exams for students who want to become doctors. Every mark counts, and even one wrong answer can cost you. This is because NEET follows a negative marking system. You get +4 for a correct answer and -1 for a wrong one. So, avoiding mistakes is just as important as getting answers right.
Below, you’ll learn easy and smart tips to prevent negative marking in NEET UG 2025:
Join NEET News 2025 1. Know the Exam Pattern Well
Before anything else, make sure you understand the exam pattern. NEET has 180 questions, and you need to answer all the questions. Each subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) is divided as follows:
- Physics: 45 questions (all compulsory)
- Chemistry: 45 questions (all compulsory)
- Biology: 90 questions (all compulsory)
Trick:
Skip doubted questions for the last minute to use your time effectively.
2. Don’t Guess Blindly
Guessing without thinking can lead to more wrong answers.
Trick:
Use the elimination method. First, remove the options you know are wrong. If only two are left, you have a 50% chance of choosing the right one. Only guess when you’re somewhat sure.
3. Clear Your Basics
If your concepts are strong, you’ll feel more confident and make fewer mistakes.
Trick:
- Study NCERT books well, especially for Biology and Chemistry.
- For Physics, practice solving problems and understand the formulas deeply.
4. Manage Time During the Exam
Many students make silly mistakes when they rush.
Trick:
- Plan how much time to spend on each subject. Try:
- Biology – 50 minutes
- Chemistry – 50 minutes
- Physics – 50 minutes
- Keep the last 30 minutes for checking and reviewing your answers.
5. Be Careful with the OMR Sheet
Filling the wrong bubble on the OMR sheet can turn a right answer into a wrong one.
Trick:
- Fill in the OMR only after you’re sure of your answer.
- Double-check that you’re filling the bubble for the correct question number.
6. Practice Mock Tests in Real Exam Conditions
Regular mock tests help you get used to the pressure of the real exam.
Trick:
- After each test, look at the questions you got wrong.
- Find out why you made those mistakes and try not to repeat them.
7. Revise Smartly
Instead of just revising everything again and again, focus on important and weak topics.
Trick:
- Make a small notebook where you write down your common mistakes.
- Read this notebook before every mock test and the real exam.
8. Stay Calm in the Exam Hall
When you’re nervous, you make more mistakes.
Trick:
- Take deep breaths if you feel anxious.
- Stay positive and remind yourself that you’ve prepared well.
9. Don’t Try to Attempt All Questions
Trying to answer every single question can reduce your score.
Trick:
- Only answer questions where you’re at least 60–70% sure.
- It’s better to attempt fewer questions with high accuracy than more with many mistakes.
10. Read Every Question Carefully
Many students lose marks because they miss small words like “NOT” or “EXCEPT.”
Trick:
- Underline important words in the question.
- Read the question twice if it seems too easy or confusing.
Final Words
Getting a good NEET score is not just about studying hard. It’s also about answering smartly and avoiding mistakes. Use these simple tips to reduce negative marking and boost your score. Practice regularly, stay calm and stay focused.
