NEET Passing Marks 2026: Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Steps to Calculate

Even before starting to prepare for the NEET 2026 exam, it is crucial to have an understanding of NEET passing marks 2026. This practice can help the students to prepare well for the exam. They can understand the importance of each subject and set an aim for themselves.

For the year 2026, NTA has established a total of 720 marks for the NEET exam. Furthermore, the subject-wise distribution is done with 360 marks in Biology, 180 marks in Physics, and 180 marks in Chemistry.

Learning about the marking scheme can serve as a helping hand, preparing students to attempt the question paper cautiously.

Check out the details below to know more about the NEET passing marks or NEET qualifying marks 2026.

NEET Total Marks 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for facilitating the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG. NEET provides an opportunity for you to be a part of undergraduate medical programs nationwide.

NEET 2026 is set to facilitate admissions to a substantial number of seats, including over 1 lakh MBBS seats, 28,088 BDS seats, 52,720 AYUSH seats, 525 BVSc seats, and AH seats in colleges across India.

The exam is conducted in a traditional pen-and-paper format, accommodating all registered candidates. While the total marks for NEET 2026 are 270, these marks are further distributed by each subject.

The 360 marks are set for Biology, 180 marks are allocated for Physics, and another 180 marks are designated for Chemistry.

Here’s a complete overview of the distribution of scores for NEET 2026:

Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in NEET 2026 for MBBS

NEET Passing Marks 2026

After learning about the NEET total marks 2026, let’s understand the NEET qualifying marks 2026.

The NEET cutoff 2026 for general category candidates, is set at the 50th percentile. At the same time, the percentile cutoff for SC/ST/OBC candidates and general-PH aspirants are at the 40th and 45th percentile, respectively.

Knowledge of the NEET passing marks for 2026 allows you to establish an aim for yourself. It helps motivate you to go the extra mile in your studies to achieve the set percentile.

Category Wise NEET Passing Marks 2026

According to the latest NEET 2026 cutoff data, general category candidates are required to score between 686 and 144 to pass, while SC/ST/OBC candidates had a passing range of 143 to 113.

Notably, the category-specific NEET 2026 cutoff marks has been announced alongside the exam results.

Refer to the table below to know the category-wise NEET qualifying marks 2026.

Also Read: NEET Exam Day Instructions 2026: Guidelines, Things to Carry

NEET 2026 Marking Scheme

The NEET 2026 candidates must note that the NEET exam pattern 2026 does not mention the presence of any descriptive-type questions in the paper. The candidates will be given 3 hours and 20 minutes to answer all the questions.

Each question carries four marks, and the candidates must choose only one response out of the four options provided for each question.

Here’s how their answers will be scored:

Also Read: Also Read: What is a Good Rank in NEET UG 2026?

Steps to Calculate Your NEET Passing Marks out of 720

After the NEET exam, you can estimate your score using the official answer key. Follow these simple steps:

1. Compare Your Answers: Check your answers against the official NEET 2026 answer key when it's released.

2. Verify the Question Paper Code: Make sure the code on your question paper matches the answer key to avoid mistakes.

3. Check Set and Language Details: Look at the top of the answer key and OMR sheet for information about the set and language used.

4. Count Correct and Incorrect Answers:

   • Count how many answers you got right and wrong.
   • If you marked multiple answers for a question, consider it unanswered.

5. Understand the NEET Marking Scheme:

   • Correct answer: +4 marks
   • Incorrect answer: -1 mark
   • No answer: 0 marks

6. Use the Formula:
   NEET Score = (Number of correct answers × 4) - (Number of incorrect answers × 1)

Also Read: Cheapest MBBS Colleges in India 2026