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How to Calculate Negative Marking in NEET, Formula, Marking Scheme

by PW Gulf
August 4, 2025
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Calculate Negative Marking in NEET: The National Testing Agency (NTA) uses a negative marking scheme in the NEET exam to ensure a fair evaluation process. As per the NEET marking scheme, each correct answer awards 4 marks and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. 

There is no negative marking in NEET applied to unattempted questions. If candidates select more than one response, it is considered wrong and they lose one mark.

Understanding how to calculate negative marking in NEET 2026 is crucial for students to avoid a loss of score.

Negative Marking in NEET UG

The NEET UG 2026 exam follows a negative marking scheme set by NTA to calculate the final score of students. For every correct answer, 4 marks will be provided to students, and each wrong answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. The negative marking in NEET UG impacts the overall score of aspirants and their performance.

Negative Marking in NEET UG

Name of Exam

NEET UG 2026

Conducting Authority

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Exam Mode

Online

Total Questions

180

Type of Question

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Subjects

Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Total Marks

720

Negative Marking

+4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer

Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS Category wise

NEET Marking Scheme

The NEET exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with each question worth 4 marks, and a total of 720 marks. For every incorrect response, a penalty of one mark is applicable. Check a detailed NEET 2026 marking scheme is provided in the table below:

Marking Scheme in NEET 2026

Subject

Number of Questions

Marks Per Question

Total Marks

Physics

45

4

180

Chemistry

45

4

180

Biology (Botany + Zoology)

90

4

360

Total

180

-

720

How to Calculate Negative Marking in NEET

It is essential for aspirants to know how to calculate negative marking in NEET exam. NTA uses a specific formula to calculate the final score of aspirants in NEET. As per the formula, candidates need to multiple total number of correct answers by 4 and subtract it by multiplying all incorrect answers by 1. The formula is shown below with examples:

NEET Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 4) - (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1)

For example, if you attempted 160 questions. Out of which 140 are correct and 20 are incorrect, so we can calculate the overall score as follows:

Final Score = 140 × 4 - 20 × 1 = 560 - 20 = 540

How to Avoid Negative Marking in NEET 2026

The NEET exam involves negative marking, so aspirants must be careful while attempting the paper to reduce the penalty of the marks. Here are some tips to minimize negative marking during the NEET examination:

  • Avoid Guesswork - Aspirants must not answer the questions by random guessing as it results in deduction of marks.

  • Use Elimination Technique - Eliminate the wrong options by applying right approach. It is a good technique to enhance of chance of choosing the right answer.

  • Time Management - Don’t stick on any single question for a long time. If you are not confident, leave the questions and move forward for next one.

  • Maintain Accuracy Level - Answer the questions accurately. Use pen and paper to avoid silly mistakes. 

  • Solve Easy Questions First - Priotize easy questions for which you know the exact answers. It helps to maximize your overall score.

Similar Suggestions for You:

How to Manage School and NEET Preparation together?
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Calculate Negative Marking in NEET FAQs

Q. What is the negative marking for NEET?

Ans. In NEET, 4 marks are awarded for every correct answer and In NEET, 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect one. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.

Q. How to calculate negative marking in the NEET?

Ans. Multiply the total number of correct answers by 4 and then subtract the number of incorrect answers from the result to obtain the final score.

Q. How many questions are there in the NEET exam?

Ans. The NEET exam consists of 180 questions, each carrying 4 marks with a total of 720 marks.

Q. What happens if a student select more than one option in NEET?

Ans. If anyone selects more than one option, it is considered wrong and results in a penalty of 1 mark.

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