New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced significant changes in the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2025. The revised exam pattern, updated center city selection criteria, changes in domestic exam centers, new reporting time, and modified tie-breaking rules will impact this year’s MBBS entrance test.

NEET UG 2025 is scheduled for May 4, 2025, and the registration deadline is March 7. Candidates planning to register should review the newly introduced changes below.

Revised Tie-Breaking Rule

Previously, NTA used a seven-step criterion to resolve ties between candidates with identical scores. However, if a tie remains unresolved after applying these methods, an independent expert committee will now determine the merit order through a random selection process.

With increasing competition among medical aspirants, even a fraction of a mark can impact college admissions, making these changes particularly crucial.

Updated Exam Pattern

NTA has removed optional questions from Section B of NEET UG 2025. Unlike previous years, candidates will not receive optional questions or extra time that was introduced during COVID-19. The exam has now reverted to its pre-COVID format.

Until 2024, the optional section served as a temporary measure. The NEET 2025 paper will consist of 180 compulsory questions:

• Physics: 45 questions

• Chemistry: 45 questions

• Biology: 90 questions

The exam will take place on May 4 in pen-and-paper mode.

Changes in Exam City Selection

Candidates can now select three preferred cities for their NEET exam center, instead of the previous limit of two. However, they can only choose from cities within their permanent or present state of residence.

While filling out the NEET 2025 application form, candidates must list three cities in order of preference. If an exam center for a selected regional language has an insufficient number of applicants, NTA may assign candidates to a different city, regardless of their initial choices.

Additionally, the number of domestic NEET UG 2025 exam cities has decreased to 552, five fewer than last year. However, the number of international exam centers remains unchanged at 14. Candidates must select their exam center from the updated list when filling out their application form.

Revised Reporting Time

NEET UG 2025 exam centers will open three hours before the exam starts, instead of the previous two-hour window. Candidates must enter the center before 1:30 PM, as the exam will take place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

From 11:00 AM onward, candidates will have additional time for entry, security checks, and other required procedures, ensuring a smoother examination process.

These modifications aim to streamline the NEET UG 2025 process, ensuring fairness and efficiency for all candidates.