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Biology Weightage

NEET Biology Chapter-Wise Weightage: Important Topics, Marks and Preparation Tips

Updated on December 9, 2025

Biology is the most important subject for NEET aspirants. It carries 360 marks out of 720, which is 50% of the total exam. Students who score well in Biology have a significant advantage in securing top ranks. Understanding the NEET Biology chapter-wise weightage helps you focus on high-scoring topics and plan your preparation strategically for NEET 2026.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET every year. The Biology section is divided into Botany and Zoology with 45 questions each. This article provides complete details on NEET Biology weightage, important topics, preparation tips, and best books recommended by toppers and experts.

Table of Contents

NEET Biology Exam Pattern 2026

Before diving into chapter-wise weightage, understanding the NEET Biology exam pattern is essential. The Biology section has the highest number of questions in NEET 2026. Here is the complete marks distribution for Biology.

Particulars Details
Total Questions in Biology 90 Questions
Questions from Botany 45 Questions
Questions from Zoology 45 Questions
Total Marks 360 Marks
Marks for Correct Answer +4 Marks
Marks for Wrong Answer -1 Mark
Marks for Unanswered Question 0 Marks
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Exam Duration for Biology Approximately 50-60 minutes (recommended)

NEET Biology Weightage: Important Topics to Focus

The NTA does not release official chapter-wise weightage. However, analysis of NEET previous year question papers from 2021 to 2025 reveals consistent patterns. Some chapters appear more frequently than others. Focusing on these high-weightage chapters can help you score 300+ marks in Biology alone.

The Biology section covers topics from both Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT textbooks. Class 11 focuses on foundational concepts like cell biology, plant and animal classification, and basic physiology. Class 12 includes advanced topics like genetics, evolution, biotechnology, and ecology.

Subject-Wise Marks Distribution in NEET 2026

Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks Weightage (%)
Physics 45 180 25%
Chemistry 45 180 25%
Biology (Botany + Zoology) 90 360 50%
Total 180 720 100%

NEET Biology: High-Weightage and Low-Weightage Chapters

Based on previous year analysis, certain chapters consistently contribute more questions to NEET. High-weightage chapters include Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Human Physiology, Animal Kingdom, Biotechnology, and Ecology. These chapters alone can contribute 40-50% of total Biology questions.

High-Weightage Chapters in NEET Biology

Chapter Name Expected Questions Approximate Weightage (%) Class
Molecular Basis of Inheritance 7-9 8-10% Class 12
Human Physiology (All Chapters) 10-14 12-16% Class 11
Animal Kingdom 5-7 5-8% Class 11
Principles of Inheritance and Variation 4-6 5-7% Class 12
Biotechnology - Principles and Processes 4-6 4-7% Class 12
Human Health and Disease 4-7 5-8% Class 12
Cell Cycle and Cell Division 4-6 4-6% Class 11
Human Reproduction 4-7 4-8% Class 12
Biomolecules 4-6 4-5% Class 11
Ecology and Environment 5-8 6-9% Class 12

Low-Weightage Chapters in NEET Biology

Chapter Name Expected Questions Approximate Weightage (%) Class
The Living World 1-2 1-2% Class 11
Biological Classification 1-2 1-2% Class 11
Body Fluids and Circulation 1-2 1-2% Class 11
Excretory Products and Their Elimination 1-2 1-2% Class 11
Respiration in Plants 1-2 1-2% Class 11
Reproductive Health 1-2 1-2% Class 12
Microbes in Human Welfare 2-4 2-4% Class 12

NEET Chapter-Wise Weightage For Botany

Botany covers topics related to plants, plant physiology, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology. It contributes 45 questions (180 marks) to the NEET Biology section. The following table shows the chapter-wise weightage based on previous year question paper analysis.

Chapter Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total Weightage (%)
Biological Classification 2 2 0 2 1 1.54%
Plant Kingdom 0 3 3 1 6 2.86%
Morphology of Flowering Plants 4 1 3 5 3 3.52%
Anatomy of Flowering Plants 3 3 3 4 2 3.30%
Cell - The Unit of Life 3 3 2 4 3 3.30%
Cell Cycle and Cell Division 5 6 6 5 0 4.84%
Biomolecules 3 3 3 5 6 4.40%
Photosynthesis in Higher Plants 2 2 3 3 2 2.64%
Respiration in Plants 1 1 2 2 0 1.32%
Plant Growth and Development 1 2 2 2 1 1.76%
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 8 6 3 2 3 4.84%
Principles of Inheritance and Variation 2 4 5 6 5 4.84%
Molecular Basis of Inheritance 11 9 7 6 7 8.79%
Biotechnology - Principles and Processes 5 4 3 2 4 3.96%
Biotechnology and Its Applications 1 2 3 3 3 2.64%
Organisms and Populations 2 2 2 2 2 2.20%
Ecosystem 3 4 3 3 2 3.30%
Biodiversity and Conservation 2 2 3 3 3 2.86%

NEET Chapter-Wise Weightage For Zoology

Zoology covers topics related to animals, human anatomy, physiology, and genetics. It also contributes 45 questions (180 marks) to the NEET Biology section. Human Physiology chapters from Class 11 carry the highest weightage in Zoology.

Chapter Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total Weightage (%)
Animal Kingdom 5 4 4 6 6 5.49%
Structural Organisation in Animals 5 4 5 2 3 4.18%
Breathing and Exchange of Gases 2 2 2 3 2 2.42%
Body Fluids and Circulation 0 2 1 2 0 1.10%
Excretory Products and Their Elimination 0 0 2 2 1 1.10%
Locomotion and Movement 2 3 2 2 2 2.42%
Neural Control and Coordination 3 2 3 3 4 3.30%
Chemical Coordination and Integration 1 0 2 4 6 2.86%
Human Reproduction 3 4 3 4 7 4.62%
Reproductive Health 4 2 2 2 0 2.20%
Evolution 3 2 2 4 1 2.64%
Human Health and Disease 4 4 4 4 7 5.06%
Microbes in Human Welfare 2 2 1 1 4 2.20%

Class 11 Biology Chapters Included in NEET

Class 11 Biology forms the foundation for NEET preparation. It covers topics from Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, and Human Physiology. These topics contribute approximately 40-45% of total Biology questions.

Unit Name Chapters Included Expected Questions
Diversity in Living World The Living World, Biological Classification, Plant Kingdom, Animal Kingdom 8-12
Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants Morphology of Flowering Plants, Anatomy of Flowering Plants, Structural Organisation in Animals 8-12
Cell Structure and Function Cell - The Unit of Life, Biomolecules, Cell Cycle and Cell Division 10-14
Plant Physiology Photosynthesis in Higher Plants, Respiration in Plants, Plant Growth and Development 5-8
Human Physiology Breathing and Exchange of Gases, Body Fluids and Circulation, Excretory Products, Locomotion and Movement, Neural Control and Coordination, Chemical Coordination and Integration 12-18

Class 12 Biology Chapters Included in NEET

Class 12 Biology covers advanced topics that are highly important for NEET. Genetics, Biotechnology, and Ecology chapters carry the highest weightage from Class 12. These chapters contribute approximately 55-60% of total Biology questions.

Unit Name Chapters Included Expected Questions
Reproduction Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, Human Reproduction, Reproductive Health 8-12
Genetics and Evolution Principles of Inheritance and Variation, Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Evolution 14-18
Biology and Human Welfare Human Health and Disease, Microbes in Human Welfare 6-10
Biotechnology Biotechnology - Principles and Processes, Biotechnology and Its Applications 6-10
Ecology and Environment Organisms and Populations, Ecosystem, Biodiversity and Conservation 8-12

Low-Weightage Chapters in NEET Biology: Should You Skip Them?

Some chapters in NEET Biology carry lower weightage, typically contributing only 1-2 questions each. These include The Living World, Biological Classification, Body Fluids and Circulation, and Reproductive Health. However, skipping these chapters is not recommended.

Low-weightage chapters often have straightforward questions that can be answered quickly. These chapters provide easy marks if you have read NCERT thoroughly. Skipping even 5-6 questions can result in losing 20-24 marks, which can significantly affect your rank. A student scoring 340 instead of 360 could drop several thousand ranks.

The recommended approach is to cover all chapters at least once. Spend less time on low-weightage chapters but do not ignore them completely. Focus on NCERT content for these chapters as most questions are directly sourced from the textbook.

Topics Frequently Asked in Previous Years

Certain topics appear repeatedly in NEET papers. Identifying these topics can help you prioritize your revision. The following topics have appeared consistently in NEET 2021-2025 papers.

  • DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation (Molecular Basis of Inheritance)
  • Mendelian Genetics and Chromosomal Theory (Principles of Inheritance)
  • Krebs Cycle and Glycolysis (Respiration in Plants)
  • Calvin Cycle and C4 Pathway (Photosynthesis)
  • Phylum-wise Classification (Animal Kingdom)
  • Types of Tissues - Plant and Animal (Anatomy and Structural Organisation)
  • Gametogenesis and Fertilisation (Human Reproduction)
  • PCR, Restriction Enzymes, and Vectors (Biotechnology)
  • Ecosystem Productivity and Energy Flow (Ecology)
  • Neural Transmission and Reflex Action (Neural Control)
  • Hormones and Their Functions (Chemical Coordination)
  • Immune System and Diseases (Human Health and Disease)

Prioritizing Chapters for Maximum Marks

A strategic approach to NEET Biology preparation involves dividing chapters into priority levels. This ensures you cover high-scoring topics first while still completing the entire syllabus.

Priority Level 1 (Must Master)

  • Molecular Basis of Inheritance
  • Principles of Inheritance and Variation
  • Human Physiology (All Chapters)
  • Animal Kingdom
  • Biotechnology - Principles and Processes
  • Human Health and Disease

Priority Level 2 (Important)

  • Cell Cycle and Cell Division
  • Biomolecules
  • Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
  • Human Reproduction
  • Ecology (Ecosystem, Biodiversity)
  • Plant Kingdom

Priority Level 3 (Cover Once)

  • The Living World
  • Biological Classification
  • Morphology of Flowering Plants
  • Anatomy of Flowering Plants
  • Reproductive Health
  • Microbes in Human Welfare

How to Get 360/360 in NEET Biology

Scoring full marks in NEET Biology is achievable with the right strategy. Approximately 90-95% of Biology questions come directly from NCERT textbooks. This makes NCERT the most important resource for Biology preparation.

Step-by-Step Strategy for 360 Marks

Step 1: Master NCERT Textbooks
Read every line of NCERT Biology Class 11 and 12 at least 5-6 times. Pay attention to diagrams, examples, and in-text questions. Mark important terms and definitions. NCERT covers everything you need for NEET Biology.

Step 2: Create Comprehensive Notes
Make short notes for each chapter including key points, flowcharts, and mnemonics. These notes help during revision and save time. Include all scientific names and terms that are frequently asked.

Step 3: Practice Diagrams Daily
Biology diagrams are scoring. Questions on labeled diagrams appear every year. Practice drawing and labeling diagrams from Human Physiology, Plant Anatomy, and Cell Biology chapters. This visual learning improves retention.

Step 4: Solve Previous Year Questions
Solve NEET previous year papers from 2015 to 2025. This helps you understand question patterns and frequently asked topics. Aim to complete at least 10 years of Biology papers with analysis.

Step 5: Take Regular Mock Tests
Practice full-length Biology mock tests weekly. Aim to complete 45 questions in 50 minutes. Analyze your mistakes and revise weak areas. Mock tests improve speed and accuracy.

Step 6: Revise Regularly
Follow a revision schedule. Revise high-weightage chapters weekly and low-weightage chapters fortnightly. Spaced repetition helps retain information for longer periods.

Top NEET Biology Topics to Score 300+ Marks

If you have limited time, focus on these high-yield topics to secure 300+ marks in Biology. These topics consistently contribute 70-75% of total Biology questions.

Topic Expected Questions Expected Marks Priority
Genetics and Evolution (Complete) 14-18 56-72 Highest
Human Physiology (Complete) 12-16 48-64 Highest
Biotechnology (Both Chapters) 6-10 24-40 High
Ecology and Environment 8-12 32-48 High
Animal Kingdom 5-7 20-28 High
Human Reproduction and Reproductive Health 6-10 24-40 High
Cell Biology (Cell Structure, Division, Biomolecules) 10-14 40-56 High
Plant Reproduction 4-6 16-24 Medium

How to Crack NEET in 10 Days

If you have only 10 days before NEET, focus on revision rather than learning new topics. A strategic last-minute preparation can help you maximize your score. Here is a 10-day plan specifically for Biology.

Day 1-2: Genetics and Evolution

Revise Molecular Basis of Inheritance and Principles of Inheritance. Focus on DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, Mendelian genetics, and pedigree analysis. Solve 50-60 MCQs from these chapters.

Day 3-4: Human Physiology

Revise Neural Control, Chemical Coordination, Breathing, Circulation, Excretion, and Locomotion. Focus on diagrams and organ functions. Practice 60-70 MCQs covering all physiology chapters.

Day 5-6: Biotechnology and Ecology

Revise PCR, vectors, restriction enzymes, applications of biotechnology, ecosystem, and biodiversity. These are fact-based chapters requiring memorization. Solve 40-50 MCQs.

Day 7-8: Cell Biology and Animal Kingdom

Revise cell structure, biomolecules, cell cycle, and animal classification. Focus on phylum characteristics and cell organelles. Practice 50-60 MCQs.

Day 9: Plant Biology

Quick revision of Plant Kingdom, Anatomy, Photosynthesis, and Reproduction. Focus on diagrams and cycles. Solve 30-40 MCQs.

Day 10: Final Revision and Mock Test

Take one full-length Biology mock test. Revise your notes and focus on weak areas. Do not learn anything new. Stay calm and confident.

NEET Biology Preparation Tips

Effective preparation requires a combination of conceptual understanding, regular practice, and strategic revision. The following tips are recommended by NEET toppers and experts.

  • Start with NCERT: Complete NCERT Biology textbooks before referring to any other book. Read line by line and mark important points. NCERT is sufficient for 90-95% of questions.
  • Understand, Don't Memorize: Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning. Understand biological processes and their significance. This helps in answering application-based questions.
  • Practice Diagrams: Draw and label diagrams daily. Practice diagrams from Human Physiology, Plant Anatomy, and Cell Structure chapters. Diagram-based questions are scoring.
  • Make Short Notes: Create concise notes with flowcharts, tables, and mnemonics. These help during quick revision. Include all scientific names and exceptions.
  • Solve MCQs Daily: Practice 50-100 MCQs daily from various chapters. This improves speed and accuracy. Analyze mistakes and revise the related topics.
  • Focus on High-Weightage Chapters: Allocate more time to Genetics, Human Physiology, Biotechnology, and Ecology. These chapters contribute maximum questions.
  • Revise Regularly: Follow the 3R rule - Read, Revise, Recall. Revise high-weightage chapters weekly. Regular revision prevents forgetting.
  • Take Mock Tests: Practice full-length mock tests under exam conditions. Analyze your performance and identify weak areas. Aim for 85%+ accuracy in Biology.
  • Use Previous Year Papers: Solve NEET previous year papers from 2015-2025. This helps understand exam patterns and frequently asked topics.
  • Stay Consistent: Study Biology for 3-4 hours daily. Consistency is more important than long study sessions. Take short breaks to avoid burnout.

Best Books for NEET Biology Chapter-Wise Preparation

Choosing the right books is crucial for NEET Biology preparation. NCERT is the most important resource, but reference books help in MCQ practice and concept clarity. The following books are recommended by toppers and experts.

Book Name Author/Publisher Best For
NCERT Biology Class 11 and 12 NCERT Foundation and Concepts (Must Read)
NCERT Exemplar Biology NCERT Advanced MCQs and Practice
Objective NCERT at Your Fingertips - Biology MTG Publications NCERT-based MCQ Practice
Trueman's Objective Biology for NEET Trueman Publication Comprehensive Theory and MCQs
MTG Complete NEET Guide Biology MTG Publications Theory, MCQs, and Previous Year Questions
Pradeep's Objective Biology Pradeep Publications Detailed Theory and Practice
Biology by GR Bathla GR Bathla Publications Advanced Concepts and Practice
33 Years NEET-AIPMT Chapterwise Solutions MTG/Arihant Previous Year Questions Practice

How to Use These Books Effectively

Phase 1 (Foundation): Complete NCERT Biology thoroughly. Read every chapter line by line. Mark important points and make notes.

Phase 2 (Practice): Use Objective NCERT at Your Fingertips for MCQ practice. Solve chapter-wise MCQs after completing each NCERT chapter.

Phase 3 (Advanced): Refer to Trueman's or MTG Complete Guide for additional concepts and difficult MCQs. Use these for topics you find challenging.

Phase 4 (Revision): Solve previous year question papers. Use 33 Years Chapterwise Solutions for comprehensive practice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NEET Biology Preparation

Many students make avoidable mistakes that affect their NEET Biology score. Being aware of these mistakes can help you prepare more effectively.

Mistake 1: Ignoring NCERT

Some students rely heavily on reference books and ignore NCERT. This is the biggest mistake. NCERT is the primary source for NEET Biology. Questions are often directly from NCERT lines, diagrams, and examples.

Mistake 2: Skipping Diagrams

Many students avoid practicing diagrams thinking they are time-consuming. However, 10-15 questions in NEET are diagram-based. Regular diagram practice can secure easy marks.

Mistake 3: Using Too Many Books

Studying from multiple reference books causes confusion and incomplete preparation. Stick to NCERT and one reference book. Complete them thoroughly rather than switching between books.

Mistake 4: Rote Learning Without Understanding

Biology requires memorization, but understanding concepts is equally important. Rote learning fails in application-based questions. Focus on understanding biological processes and their significance.

Mistake 5: Not Solving MCQs

Reading theory without practicing MCQs is ineffective. NEET is an MCQ-based exam. Practice at least 50-100 MCQs daily to improve speed and accuracy.

Mistake 6: Skipping Revision

Many students focus only on learning new topics and skip revision. Without regular revision, you forget what you learned. Follow a revision schedule and revise weekly.

Mistake 7: Neglecting Low-Weightage Chapters

Skipping low-weightage chapters can cost you 20-24 marks. Every mark counts in NEET. Cover all chapters at least once and focus on NCERT content.

Mistake 8: Poor Time Management

Spending too much time on one subject neglects others. Biology is important but Physics and Chemistry also carry 360 marks combined. Balance your preparation across all subjects.

Mistake 9: Not Taking Mock Tests

Avoiding mock tests prevents you from developing exam temperament. Regular mock tests improve time management, speed, and accuracy. Take at least one full-length test weekly.

Mistake 10: Last-Minute New Topics

Learning new topics in the last week before NEET creates confusion. Focus on revision in the final days. Strengthen what you already know rather than starting something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Molecular Basis of Inheritance consistently carries the highest weightage in NEET Biology. This chapter contributes 7-9 questions (28-36 marks) every year. Topics like DNA replication, transcription, translation, lac operon, and genetic code are frequently asked. Human Physiology chapters collectively also carry very high weightage with 12-16 questions from various physiology topics. Students who aim for 650+ marks must master these chapters thoroughly as they form the foundation of scoring well in Biology.
    NCERT is sufficient for scoring 360 marks in NEET Biology if studied thoroughly. Approximately 90-95% of Biology questions are directly or indirectly based on NCERT content. Read NCERT textbooks line by line at least 5-6 times. Pay attention to diagrams, examples, and in-text questions. Many NEET toppers have relied primarily on NCERT for Biology preparation. However, solving MCQs from reference books helps in exam practice and improves accuracy. NCERT Exemplar and previous year papers provide additional practice without needing multiple books.
    Skipping low-weightage chapters is not recommended if you aim for 300+ marks in Biology. Even low-weightage chapters like The Living World, Biological Classification, and Reproductive Health contribute 6-10 questions combined. This translates to 24-40 marks which can significantly impact your rank. Low-weightage chapters often have straightforward NCERT-based questions that are easy to answer. Cover these chapters at least once by reading NCERT thoroughly. Spend less time compared to high-weightage chapters but do not ignore them completely.
    Human Physiology chapters collectively contribute 12-16 questions (48-64 marks) in NEET Biology. This includes Breathing and Exchange of Gases, Body Fluids and Circulation, Excretory Products, Locomotion and Movement, Neural Control and Coordination, and Chemical Coordination and Integration. These chapters are from Class 11 syllabus. Questions test conceptual understanding of organ systems, diagrams, and physiological processes. Mastering Human Physiology can secure approximately 15-18% of total Biology marks.
    Both Botany and Zoology are equally important for NEET Biology. Each section contributes 45 questions and 180 marks. However, many students find Zoology relatively easier due to Human Physiology and Human Reproduction chapters which are more relatable. Botany requires more memorization of plant classification, anatomy, and physiology. High-weightage topics exist in both sections - Molecular Basis of Inheritance and Biotechnology in Botany, and Human Physiology and Animal Kingdom in Zoology. Balance your preparation across both sections for maximum score.
    Scoring 300+ marks in NEET Biology requires thorough NCERT reading and consistent MCQ practice. Complete NCERT Class 11 and 12 Biology textbooks multiple times. Focus on high-weightage chapters like Genetics, Human Physiology, Biotechnology, and Ecology first. Practice 50-100 MCQs daily and take weekly mock tests. Create short notes for revision and practice diagrams regularly. Solve previous 10 years NEET papers to understand question patterns. Avoid skipping any chapter and revise regularly following a schedule. Consistent effort over 6-8 months can help you achieve 300+ marks.
    The difficulty of chapters varies among students based on their understanding. However, Animal Kingdom is considered challenging due to the large number of phyla and their characteristics. Genetics chapters including Principles of Inheritance and Molecular Basis of Inheritance require strong conceptual clarity. Photosynthesis and Plant Physiology involve complex biochemical pathways. Many students find memorizing classification in Plant Kingdom difficult. The key to mastering these chapters is understanding concepts rather than rote learning. Use flowcharts, tables, and mnemonics to simplify complex information.
    For effective NEET Biology preparation, dedicate 3-4 hours daily to this subject. This includes 1.5-2 hours for reading NCERT and making notes, 1 hour for solving MCQs, and 30-45 minutes for revision. Since Biology carries 50% weightage, it deserves substantial time allocation. However, do not neglect Physics and Chemistry. A balanced study schedule with 3-4 hours each for Biology and Chemistry, and 2-3 hours for Physics works well for most students. Quality of study matters more than quantity, so focus on understanding concepts during your study time.
    Exact questions are rarely repeated in NEET, but similar concepts and topics appear frequently. The NTA may ask questions on the same topic with different framing or options. For example, questions on DNA replication mechanisms, Mendel's experiments, or hormone functions appear every year in some form. Solving previous 10 years' papers helps identify these recurring topics and question patterns. Focus on topics that appear repeatedly rather than expecting exact question repetition. Previous year analysis shows that 60-70% of questions test concepts from predictable high-weightage topics.
    Coaching is helpful but not mandatory for NEET Biology preparation. NCERT textbooks cover the complete syllabus comprehensively. Self-study with proper planning can be equally effective if you are disciplined. Coaching provides structured learning, doubt clarification, and regular testing. However, many toppers have cracked NEET through self-study. If you choose self-study, use good reference books for MCQ practice, join online test series, and seek help for doubts through online resources. The key is consistency and regular practice regardless of whether you join coaching or study independently.
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NEET Biology Chapter-Wise Weightage: Important Topics, Marks and Preparation Tips