The NEET UG 2025 test, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 4, brought in a huge change in pattern and difficulty, leaving most candidates unaware. As opposed to the conventional 24-question paper sets, this year featured merely four equally challenging sets, which were all analytical in nature and aimed to assess application-based knowledge.
More than 22.7 lakh aspirants took the test at 5,453 centres in 500+ cities, making it a record medical entrance test in the world.
Conceptual biology, JEE-level physics challenge aspirants
Experts say that NEET 2025 was a conscious move from rote memorization to concept-based testing. Although the questions on biology were in accordance with the NCERT syllabus, they were based strongly on testing comprehension and not memorization.
Physics and Chemistry, however, were an actual challenge. Most students found the physics part very time-consuming, and multi-step questions in Modern Physics, Electrodynamics, and Thermodynamics challenging to solve in the given time.
Many students reported that time management became a hurdle due to the complex nature of the Physics problems, especially in topics like Modern Physics, Electrodynamics, and ThermodynamicsNitin Vijay, CEO and Founder of Motion Education
Security Measures tightened post-2024 controversy.
In the wake of last year's paper leak scandal, the NTA has adhered to stricter security and alertness measures for NEET 2025. Officials ensured a clean and impartial administration of the exam across the nation.
Tough Paper May Impact Cut-Offs for Top Medical Colleges
Educationists believe that the added toughness might impact this year's cut-off, particularly for top government medical colleges.
In Physics, some JEE-level questions were asked, and in Chemistry, numericals were tough, not directly formula-based, and were above NCERT levelKeshav Agarwal, Founder of the Educator Society of India
Focus on Quality Over Quantity in Medical Admissions
Experts view the harder paper as a tactical step by the NTA to guarantee better-prepared doctors in the future.
"NEET 2025 saw a definite change in philosophy; it’s no longer a question of memorising textbook lines. The paper called for maturity, clarity of thought, and an ability to think like a doctor, right at the entrance gate. The aim appears to be to develop better-trained, analysis-sufficient medical professionals, adequate for an increasingly changing healthcare scenario. The paper required a profound conceptual understanding and excellent problem-solving skills,” Nitin Vijay, CEO and Founder of Motion Education, said.
Earlier years witnessed a massive spike in high scorers — 81,000 students scored 600+ in 2024, up from 29,000 in 2023 — with most people assuming the shift is to enhance the academic cut-off for medical aspirants.
Mr. Agarwal also referred to regional performance, stating, “Now all eyes are on Sikar, which had 17% students scoring 600+ last year compared to the national average of 2%-3%.”
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)