Unit-Wise Chapters, Botany and Zoology Explained
Biology is definitely the deciding factor. It contributes 50% of your total marks and if you revise thoroughly from the NCERT books then you can remember a good chunk of it. Therefore, if you skip any topics you are losing marks.
This guide will walk you through every part of the Biology syllabus for NEET 2026. We will look at how the Botany and Zoology sections split the paper and how to revise efficiently. Please note this exam has already happened (re-exam on 21 June 2026) so this page would be most beneficial to those preparing for the next cycle. I couldn’t find any official information on the 2027 syllabus so this is the most up to date source.
NEET Biology Syllabus 2026 at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | NEET (UG) 2026 |
| Conducting authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Syllabus prescribed by | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Official source | neet.nta.nic.in, “Syllabus for NEET (UG)-2026 Examination” |
| Biology sections | Botany and Zoology |
| Questions from Biology | 90 (45 Botany + 45 Zoology) |
| Marks from Biology | 360 out of 720 |
| Units | 10 (5 in Class 11, 5 in Class 12) |
| Marking scheme | +4 for a correct answer, −1 for a wrong answer (as reported) |
How much of the NEET is Biology?
The NEET exam consists of 180 mandatory multiple-choice questions. There are 4 sections of 45 questions each – Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology. This means there are 90 questions on Biology (half of the 720 marks).
This means that scoring well in the 300s purely from biology will give you a good base to work off. However, if you score poorly in Biology it will be difficult to make up the difference.
Botany and Zoology – What’s the difference?
Although the NEET exam splits Botany and Zoology into two sections of 45 questions each, the exam is split into sections based on units. Some sections are mainly Botany whilst others are mainly Zoology.
Mainly Botany: Plant Kingdom Morphology of Flowering Plants Anatomy of Flowering Plants Plant Physiology Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants.
Mainly Zoology:
Animal Kingdom Animal Tissues Human Physiology Human Reproduction Human Health.
Both: Cell Biology Genetics and Evolution Biotechnology Ecology.
However, the exact topic breakdown can vary between the two sections. This means you cannot guarantee where a certain topic will go.
Class 11 Biology Syllabus (Units I to V)
Chapter titles below follow the NCERT naming. The official NTA file decides which sub-topics are in scope.
| Unit | Chapters typically covered |
|---|---|
| I. Diversity in the Living World | The Living World; Biological Classification; Plant Kingdom; Animal Kingdom |
| II. Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants | Morphology of Flowering Plants; Anatomy of Flowering Plants; Structural Organisation in Animals |
| III. Cell: Structure and Function | Cell: The Unit of Life; Biomolecules; Cell Cycle and Cell Division |
| IV. Plant Physiology | Transport in Plants; Photosynthesis in Higher Plants; Respiration in Plants; Plant Growth and Development |
| V. Human Physiology | Digestion and Absorption; Breathing and Exchange of Gases; Body Fluids and Circulation; Excretory Products and Their Elimination; Locomotion and Movement; Neural Control and Coordination; Chemical Coordination and Integration |
Unit I contains lots of classification so you can score well by remembering. Create a single page table showing all the main features of each group along with some examples.
Unit III forms the basis of your understanding. It will help you with genetics, physiology and biotechnology. If you don’t understand this unit, it will let you down.
Unit V is the biggest block of work in class 11. It contains the most Zoology. There are 7 different body systems, so we will have 7 different sections looking at their structures, functions and associated diseases. Think of them as mini syllabuses.
Class 12 Biology Syllabus (Units VI to X)
| Unit | Chapters typically covered |
|---|---|
| VI. Reproduction | Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants; Human Reproduction; Reproductive Health |
| VII. Genetics and Evolution | Principles of Inheritance and Variation; Molecular Basis of Inheritance; Evolution |
| VIII. Biology and Human Welfare | Human Health and Disease; Microbes in Human Welfare |
| IX. Biotechnology and Its Applications | Biotechnology: Principles and Processes; Biotechnology and Its Applications |
| X. Ecology and Environment | Organisms and Populations; Ecosystem; Biodiversity and Conservation |
Unit VII is known to be the heaviest unit with lots of concepts and calculations. Practice the inheritance questions!
Unit X is underestimated. This is a descriptive unit with simple language. If you thoroughly go through the NCERT chapters you will easily gain marks.
Has the Biology Syllabus Changed for 2026?
According to the coaching and educational websites the Biology Syllabus has not changed for 2026. It will follow the rationalised syllabus that was notified by the NMC. However, some websites do mention that some sub-topics have been reduced in certain plant physiology chapters. As I could not find exact lists and there are conflicting views from different sources, I have not included any deleted topics.
To be safe, go through your notes and compare them to the syllabus PDF provided by the NTA. Anything in the PDF should be covered in your notes. Anything not in the PDF can be ignored.
Why NCERT?
NEET Biology is well known to be largely based on the NCERT books for both classes 11 and 12. Many of the questions will be testing your knowledge of specific statements, labelled diagrams and examples. Teachers will advise you to go through your notes line by line, including captions and boxed text.
However, remember that the NCERT is just a foundation. The syllabus file will tell you what you need to know. Use the NCERT to learn the information and the NTA file to know what to include.
How to Revise Each Section
Each unit will require a different approach:
Classification and Diversity – Unit I – Create comparison tables. Group your features, examples and exceptions together and frequently revise.
Structure and Anatomy – Unit II – Draw diagrams. Drawing cross sections of stems and cockroach organ systems will help to secure your knowledge of how they look.
Cell Biology and Biomolecules – Unit III – Know each stage of the cell cycle. Don’t miss out on enzymes and structures of biomolecules.
Plant Physiology – Unit IV – Use flowcharts. Photosynthesis and respiration are processes so learn the stages, inputs and outputs. Practice questions which combine these.
Human Physiology – Unit V – Focus on one system at a time. End with disorders. Create a short list of hormones, enzymes and their origins.
Reproduction – Unit VI – Know the order of events and labelled diagrams. Both flowering plant and human reproduction will benefit from clear, organised notes.
Genetics – Unit VII – Practice crossing until you know the patterns. Understand the molecular chapter as it is a process. Replication, transcription and translation.
Health, Biotechnology and Ecology – Units VIII-X – Descriptive and applied. Revise in short bursts and practice lots of questions.
A Simple Structure
This is a logical way to revise but will not guarantee you any marks.
- Initial revision – Go through each chapter in the NCERT and create short notes. Tick off the unit on your tracker.
- Practice – Go through questions chapter by chapter. Note down any mistakes and what caused them.
- Revise – Revise the units in order. Start with diagrams and tables.
- Practice Papers – Sit full papers and carefully go through the Biology section.
As you will lose a mark for getting the answer incorrect, accuracy is key. As Biology is an easy topic to lose marks on, only mark what you can justify.
Common Errors
Ignoring Class 11 as it feels like fresh content.
Studying from old notes which contain deleted topics.
Only doing NCERT once.
Not looking at diagrams, tables and boxed text.
Leaving Ecology, Biotechnology and Health until the last few days.
How to Download the Official Syllabus - Visit neet.nta.nic.in.
- Click ‘Public Notices’ on the home page.
- Click on ‘Syllabus for NEET (UG)-2026 Examination’.
You can also check the NMC website nmc.org.in for the syllabus set by the commission.
NEET Biology Syllabus 2027
When I looked on the NTA NEET website there was no 2027 syllabus or bulletin. The homepage was last updated on 19 th September 2026. However, multiple third party websites state that the 2027 syllabus will be similar to current. This is just an assumption so use the 2026 file as your working syllabus. Regularly check the NTA and NMC.
FAQ
Q. How many Biology questions are there?
A. There are 90 questions total (45 Botany and 45 Zoology).
Q. How many marks is Biology worth?
A. Biology is worth 360 marks (half of the paper).
Q. How many units are in the NEET Biology Syllabus?
A. There are 10 units (5 in class 11 and 5 in class 12).
Q. Is NEET Biology all from NCERT?
A. NEET Biology is well known to be largely based on the NCERT so make sure to thoroughly go through it. However, the official syllabus file will tell you what you need to know.
Q. What is the difference between Botany and Zoology?
A. These are two separate sections containing 45 questions each. Botany will mostly contain plant related topics such as plant physiology and plant reproduction. Zoology will mostly contain animal related topics such as human physiology and health. Cell Biology, genetics, biotechnology and ecology will be shared.
Q. Which Biology units are the most important?
A. Many third party analysis suggest that Genetics and Evolution, Human Physiology, Ecology and Cell Biology are the heavier units. NTA do not publish any official chapter weightage so use this as a guide.
Q. Has the Biology syllabus changed for 2026?
A. According to coverage, the Biology syllabus has not changed. It will follow the same rationalised syllabus as last year. However, if there are any specific sub-topics, check the NTA PDF.
Q. Where can I download the official NEET Biology syllabus PDF?
A. Go to neet.nta.nic.in. Click ‘Public Notices’. Click on the file ‘Syllabus for NEET (UG)-2026 Examination’.
Q. Should I revise Class 11 Biology?
A. Yes! Class 11 is part of the syllabus and contains some of the heaviest units such as Human Physiology.
Q. Can I get a good mark in Biology if I just revise NCERT?
A. NCERT is key but most students will need to practice lots of questions and practice papers. No method of studying will guarantee you a certain mark.
Q. Is there an official NEET Biology syllabus for 2027?
A. I could not find one. Make sure to check neet.nta.nic.in and nmc.org.in.