Is NEET Exam Tough? Know Top 10 Factors Effecting Difficulty Level

Is NEET Exam Tough? NEET (National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test) exam is indeed one of the toughest national medical entrance exams in India. The competition being utterly high and the factor of limited seats for admissions makes NEET even tougher.

Each year the number of applicants is rising, and the cut-off is increasing simultaneously. Thus, making it even more challenging.

10 Reasons Which Make NEET A Tough Exam

Candidates wondering is NEET exam tough should check out the following top 10 reasons that make NEET a tough exam.

1. Combination of Subjects

NEET encompasses three focus subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). Often, most of the questions are based on derivations, chemical equations, numerical problems, and more which need a lot of practice and a good time frame to master the same. However, depending on a student’s calibre, the intensity of grasping the concepts of the three subjects, and practice, the exam difficulty can be brought down. 

Physics usually has the most difficult questions among the other two, as stated by a majority of the students. Chemistry and Biology aren't a bed of roses either. However, the difficulty of these subjects can be reduced with lots of practice and clear concepts. When there's a will, there's a way.

2. High Participation and Comparison

Aspirants wondering is NEET exam tough should go through the following pointers related to high participation and comparison in NEET. 

• The number of candidates appearing for the NEET exam is increasing every year by a proportionate amount. There was an increase of 14.52% of candidates appearing for the NEET 2019 Exam as compared to the NEET Exam 2018.
• According to the NEET 2019 exam, which was conducted on May 05, 2019, 15 lakh candidates registered and out of those 15 lakh candidates, 14 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET 2019 exam.
• Out of the 14 lakh candidates, only 7,97,042 candidates qualified for the NEET 2019 exam. The pass percentage was 56.49%.
• The highest mark scored was 701 in 2019, while in 2018, it was 691.
• The cut-off score of the NEET 2019 exam for candidates belonging to the unreserved category was at the 50th percentile, while it was at the 40th percentile for the reserved category.

It is a known fact that every year lakhs of students turn up for the NEET exam making competitiveness high. However, the high numbers mustn't make a student sad since even in that case, and students do clear the exam and get their desired seats. A lot of times, students attempt the exam multiple times, which again can be a factor in determining its difficulty on a personal level.

Also Read: NEET Dress Code 2025 for Male & Female

3. Changes in the Marks and Ranks Based on the Difficulty Level

Every year the marks vs rank for NEET will be based on different criteria and section-wise questions. But the most important points for the analysis are:

• The NEET question paper's difficulty level
• How prepared are the candidates for the NEET exam?
• Lastly, the number of candidates that have appeared for the exam.

With the NEET exam being one of the most important exams where lakhs of people appear for the exam, the competition is high. Hence, the students should prepare themselves to achieve a good rank with hard work and determination.

4. Less Time For Exam Completion and Preparation

Time management and preparing for the exam in a few months is a challenge. Since students also appear for other exams other than NEET, balancing all of them can be a test. However, with the proper timetable, it can be tackled. Check out the yearly NEET Exam Pattern to assess your preparation. The vast syllabus is also a factor.

The time allocated for the NEET exam is another factor that makes it tough. However, the exam paper is made after accessing the student's problem-solving and time-management skills. So overall, it is doable.  

Also Read: How to Change NEET 2025 Exam Centres?

5. Different Syllabus in Comparison with the State/Other Boards

The NEET exam syllabus differs from the state board in terms of the extra addition of topics under the same syllabus. This can cause problems where even a decimal point matters in competition. Preparation for NEET, on the other hand, is a huge time investment, keeping in mind that NEET is conducted quickly after the final board exams. This is again another setback/obstacle for the students. 

The total questions comprise 180 MCQs i.e. 45 questions in all the sections viz., Biology (Zoology & Botany), Physics, and Chemistry. The total marks for NEET 2020 are 720 marks with 3 hours of exam duration.  Also, the CBSE students have an edge as their subject topics match the syllabus. Learn all about NEET Syllabus to get a better understanding of the topics asked in the exam.

6. Preparing at the Last Moment

Many students writing entrance exams often take the syllabus lightly, start with it steadily, then lag behind and complain. This certain habit should be taken care of at the earliest by attending coaching classes or crash courses or pursuing self-study in advance to avoid this failure.

The 11th class syllabus is apt for the preparation of NEET right after passing your 10th standard. Start preparation early from 11th grade itself, apart from your daily academic routine of the year or for the next year (according to the session). You can take tuitions on the subjects, attempt mock tests, and e-trials. Revise daily at least one chapter for 20-30 minutes. Often, the ones who prepare for the exam from the start are the real achievers.

The last-moment readiness leads to disappointments, rush, and panic. Avoid touching the exam topics very late. 

Also Read: NEET Mock Test 2025

7. Absence of Self-Confidence

“As is our confidence, so is our capacity- William Hazlitt”

Self-esteem is essential for success, as the higher the standard of exams, the higher the demand for confidence and abilities. In fact, a candidate mustn't feel demoralized as cracking this exam is not difficult if a person is confident in their approach. Be it droppers, or graduate students, without self-confidence and motivation; it might be difficult to achieve. So don't lose hope.

8. Inadequate Guidance Available

The most important factor is guidance with all the above points mentioned. For instance, without knowing the map and route, one wouldn't know where and how to travel to reach the destination point.

Similarly, understand what is the main scope of appearing in the exam, the subject field, and where it would lead to! Try to get in touch with the exam veterans, teachers, and seniors who can guide you. The NEET exams are most favoured by those students eagerly wanting to join/get direct entry into Medical, Dental, Ayurveda, or other related fields.

Most students end up in the wrong colleges or fields without learning about the subject, career prospects, and the field properly. Give a good thought on your interests, take advice from the exam counsellors, or experts, and give the perfect shot.

Also Read: NEET Exam Centres List 2025

9. Lack of Proper Study Materials

With such a huge number of good books in the market and multiple references, confusion is valid. There are a good number of students who stay in a dilemma as to which books to read according to the NTA pattern. They also feel confused about whether to opt for NCERT, notes of experts, and more. This wastes a lot of time and money.

Students must go for standardized books and resources. There are multiple free resources available on the internet in the form of e-books, YouTube videos of students who have cracked the exam, mock papers, and more which can be helpful.

10. You are your own Environment

Competition is everywhere in our daily lives! No exaggeration. You should rely purely on the syllabus of the subjects. Any national exams or other higher levels of entrance exams can be strategized and worked upon, be it JEE and NEET exams, NET, or UPSC CSE. Any exam can be easy if you focus on -

• Practising your weak subjects and mastering the strong ones
• Exams study plan and adequate revisions
• Understanding the exam pattern and paper analysis
• A healthy diet, a good night's sleep, and time for hobbies
• Good study breaks
• Discipline towards goals

Considering the above-mentioned factors, like the combination of subjects, high cutoffs, number of seats, etc., the NEET exam is quite challenging and tough. However, with constant efforts, focus, and dedication, candidates can crack this medical entrance exam.

Also Read: How to Crack NEET 2025?