Only First 10 Attempted Questions would be evaluated: NTA clarifies via Email on New Exam Pattern for NEET 2021

"It is important that the candidates do not attempt more than 10 questions because only the first 10 attempted questions will be considered for evaluation/marking," official NTA email was quoted stating by Hindustan Times.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that introducing changes in the exam pattern this year, NTA has now provided internal choice in the question paper. Now, each subject will be divided into two sections, and in the second section, students will have to answer 10 questions out of a total of 15 questions.

The NEET 2021 shall consist of one Question Paper containing 180 Multiple Choice Questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology).

However, modifying the question pattern, NTA has introduced internal choice and has divided each subject into two different sections. The revised Test pattern of NEET (UG)-2021 comprises of two Sections. Each subject will consist of two sections. Section A will consist of 35 Questions and Section B will have 15 questions, out of these 15 Questions, candidates can choose to attempt any 10 Questions.

Clarifying the reason for introducing internal choice in the question paper, NTA in the Information Bulletin has stated, "Furthermore, to rationalize the decision of reduction in the syllabus by various School Education Boards, the NTA has taken the decision to provide choice in Section "B" for each of the 4 (four) subjects."

NTA had also mentioned in the Bulletin that "the total number of questions and utilization of time will remain the same."

Confused and concerned over this new pattern, the medical aspirants and their parents had already written to NTA seeking clarity on the aspects of negative marking, and demanding the immediate release of mock test papers.

Also Read: NEET 2021: Change in Exam Pattern, Students Write to NTA seeking Clarity

As per the latest media report by Hindustan Times, NTA has recently responded to those queries by the students and parents and has clarified via email, "The test pattern of NEET-UG has been modified, and in every subject students will attempt 35 questions mandatorily and of the remaining 15, one should attempt only 10 questions. It is important that the candidates do not attempt more than 10 questions because only the first 10 attempted questions will be considered for evaluation/marking."

"As students have to choose and attempt only 10 out of the 15 questions, the utilisation of time will remain the same, thus clarifying that the total time given for the exam remains the same this year as well (sic)," further added the NTA email while responding to the queries.

Satisfied over the response shared by NTA, a parent and an activist told HT, "We are glad that NTA has reverted to our emails and specified the marking scheme, clearing all doubts in the minds of the aspirants. Many were confused about the change in paper pattern and this response from NTA has given much-required relief to more than 1.5 million NEET aspirants."

Also Read: NEET 2021 candidates ask for postponement, Health Minister says no such plan