The NEET PG exam is mandatory for postgraduate medical admission in India. With so many subjects and amounts of study material to cover, one of the most strategic ways to get high marks in NEET PG preparation is by understanding the subject-wise weightage. Knowing how much each subject contributes to the exam can help you plan your study schedule more effectively, ensuring you spend the right amount of time on each topic and in this blog we will discuss NEET PG subject wise weightage, read this article and get full information about NEET PG exam.
Understanding the NEET PG Exam Format
Before we get into the weightage breakdown, it’s essential to understand the structure of the NEET PG exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which are divided into 19 subjects. The questions are based on subjects that you have studied during your undergraduate medical education (MBBS).
NEET PG Subject Wise Weightage
Subject | Weightage (%) |
---|---|
Anatomy | 15 |
Physiology | 10 |
Biochemistry | 10 |
Pharmacology | 10 |
Microbiology | 10 |
Pathology | 12 |
Forensic Medicine | 6 |
Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM) | 7 |
General Medicine | 20 |
General Surgery | 20 |
Obstetrics and Gynecology | 15 |
Pediatrics | 10 |
Orthopedics | 5 |
Ophthalmology | 5 |
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) | 5 |
Radiology | 5 |
The exam has a total duration of 3.5 hours, and each correct answer gives you 4 marks, while incorrect answers result in a penalty of 1 mark. Given the competitive nature of the exam, scoring well is all about focusing on topics and understanding the subject-wise weightage to make your preparation more strategic.
Importance of NEET PG Subject Wise Weightage
The allocation of questions across subjects can vary each year, but by analyzing previous exams, we can evaluate how much weight each subject generally carries. This knowledge is because it helps candidates allocate their study time more effectively. High-weightage subjects need more in-depth preparation, while low-weightage subjects can be covered with less time.
No. of Question NEET PG Subject Wise Weightage
When preparing for NEET PG, the goal should be to balance your preparation across all subjects but to give extra attention to the topics that have a higher number of questions. You are more likely to secure a higher score, improving your chances of getting into a good medical college for your postgraduate studies.
- Anatomy
Anatomy is a fundamental subject that is the basis for understanding other medical subjects. It carries around 15-20 questions in NEET PG. The questions are often clinical in nature, testing not only theoretical knowledge but also the application of anatomical knowledge in real-life scenarios. It’s important to focus on the key systems, such as the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system.
- Physiology
Physiology has a similar weightage to Anatomy, contributing around 15-20 questions in the exam. Physiology is the study of the body’s functions, and understanding of how different organs and systems work. Topics like the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and renal physiology are often asked in the exam. Focus on understanding physiological processes rather than memorizing facts, as NEET PG often tests your ability to apply concepts in clinical situations.
- Biochemistry
Biochemistry deals with the chemical processes within living organisms. This subject generally carries about 10-15 questions. The topics you need to focus on include metabolism (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids), enzyme function, and genetic material. Understanding the biochemical pathways and their regulation is key for answering clinical questions.
- Pharmacology
Pharmacology is important for understanding how drugs work and interact with the body. NEET PG usually includes about 10-15 questions from this subject. The focus is on drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and drug interactions. Given its direct clinical application, it’s important to memorize important drug classes and their side effects, as well as to understand pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Microbiology
Microbiology is another subject that contributes around 10-15 questions in the exam. The questions are generally focused on bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and mycology. You must also have a good understanding of immunology, as it often overlaps with other branches like Pathology and Pharmacology. Topics like bacterial infections, viral diseases, and the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance are commonly tested.
- Pathology
Pathology is a subject that deals with the study of diseases and their effects on the body. It has one of the highest weightages, with 15-20 questions typically appearing in the NEET PG exam. Pathology questions are clinical and are often based on systemic pathology, such as cardiac, respiratory, and renal pathologies. Focus on understanding the pathophysiology of common diseases, diagnostic criteria, and laboratory findings.
- Forensic Medicine
Forensic Medicine typically contributes 5-10 questions. While it is not as weighted as other subjects, it is still important because it deals with the application of medical knowledge to legal issues, such as determining causes of death or injury. Topics like forensic toxicology, forensic pathology, and medico-legal aspects are essential areas to focus on.
- Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM)
SPM, also known as Community Medicine, is one of the more significant subjects in terms of public health. This subject carries around 10-15 questions. It involves understanding epidemiology, health statistics, vaccination schedules, environmental health, and national health programs. Given its relevance to health policies, this subject can be provided if approached strategically.
- Medicine
Medicine is one of the most important subjects in NEET PG, with a weightage of 20-25 questions. It involves a deep understanding of common medical conditions, diagnostics, and treatments across various specialties like cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. The questions are generally clinical, focusing on patient management, disease processes and foundation in internal medicine is essential.
- Surgery
Surgery, much like Medicine, is a major subject with 20-25 questions. You should focus on general surgery, as well as key subspecialties like orthopedics, urology, and cardiothoracic surgery. NEET PG often tests clinical decision-making in surgical contexts, so practicing clinical scenarios and understanding surgical techniques is important.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology usually carry 10-15 questions in NEET PG. Questions often revolve around pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well as gynecological disorders such as menstrual abnormalities, tumors, and infections. Having a sound understanding of obstetric emergencies, family planning methods, and prenatal care is key for success in this subject.
- Pediatrics
Pediatrics carries around 10-15 questions in NEET PG. Key areas of focus include pediatric growth development, vaccinations, pediatric emergencies, and common diseases in children.
- Orthopedics
Orthopedics usually contributes 5-10 questions. This subject has questions around musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, dislocations, and joint diseases. NEET PG often includes questions that test both your theoretical knowledge and your ability to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions.
- ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
ENT typically carries 5-10 questions. This subject focuses on common disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, including infections, tumors, and congenital abnormalities. Understanding basic ENT procedures and treatments is essential for this subject.
- Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology, which deals with eye-related conditions, generally accounts for 5-10 questions. The focus is on common eye diseases, like cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, and retinal disorders. It’s important to understand both the clinical and surgical management of eye conditions.
- Dermatology
Dermatology usually has 5-10 questions. Common topics include skin infections, dermatological diseases, and conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and treatment protocols for common dermatological conditions is critical.
Tips for Preparation Based on Weightage
When preparing for NEET PG, prioritize subjects with higher weightage, like Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pathology. Allocate more time to these subjects, but don’t totally neglect low-weightage subjects completely. Ensure a balanced approach by focusing on topics within each subject.
Regularly revise, use practice tests, and take mock exams to familiarize yourself with the exam format. Time management during the exam is also essential be sure to practice answering questions within the allotted time.

FAQs:
Ans. It helps you prioritize subjects and topics that carry more marks, allowing you to allocate more time and effort to high-weightage subjects.
Ans. The subjects with the highest weightage in NEET PG are Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pathology. These subjects typically contribute around 20-25 questions each. Focusing on these subjects will yield significant results.
Ans. To effectively divide your study time, allocate more time to high-weightage subjects like Medicine, Surgery, and Pathology. For subjects with lower weightage like Orthopedics or Dermatology, allocate less time, but don’t ignore them completely.
Ans. While all subjects are important, you can give relatively less time to subjects with lower weightage, such as Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology.
Ans. Both theory and practical questions are equally important. It’s essential to first build a strong theoretical foundation by understanding key concepts, especially in subjects like Pathology and Physiology.
Ans. Revision is crucial, especially in the last 1-2 months leading up to the exam. You should aim for at least 30-40% of your study time to be spent on revision. Focus more on high-weightage subjects during this period and make sure to revise important clinical concepts, drug classifications, and diagnostic criteria.
Ans. Regularly take mock tests and practice papers to assess your preparation. This will help you get familiar with the exam format, time management, and identify your weak areas.
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Conclusion:
Understanding the subject wise weightage for NEET PG allows you to prepare and focus on areas that will give you the maximum marks in your exam for your time and effort. While it’s essential to cover the entire syllabus, giving more attention to high-weightage subjects can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, a well-planned and consistent study routine, combined with strategic revision, is the key to score high marks in NEET PG. With focused preparation and a clear understanding of the NEET PG subject wise weightage, you will be well on your way to securing a high rank in the exam and advancing your medical career.