If you’re preparing for NEET UG 2026, it’s not enough to just know the syllabus and crack the concepts. One of the most overlooked, yet most impactful elements of this exam is negative marking. Understanding the negative marking in NEET 2026, how it works, and how to avoid it can be the difference between qualifying for a government medical college or falling just short.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the NEET 2026 negative marking system, how to calculate it, and the smart strategies you can use to minimize your score loss.
Is There Negative Marking in NEET 2026?
Yes. NEET UG 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), follows a strict negative marking system. For every correct answer, you earn 4 marks. But for every incorrect response, 1 mark is deducted. No marks are awarded or deducted for unattempted questions.
This might seem like a small penalty, but when scaled across 180 questions, it can have a massive impact on your final score and AIR.
How to Calculate Your NEET 2026 Score with Negative Marking
Here’s a simple formula every NEET aspirant should know by heart:
NEET Score = (Total Correct Answers × 4) – (Wrong Answers × 1)
For instance, if you attempt 160 questions, out of which 140 are correct and 20 are wrong:
→ Your score = (140 × 4) – (20 × 1) = 560 – 20 = 540 marks
This formula helps you understand where you stand and allows you to practice better during mock tests and test series.
Why Negative Marking Matters in NEET UG 2026
In a highly competitive exam like NEET, every mark counts. A wrong guess or a hasty answer could mean the difference between a government MBBS seat or having to take a drop year. That’s why aspirants need to be extra cautious and adopt strategies that help avoid negative marking.
Top Tips to Avoid Negative Marking in NEET 2026
If you’re wondering how toppers minimize their score loss, here are some of the proven tips they swear by:
1. Don’t Attempt Questions You’re Unsure Of
Blind guessing is a big no. Unless you’ve narrowed down to two options with logical reasoning, it’s best to leave a question unattempted. Remember, not answering is better than answering wrong.
2. Practice With Time-Bound Mock Tests
Mock tests, especially the ones designed by trusted coaching institutions like Bansal Classes, simulate the real exam environment. They train your brain to stay sharp under pressure and help you spot the types of questions you often get wrong.
3. Read Questions Carefully
One of the most common reasons for negative marking is misreading questions. Read every question and each of the four options twice before you answer. Avoid rushing even if you’re under time pressure.
4. Develop Conceptual Clarity
Many mistakes come from weak basics. Make sure you understand the ‘why’ behind every concept, not just the ‘what’. Strong fundamentals reduce errors significantly, especially in tricky Physics and Chemistry questions.
5. Elimination Method is Your Best Friend
When in doubt, use the elimination strategy. Eliminate the obviously incorrect answers first and then make an informed choice between the remaining options. This reduces the risk of a wrong answer.
6. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Stress and anxiety can cloud judgment. Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises to stay calm. A cool mind leads to fewer careless mistakes.
7. Use OMR Sheets in Practice
Practice bubbling on OMR sheets during mock tests. Many students make errors while transferring answers onto the sheet, resulting in unnecessary negative marking.
How Bansal Classes Helps You Beat Negative Marking
At Bansal Classes, we understand how crucial it is to avoid negative marking in NEET. That’s why our Best coaching in Jamshedpur and NEET repeater batch programs focus not just on academics but also on exam strategy.
With features like:
- Doubt clearance sessions
- Accuracy-focused mock tests
- One-on-one mentoring
- Concept clarity sessions
we ensure that every student builds both knowledge and confidence to attempt smartly and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Final Words
Preparing for NEET 2026 isn’t just about how much you study, but how smartly you attempt the paper. With a clear understanding of the NEET 2026 marking scheme and a focus on avoiding negative marking, you can maximize your score without taking unnecessary risks.
Start practicing early, track your mistakes, and fine-tune your approach with expert guidance from institutions like Bansal Classes Jamshedpur. Remember, your dream college is just a few marks away—don’t let negative marking pull you down.