New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has successfully conducted the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET UG) exam on May 4, 2025. India’s gateway to pursue medical education was conducted without major disruptions. The NEET UG entrance exam was held from 2 pm to 5 pm for more than 22.7 lakh medical aspirants. NTA officials said over 20.8 lakh candidates appeared for the exam.

This year, NTA has released only four sets of question papers, rather than the usual 24 paper sets. This not only surprised the candidates but also the experts in the field. The four NEET UG question paper 2025 codes are – sets 45, 46, 47 and 48. NTA’s aim in reducing the number of question papers is to ensure uniformity across all papers. However, the decision received mixed reactions from experts and students as it was a trade-off between simplifying the examination process and emphasising analytical and application-based learning.

Nitin Vijay, CEO of Motion Education, said, “Rather than the usual 24 paper sets, the NTA released only four sets, all four of which had a uniformly more difficult format. NEET UG 2025 saw a definite change in philosophy, it’s no longer a question of memorizing textbook lines. The paper called for maturity, clarity of thought, and an ability to think like a doctor, right at the entrance gate.”

“This is a conscious attempt on the part of the NTA to improve the levels of selection, in accordance with the global trend towards competency-based medical education. The aim appears to be to develop better trained, analysis-sufficient medical professionals, adequate for an increasingly changing healthcare scenario. The paper required a profound conceptual understanding and excellent problem-solving skills,” he added.

Physics poses major hurdle for aspirants

The Physics section in NEET UG 2025 was reported to be the toughest compared to Chemistry and Biology. Many experts also reported the questions in the Physics section is time-consuming. Pillamudi Ramakrishna, CEO of SISYA Class, said, “With a vast syllabus, students had to invest more time in solving a historically tough Physics section.”

Ujjwal Singh, founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, said, “Physics proved mathematically-intensive, characterized by analytical reasoning and practical applications. Many questions required elaborate, multi-stage problem-solving processes that tested candidates’ comprehensive understanding, leaving less room for scoring marks.”

NEET 2025 cut-off likely to dip slightly

Mr Nikhil Sachan, Director of Careerkick Services, said, “NEET cut-off 2025 could see a modest dip compared to 2024, primarily due to a reduction in the number of aspirants and difficulty level.”

Candidates can find the expected NEET UG cut-off marks 2025 and percentage. The table below has been prepared based on the analysis of the exam and the difficulty level.

The NEET UG 2025 examination transcended simple formula application and factual recollection, instead requiring candidates to demonstrate intellectual maturity through their capacity to navigate complex, multi-dimensional problems.