The medical entrance exam concluded on May 5, 2019. ANURAG TIWARI breaks down this year’s paper and tells you that a score of 130 will be a qualifier

The NEET 2019 analysis and cut-off after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) concluded on May 5, 2019. This year, the overall NEET question paper was of moderate difficulty level. While Physics section was moderate, Chemistry was easy and Biology was difficult.

The overall Physics section of the paper was of moderate difficulty level. Up to 60 per cent questions were easy, 30 per cent were of medium difficulty level and only 10 per cent questions were relatively tough. This year 60 per cent of questions were based on NCERT. While 70 per cent of questions were based on numerical, 30 per cent comprised of theoretical questions. Also, 45 per cent of questions were asked from Class XI syllabus and 55 per cent questions were asked from Class XII. As compared to last year, this year's paper was easy and required less calculations. In terms of subject-wise distribution, approximately 40 per cent questions were asked from Electricity and Magnetism, 40 per cent from Mechanics and the balance 20 per cent from Modern Physics.

The Chemistry section of the paper was easy. Large majority of questions were asked from NCERT. Almost all the chapters were covered. Mostly theory based questions were asked and only 20 per cent questions were based on numerical. While 55 per cent of questions were based on class XI syllabus, 45 per cent questions were based on class XII syllabus. Around 20 per cent questions were asked from Organic Chemistry. The questions were quite fundamental and basic and were based on NCERT. From Physical Chemistry, approximately 42 per cent questions were asked. These comprise both numerical and theoretical questions. The numerical questions were easy in nature and involved mostly a two-step solution and were direct and formulae based. It was surprising that no questions were asked from Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acid which are considered to be important topics. As compared to last year, the Chemistry section was easy and almost all the chapters were touched upon.

Biology is the most important section of the paper as it carries maximum weightage. The Zoology part of the section was difficult. Around 40 questions were asked. Some of the questions were quite tricky and difficult.

Approximately 60-70 per cent questions were based on NCERT. Many questions were asked outside the realm of CBSE. Some of the questions also deviated from the syllabus. While 60% questions were asked from class XI, 40 per cent were asked from class XII syllabus. More questions were from Human Physiology and Biotechnology.

From Botany, 50 questions were asked. Here more than 90 per cent questions were based on NCERT. More questions were asked from Microbes and Ecology. Though questions were asked directly from NCERT, they were tricky and difficult. More statement based questions were asked. As a result, the Botany part was lengthy.

Overall the Biology section covered almost all the chapters. However, as compared to last year, the Biology section was difficult.

Expected Cutoff

To qualify in NEET 2019, candidates have to score equal to or more than the prescribed minimum percentile of marks in NEET 2019. This year, we expect a student from general category to score anywhere between 120-130 marks to qualify in NEET 2019. It is to be noted that NEET 2019 qualifying cut-off is determined category-wise, so when checking cut-off, candidates should to refer the cut-off percentile in their respective categories only.

The writer is National Academic Director (Medical) Aakash Educational Services Limited