NEET MDS 2025 Exam Pattern (Changed): Time-Bound Section, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking

NEET MDS 2025 Exam pattern introduced by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) features sectional timings for the first time. The exam is divided into two parts—Part A and Part B—with time limits of 75 minutes and 105 minutes, respectively. Candidates are not allowed to move to the next section before the allotted time ends, and once Part A concludes, revisiting or editing responses in that section is not permitted. The NEET MDS 2025 was conducted in online computer-based mode (CBT) on April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in a single session across 59 cities. The exam covers the BDS curriculum, including Pre-Clinical, Paraclinical, and Clinical subjects. A total of 240 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are asked, with each question carrying four options. The exam assesses the candidate’s knowledge and application of concepts across the dental syllabus.

Changes in the NEET MDS 2025 Exam Pattern?

The NEET MDS 2025 exam pattern has undergone major changes, introducing sectional time limits & a locked-section format. This new structure aims to enhance time management skills & evaluate focused understanding in a controlled, section-wise testing environment.

• The NEET MDS 2025 exam pattern has been restructured from previous years to introduce a more time-bound approach.
• Earlier, candidates could attempt 240 questions in 3 hours with the freedom to review and switch between questions.
• In the new format, the exam includes 200 questions divided into 5 sections, with 40 questions per section.
• Each section has a fixed time limit of 42 minutes, resulting in a total exam duration of 3.5 hours.
• Once a section is completed, it gets locked—candidates cannot revisit or edit answers from previous sections.
• This change emphasises section-wise time management and discourages dependency on more manageable sections to save time for difficult ones.
• The revised pattern tests focused on understanding and real-time decision-making under time constraints.

Also Check: NEET MDS 2025 Syllabus

NEET MDS 2025 Exam Pattern

The NEET MDS 2025 exam pattern outlines the test's structure, duration, question format, and marking scheme. The table below provides a clear overview of the exam's key components and sectional details.

Also Check: NEET MDS 2025 Result

NEET MDS 2025 Section-wise Distribution

The NEET MDS 2025 exam is structured into two sections—Part A and Part B—with a total of 240 multiple-choice questions. Part A consists of questions from basic sciences, while Part B covers clinical subjects. This sectional division helps assess both foundational knowledge and practical understanding essential for postgraduate dental education.

NEET MDS 2025 Marking Scheme

The NEET MDS 2025 marking scheme outlines how candidates will be awarded marks for each response. Understanding the marking rules helps in better exam preparation and reduces the chances of losing marks due to negative marking.

NEET MDS 2025 Syllabus

The NEET MDS 2025 syllabus covers various topics from the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) curriculum. It includes subjects from pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical areas, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the requirements for postgraduate dental studies.

NEET MDS 2025: How to Prepare for the New Exam Format

To succeed in the revised NEET MDS 2025 exam format, candidates must adopt a focused preparation strategy that emphasises practice, time management, and personalised performance tracking.

• Begin mock test practice early: Starting section-wise mock tests in advance will help build familiarity with the new format and improve performance under timed conditions.
• Prioritise time management: With only 42 minutes allotted per section, quick and accurate answering is essential. There's no option to return to earlier sections, so time must be managed within each.
• Stay informed: Monitor official updates on the exam format and base preparation on verified details to adapt effectively.

NEET MDS 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs