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Complete NEET 2026 Biology syllabus with all chapters, topics, and sub-topics from Class 11 and 12 NCERT. Official NTA syllabus with preparation tips from AIIMS faculty.
Remember these points for your NEET preparation
The NEET 2026 Biology syllabus is based on Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT textbooks. With 90 questions worth 360 marks, Biology is the most scoring subject in NEET. This comprehensive guide covers every chapter, topic, and sub-topic you need to study.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 90 (45 Botany + 45 Zoology) |
| Total Marks | 360 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong |
| Question Source | Class 11 & 12 NCERT Biology |
| Exam Authority | NTA (National Testing Agency) |
| Exam Date 2026 | May 4, 2026 (Expected) |
This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of biology and classification of organisms.
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| What is Living? | Characteristics of living organisms, Growth, Reproduction, Metabolism, Cellular organization |
| Biodiversity | Types of biodiversity, Importance |
| Need for Classification | Taxonomy, Systematics |
| Taxonomic Categories | Species, Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum, Kingdom |
| Taxonomical Aids | Herbarium, Botanical gardens, Museums, Zoological parks, Keys |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Two Kingdom Classification | Limitations |
| Five Kingdom Classification | Criteria - Cell structure, Body organization, Mode of nutrition, Reproduction, Phylogenetic relationships |
| Kingdom Monera | Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Cyanobacteria, Mycoplasma |
| Kingdom Protista | Chrysophytes, Dinoflagellates, Euglenoids, Slime moulds, Protozoans |
| Kingdom Fungi | Structure, Reproduction, Classes - Phycomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Deuteromycetes |
| Kingdom Plantae | General characteristics |
| Kingdom Animalia | General characteristics |
| Viruses, Viroids, Prions | Structure, Types, Diseases |
| Lichens | Types, Significance |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Algae | Chlorophyceae, Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyceae - Characteristics, Examples, Life cycle |
| Bryophytes | Liverworts, Mosses - General characters, Life cycle |
| Pteridophytes | General characters, Classification, Life cycle, Heterospory |
| Gymnosperms | General characters, Examples, Life cycle |
| Angiosperms | Characteristics, Classification, Life cycle |
| Plant Life Cycles | Haplontic, Diplontic, Haplo-diplontic |
| Alternation of Generations | Concept and significance |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Basis of Classification | Levels of organization, Symmetry, Diploblastic/Triploblastic, Coelom, Segmentation, Notochord |
| Phylum Porifera | Characters, Examples |
| Phylum Cnidaria | Characters, Classes, Examples |
| Phylum Ctenophora | Characters, Examples |
| Phylum Platyhelminthes | Characters, Examples |
| Phylum Aschelminthes | Characters, Examples |
| Phylum Annelida | Characters, Examples |
| Phylum Arthropoda | Characters, Classes, Examples |
| Phylum Mollusca | Characters, Examples |
| Phylum Echinodermata | Characters, Examples |
| Phylum Hemichordata | Characters, Examples |
| Phylum Chordata | Subphyla - Urochordata, Cephalochordata, Vertebrata |
| Class Pisces | Characters, Examples |
| Class Amphibia | Characters, Examples |
| Class Reptilia | Characters, Examples |
| Class Aves | Characters, Examples |
| Class Mammalia | Characters, Examples |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Root | Types, Regions, Modifications |
| Stem | Characteristics, Modifications |
| Leaf | Parts, Venation, Types, Phyllotaxy, Modifications |
| Inflorescence | Types - Racemose, Cymose, Special |
| Flower | Parts, Position of ovary, Types |
| Fruit | Types - Simple, Aggregate, Composite |
| Seed | Structure - Dicot, Monocot |
| Description of Families | Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Tissues | Meristematic - Apical, Lateral, Intercalary |
| Permanent Tissues | Simple - Parenchyma, Collenchyma, Sclerenchyma |
| Complex Tissues | Xylem, Phloem - Components and functions |
| Tissue System | Epidermal, Ground, Vascular |
| Dicot and Monocot Root | Anatomy, Differences |
| Dicot and Monocot Stem | Anatomy, Differences |
| Dicot and Monocot Leaf | Anatomy, Differences |
| Secondary Growth | In dicot stem and root |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Animal Tissues | Epithelial - Types, Functions |
| Connective Tissue | Types - Loose, Dense, Specialised |
| Muscular Tissue | Skeletal, Smooth, Cardiac |
| Neural Tissue | Structure, Types of neurons |
| Organ and Organ System | Morphology, Anatomy |
| Cockroach | External morphology, Digestive system, Respiratory system, Circulatory system, Nervous system, Reproductive system |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Cell Theory | History, Postulates |
| Overview of Cell | Prokaryotic, Eukaryotic |
| Prokaryotic Cell | Cell wall, Plasma membrane, Cytoplasm, Ribosomes, Nucleoid, Plasmid |
| Eukaryotic Cell | Cell wall, Cell membrane, Endomembrane system |
| Cell Organelles | Mitochondria, Plastids, Ribosomes, Cytoskeleton, Cilia, Flagella, Centrioles |
| Nucleus | Nuclear envelope, Chromatin, Nucleolus |
| Microbodies | Peroxisomes |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Analysis of Chemical Composition | Ash analysis, Elemental composition |
| Primary Metabolites | Carbohydrates - Monosaccharides, Oligosaccharides, Polysaccharides |
| Amino Acids | Structure, Types, Essential amino acids |
| Proteins | Structure - Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary |
| Lipids | Simple, Compound, Derived |
| Nucleic Acids | DNA, RNA - Structure, Types |
| Secondary Metabolites | Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Pigments |
| Enzymes | Nature, Classification, Mechanism, Factors affecting activity |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Cell Cycle | Phases - Interphase (G1, S, G2), M Phase |
| Mitosis | Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis |
| Significance of Mitosis | Growth, Repair, Asexual reproduction |
| Meiosis | Meiosis I - Prophase I stages, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I |
| Meiosis II | Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II |
| Significance of Meiosis | Genetic variation, Gamete formation |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Means of Transport | Diffusion, Facilitated diffusion, Active transport |
| Plant-Water Relations | Water potential, Osmosis, Plasmolysis |
| Long Distance Transport | Mass flow, Xylem transport, Phloem transport |
| Transpiration | Types, Factors affecting, Significance |
| Uptake and Transport of Minerals | Passive, Active absorption |
| Phloem Transport | Mass flow hypothesis, Source-sink relationship |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Essential Mineral Elements | Macro and Micronutrients |
| Criteria for Essentiality | Methods to study mineral requirements |
| Role of Macro and Micronutrients | Individual element functions |
| Deficiency Symptoms | For each element |
| Toxicity of Micronutrients | Effects |
| Mechanism of Absorption | Active, Passive |
| Nitrogen Metabolism | Nitrogen cycle, Biological nitrogen fixation |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Early Experiments | Priestley, Ingenhousz, Julius von Sachs, T.W. Engelmann |
| Site of Photosynthesis | Chloroplast structure |
| Pigments in Photosynthesis | Chlorophyll a, b, Carotenoids |
| Light Reaction | Photosystem I, II, Z-scheme, Cyclic photophosphorylation |
| Chemiosmotic Hypothesis | ATP synthesis mechanism |
| Dark Reaction | Calvin Cycle - Carboxylation, Reduction, Regeneration |
| C4 Pathway | Hatch-Slack pathway, Kranz anatomy |
| Photorespiration | C2 cycle, Significance |
| Factors Affecting Photosynthesis | Light, CO2, Temperature, Water |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Cellular Respiration | Aerobic, Anaerobic |
| Glycolysis | Steps, Net gain |
| Fermentation | Alcoholic, Lactic acid |
| Aerobic Respiration | TCA Cycle/Krebs Cycle - Steps, Products |
| Electron Transport System | Components, Oxidative phosphorylation |
| Respiratory Balance Sheet | ATP calculation |
| Amphibolic Pathway | Catabolic and anabolic role |
| Respiratory Quotient | Calculation, Significance |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Growth | Phases - Lag, Log, Stationary |
| Differentiation, Dedifferentiation, Redifferentiation | Concepts |
| Development | Plasticity |
| Plant Growth Regulators | Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Ethylene, ABA |
| Physiological Effects | Of each hormone |
| Photoperiodism | Short day, Long day, Day neutral plants |
| Vernalization | Process, Significance |
| Seed Dormancy | Types, Breaking dormancy |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Alimentary Canal | Structure of each organ |
| Digestive Glands | Salivary, Gastric, Intestinal, Liver, Pancreas |
| Digestion of Food | In mouth, Stomach, Small intestine |
| Absorption | Mechanism, Sites |
| Assimilation | Process |
| Disorders | Jaundice, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Indigestion, PEM |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Organs | In different animals |
| Human Respiratory System | Structure, Conducting portion, Respiratory portion |
| Mechanism of Breathing | Inspiration, Expiration |
| Respiratory Volumes | Tidal volume, IRV, ERV, Residual volume, Capacities |
| Exchange of Gases | Partial pressure, Diffusion |
| Transport of Gases | O2 transport, CO2 transport, Chloride shift |
| Regulation of Respiration | Neural, Chemical |
| Disorders | Asthma, Emphysema, Occupational diseases |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Blood | Plasma, Formed elements - RBC, WBC, Platelets |
| Blood Groups | ABO, Rh factor |
| Coagulation | Mechanism |
| Lymph | Composition, Functions |
| Circulatory Pathways | Open, Closed |
| Human Circulatory System | Heart structure, Blood vessels |
| Cardiac Cycle | Phases, Cardiac output |
| Double Circulation | Systemic, Pulmonary |
| Regulation of Cardiac Activity | Neural, Hormonal |
| Disorders | Hypertension, CAD, Angina, Heart failure |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Modes of Excretion | Ammonotelic, Ureotelic, Uricotelic |
| Human Excretory System | Structure - Kidney, Ureter, Bladder, Urethra |
| Nephron | Structure, Types |
| Urine Formation | Ultrafiltration, Reabsorption, Secretion |
| Counter Current Mechanism | In loop of Henle, Vasa recta |
| Regulation of Kidney Function | ADH, Aldosterone, ANF |
| Micturition | Process |
| Other Excretory Organs | Lungs, Liver, Skin |
| Disorders | Uremia, Renal failure, Kidney stones |
| Dialysis | Principle, Types |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Types of Movement | Amoeboid, Ciliary, Muscular |
| Skeletal System | Axial skeleton, Appendicular skeleton |
| Joints | Types - Fibrous, Cartilaginous, Synovial |
| Muscular System | Types of muscles |
| Skeletal Muscle | Structure - Sarcomere, Myofilaments |
| Muscle Contraction | Sliding filament theory, Mechanism |
| Disorders | Myasthenia gravis, Tetany, Muscular dystrophy, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Neural System | Structure, Types of neurons |
| Central Nervous System | Brain - Forebrain, Midbrain, Hindbrain; Spinal cord |
| Peripheral Nervous System | Cranial nerves, Spinal nerves |
| Reflex Action | Reflex arc |
| Sensory Reception | Types of receptors |
| Eye | Structure, Mechanism of vision, Disorders |
| Ear | Structure, Mechanism of hearing, Balance |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Endocrine Glands | Types, Characteristics |
| Hypothalamus | Hormones, Functions |
| Pituitary Gland | Anterior, Posterior - Hormones and functions |
| Pineal Gland | Melatonin |
| Thyroid Gland | T3, T4, Calcitonin |
| Parathyroid Gland | PTH |
| Thymus | Thymosin |
| Adrenal Gland | Cortex - Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids; Medulla - Adrenaline, Noradrenaline |
| Pancreas | Insulin, Glucagon |
| Gonads | Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone |
| Hormone Action | Mechanism |
| Disorders | Dwarfism, Acromegaly, Goitre, Diabetes, Addison's disease |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Modes of Reproduction | Asexual, Sexual |
| Asexual Reproduction | Binary fission, Sporulation, Budding, Gemmule formation, Fragmentation, Vegetative propagation |
| Sexual Reproduction | Events - Pre-fertilization, Fertilization, Post-fertilization |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Flower | Structure, Pre-fertilization events |
| Stamen | Structure, Microsporogenesis, Pollen grain |
| Pistil | Structure, Megasporogenesis, Embryo sac |
| Pollination | Types - Self, Cross; Agents |
| Outbreeding Devices | Self-incompatibility, Dichogamy |
| Pollen-Pistil Interaction | Recognition, Germination |
| Double Fertilization | Syngamy, Triple fusion |
| Post-fertilization Events | Endosperm, Embryo development |
| Seed | Structure, Dormancy |
| Fruit | Types, Formation |
| Apomixis | Types, Significance |
| Polyembryony | Concept, Examples |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Male Reproductive System | Testes, Accessory ducts, Accessory glands, External genitalia |
| Female Reproductive System | Ovaries, Oviducts, Uterus, External genitalia, Mammary glands |
| Gametogenesis | Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis |
| Menstrual Cycle | Phases, Hormonal control |
| Fertilization | Process, Events |
| Implantation | Process |
| Pregnancy | Placenta formation, Embryonic development |
| Parturition | Process, Hormones involved |
| Lactation | Hormonal control |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Reproductive Health | Definition, Problems |
| Population Explosion | Causes, Effects |
| Birth Control | Natural methods, Barrier methods, IUDs, Hormonal methods, Surgical methods |
| Medical Termination of Pregnancy | Indications |
| STDs | AIDS, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B |
| Infertility | Causes, Assisted reproductive technologies - IVF, ZIFT, GIFT |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Mendel's Laws | Law of Dominance, Segregation, Independent Assortment |
| Monohybrid Cross | Genotypic and Phenotypic ratios |
| Dihybrid Cross | 9:3:3:1 ratio |
| Deviations from Mendelian Ratios | Incomplete dominance, Co-dominance, Multiple alleles |
| Pleiotropy | Concept, Examples |
| Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance | Evidence |
| Linkage and Crossing Over | Concept, Recombination frequency |
| Sex Determination | XY, ZW, Haplodiploidy |
| Mutation | Types - Chromosomal, Point mutations |
| Genetic Disorders | Mendelian - Haemophilia, Colour blindness, Sickle cell; Chromosomal - Down's, Turner's, Klinefelter's |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| DNA | Structure, Packaging in chromosomes |
| Search for Genetic Material | Griffith's experiment, Avery's experiment, Hershey-Chase experiment |
| DNA Replication | Semiconservative, Enzymes involved, Process |
| Transcription | Process, Genetic code |
| Translation | Process, Role of tRNA, rRNA, mRNA |
| Lac Operon | Structure, Regulation |
| Human Genome Project | Goals, Methodology, Salient features |
| DNA Fingerprinting | Technique, Applications |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Origin of Life | Theories - Abiogenesis, Biogenesis, Chemical evolution |
| Evidence of Evolution | Paleontological, Comparative anatomy, Molecular |
| Theories of Evolution | Lamarckism, Darwinism, Neo-Darwinism |
| Mechanism of Evolution | Variation, Natural selection, Genetic drift |
| Hardy-Weinberg Principle | Concept, Factors affecting equilibrium |
| Types of Natural Selection | Stabilizing, Directional, Disruptive |
| Speciation | Types, Reproductive isolation |
| Human Evolution | Stages, Features |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Common Diseases | Typhoid, Pneumonia, Common cold, Malaria, Amoebiasis, Ascariasis, Elephantiasis, Ringworm |
| Immunity | Innate, Acquired |
| Types of Acquired Immunity | Active, Passive |
| Vaccination | Principle, Types |
| AIDS | Causative agent, Transmission, Prevention |
| Cancer | Types, Causes, Treatment |
| Drugs and Alcohol Abuse | Types, Effects, Prevention |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Animal Husbandry | Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries, Apiculture |
| Plant Breeding | Steps, Applications |
| Bio-fortification | Concept, Examples |
| Single Cell Protein | Production, Uses |
| Tissue Culture | Micropropagation, Somatic hybridization |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Microbes in Household Products | Curd, Bread, Beverages |
| Microbes in Industrial Production | Antibiotics, Chemicals, Enzymes |
| Microbes in Sewage Treatment | Primary, Secondary, Tertiary treatment |
| Microbes in Biogas Production | Methanogens, Biogas plant |
| Microbes as Biocontrol Agents | Biopesticides, Bioinsecticides |
| Microbes as Biofertilizers | Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Mycorrhiza |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Principles of Biotechnology | Genetic engineering, Bioprocess engineering |
| Tools of rDNA Technology | Restriction enzymes, Cloning vectors, Host organisms |
| Processes of rDNA Technology | Isolation of DNA, Cutting, Amplification, Insertion, Transformation, Selection |
| PCR | Steps, Applications |
| Gel Electrophoresis | Principle, Procedure |
| Bioreactors | Types, Stirred tank, Sparged tank |
| Downstream Processing | Steps |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Applications in Agriculture | Bt cotton, Pest resistant plants, RNAi |
| Applications in Medicine | Insulin, Gene therapy, Vaccines, Molecular diagnosis |
| Transgenic Animals | Purpose, Examples |
| Ethical Issues | Biopiracy, GMOs, Patents |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Ecology | Definition, Levels of organization |
| Abiotic Factors | Temperature, Water, Light, Soil |
| Responses to Abiotic Factors | Regulate, Conform, Migrate, Suspend |
| Adaptations | Morphological, Physiological, Behavioral |
| Population Attributes | Size, Density, Birth rate, Death rate, Sex ratio, Age distribution |
| Population Growth | Exponential, Logistic |
| Population Interactions | Mutualism, Competition, Predation, Parasitism, Commensalism, Amensalism |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem Structure | Biotic, Abiotic components |
| Productivity | GPP, NPP, Secondary productivity |
| Decomposition | Process, Factors affecting |
| Energy Flow | Food chain, Food web, Trophic levels |
| Ecological Pyramids | Numbers, Biomass, Energy |
| Ecological Succession | Primary, Secondary |
| Nutrient Cycling | Carbon cycle, Phosphorus cycle |
| Ecosystem Services | Types, Importance |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity | Genetic, Species, Ecological |
| Patterns of Biodiversity | Latitudinal, Species-Area relationship |
| Importance of Biodiversity | Ecosystem services |
| Biodiversity Loss | Causes - Habitat loss, Fragmentation, Over-exploitation, Invasive species, Co-extinctions |
| Biodiversity Conservation | In-situ, Ex-situ |
| Protected Areas | National parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves |
| Hotspots | Criteria, Indian hotspots |
| Topic | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Air Pollution | Causes, Effects, Control |
| Water Pollution | Causes, Effects, BOD, Eutrophication |
| Solid Waste Management | Types, Methods |
| Agrochemicals | Pesticides, Biomagnification |
| Radioactive Waste | Hazards, Disposal |
| Greenhouse Effect | Causes, Global warming |
| Ozone Depletion | Causes, Effects |
| Deforestation | Causes, Effects |
| Environmental Movements | Chipko, Appiko |
Yes, NTA has not announced any changes in the NEET 2026 Biology syllabus. It remains based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT.
NEET Biology covers 38 chapters - 22 from Class 11 and 16 from Class 12 NCERT.
Class 12 has slightly higher weightage (55%) compared to Class 11 (45%), but both are equally important.
Yes, with thorough NCERT reading, consistent practice, and strategic revision, scoring 340+ is achievable.
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Share your thoughts, ask questions, or help fellow NEET aspirants
How many hours should I study Biology daily for NEET?
For NEET Biology, aim for 3-4 hours of focused study daily. Quality matters more than quantity!
Is NCERT enough for Biology in NEET?
Yes! NCERT covers 95% of NEET Biology questions. Master it completely before any reference book.
Which chapters have maximum weightage?
Human Physiology (20%), Genetics (18%), and Ecology (12%) are the highest-scoring areas.
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