The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently confirmed a major change for the JEE Main 2025 exam by removing optional questions, restoring the exam format to its original structure. This has led to widespread interest among NEE TUG aspirants who wonder whether similar changes can also affect their exam format. This article provides an in-depth analysis of why JEE has made this change, examines the likelihood of similar changes to NEET, and provides insights on how it can influence NEET aspirants.
The Role of Optional Questions in NEET and JEE
In 2021, the NTA introduced optional questions in the JEE and NEET exams to ease the challenges students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools disrupted and limited access to resources, this decision aimed to reduce exam stress by allowing candidates to skip certain questions. This flexibility proved beneficial, helping students navigate an uncertain academic landscape.
For instance, in JEE, section B permitted candidates to attempt only 5 out of 10 questions, while NEET also allowed students to leave a few questions unanswered. However, with the pandemic now over, the NTA has begun reviewing these changes and has officially announced the removal of optional questions for JEE Main 2025.
Why did NTA Delete Optional Questions from JEE?
During the pandemic, optional questions were seen as a fair way to NEET students facing different educational challenges With the global authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), which announced an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the NTA decided to bring JEE Main 2025 back in its original form.
| Parameter | JEE Main During COVID-19 | JEE Main 2025 |
| Optional Questions | 5 out of 10 in Section B |
None (all questions mandatory) |
| Reason for Optional Choice | COVID-19 pandemic adjustments |
Return to standard format |
| Impact on Students | Increased flexibility |
All questions must be attempted |
The Current Structure of NEET
From 2024 onwards NEED a structure similar to that of the pandemic The examination comprises four subjects: physics, chemistry, botany and zoology, each with two sections:
- Part A: 35 questions, all mandatory.
- Part B: 15 questions, of which only 10 candidates can try.
This structure allowed NEET aspirants to navigate around challenging questions, focused on their strengths.
Will Not Follow The Same Pattern as JEE?
Although there is no official update of the NTA on changes to NEET 2025, the recent JEE announcement raised questions. NEET and JEE are both managed by the NTA, and comparable structural changes can be made for uniformity. Here are some points that may affect the NTA decision on NEET:
- Purpose of uniformity: If the NTA wants to standardize both exams, NEET JEE can follow when removing optional questions.
- Feedback from students and teachers: Any decision to make NEET more challenging or easier is often influenced by feedback from stakeholders.
- Supreme Court Evaluation: The ongoing review of the NEET investigation by the Supreme Court may also affect future decisions.
Although NEET may assume the same structure as JEE, no official announcement has been made, leaving aspirants in a state of uncertainty.
How can this Potential Change Affect NEET Aspirants?
If NEET 2025 indeed adopts a no-optional-questions format, this will have a remarkable impact on student exam preparation strategies. Let’s consider some possible effects:
1. Increased Pressure to Deal with all Topics
Now that all questions become mandatory, candidates must be well-prepared for all issues. Students used to be able to skip certain challenging areas, but this option may not be available anymore.
2. Shift in preparation strategy
Students will have to adapt their study plans and focus on extensive knowledge rather than selective control of subjects.
3. Exam stress and time management
Optional questions offered a time-saving mechanism, but removing this flexibility can lead to more time pressure.
4. Performance and results
The mandatory attempt format can affect the general scores, because students no longer have the luxury of selecting questions they are more confident in answering.
| Impact on Aspirants | With Optional Questions |
Without Optional Questions |
| Topic Coverage | Selective topic focus |
Comprehensive coverage required |
| Exam Strategy | Flexible with question choices |
Rigid, with all questions compulsory |
| Time Management | Can save time by skipping |
Needs careful allocation across all |
| Stress Level | Moderated by choice |
Higher with no flexibility |
How should Aspirants Prepare in Light of Insecurity?
For NEET aspirants, the preparation for the 2025 exam amidst uncertainty can be challenging. Here are some strategies to help manage this situation effectively:
1. Adopt a comprehensive study plan
Until an official update is provided, students should strive to cover all topics in each field in order to be fully prepared for any changes.
2. Practice both mandatory and optional patterns
Use the past NEET exam papers to understand the format and create a balance in preparation for both patterns.
3. Focus on weak areas
Strengthen knowledge in subjects that have previously been considered optional or skiable, as they may become mandatory.
4. Monitor official updates Regularly
Stay informed by checking NTA’s official website and announcements to quickly adapt study plans to any confirmed changes.
5. Enable in Mock Tests and Timed Exercise
Practice under timed conditions will help to improve speed and efficiency, which will be crucial if optional questions are removed.
| Preparation Strategy | With Optional Questions |
Without Optional Questions |
| Study Plan Focus | Can skip weaker topics |
Comprehensive study across all topics |
| Mock Test Emphasis | Selective practice on strengths |
Practice all topics without exception |
| Time Allocation | Flexible in skipping difficult questions |
Rigid; must manage time across all sections |
| Exam Stress Management | Lower due to question choice |
Higher, as no skipping options available |
The NTA’s recent decision to remove optional questions from JEE has sparked speculation about similar changes in NEET. While NEET aspirants await an official announcement, it is essential to maintain a balanced and adaptable study approach, preparing as if all questions will be mandatory.
If optional questions are eliminated from NEET, it could significantly impact the exam’s difficulty level and add to students’ stress. Until an official update is provided, candidates should stay informed, practice consistently, and be ready to attempt the exam in any format. This proactive mindset will help them stay confident and perform well, regardless of any changes.
Will NTA Remove Optional Questions in NEET Like JEE?
1. Why did NTA remove optional questions in JEE?
Answer: The National Testing Agency (NTA) introduced optional questions in JEE during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the pressure on students. Due to school closures and limited access to resources, optional questions allowed students to choose questions they were more comfortable with. However, since the pandemic has ended and the World Health Organization declared an end to the public health emergency, NTA decided to return to the original format for JEE Main 2025, where students will be required to attempt all questions.
2. Will NEET also follow the same pattern and remove optional questions?
Answer: While the removal of optional questions in JEE has raised speculation about NEET, there is no official confirmation yet from the NTA regarding NEET 2025. As of now, NEET still includes optional questions, and candidates are advised to prepare for the exam as it currently stands. Any changes to the format, if announced, will be communicated by the NTA well in advance.
3. How will the removal of optional questions in JEE affect NEET aspirants?
Answer: If NTA decides to remove optional questions from NEET in the future, NEET aspirants will have to attempt all the questions, similar to how exams were conducted before the pandemic. This would mean that students cannot skip questions and must be well-prepared to answer all sections. However, until such a change is officially announced, NEET candidates should continue their preparations as usual.
4. What should NEET aspirants do to prepare in case optional questions are removed?
Answer: If the NTA announces the removal of optional questions in NEET, aspirants should adjust their preparation strategy. They will need to focus on mastering all topics within the syllabus rather than selecting specific questions. It’s important to be thorough with each subject and practice answering all kinds of questions to build confidence for a comprehensive approach to the exam.
5. What was the reasoning behind the NTA’s decision to remove optional questions in JEE?
Answer: The decision to remove optional questions in JEE was primarily due to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary measure introduced during the pandemic aimed to reduce stress and accommodate the challenges faced by students, such as disruptions in schooling and limited resources. Now that these issues have been addressed, NTA has decided to revert to the original exam format, ensuring a more uniform and consistent testing experience for all candidates.