Chennai, May 5, 2025 – The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2025, held on Sunday, May 4, posed a moderate challenge to the majority of candidates, according to reports from students and coaching centres. While the overall difficulty level was comparable to previous years, the physics section was notably tough, chemistry included some tricky questions, and biology, though relatively easier, was time-consuming.
Exam Difficulty and Student Feedback
Nearly 1.5 lakh students registered for NEET 2025 from Tamil Nadu alone, with around 20,000 candidates appearing in the Chennai district. Many students who took the exam at centres like Guru Nanak College expressed that the biology section required more time than expected, causing some to leave questions unanswered. Physics, in particular, was described as challenging, with some experts comparing it to the notoriously difficult 2019 NEET paper.
A student shared, “The biology paper was time-consuming, so I couldn’t complete it on time. Physics and chemistry were moderately difficult.”
Expected Cut-Off Trends
Despite the perceived increase in difficulty, experts predict only a slight drop in the cut-off marks compared to previous years. Career guidance expert Jayaprakash Gandhi stated, “Students will still need to score above 650 out of 720 to secure admission in a top medical college, even though cut-offs may drop slightly.”
Gandhi also noted a performance gap between first-time test-takers and repeat candidates, with the latter group likely to fare better due to experience and familiarity with the exam pattern.
Implications for Aspirants
The high cut-off threshold underscores the intense competition for seats in premier medical institutions across India. Students are advised to focus on comprehensive preparation and time management, especially in biology and physics, to maximize their scoring potential.
Disclaimer
This article is based on preliminary reports and expert opinions following the NEET UG 2025 examination. Actual cut-off marks and admission criteria may vary once official results and counselling processes are finalized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and respective medical colleges. Students are encouraged to refer to official sources for the most accurate and updated information.
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