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NEET Exam Hack: Which Subject Should You Attempt First for Maximum Marks?

How to Decide Which Subject to Attempt First in NEET Exam?

🎯 How to Decide Which Subject to Attempt First in the NEET Exam?

Students think that NEET is just an exam but they aren't aware that it is not just a test of knowledge — it’s also a test of strategy, time management, and smart decision-making. One of the most commonly asked questions by aspirants is:

“Which subject should I attempt first in the NEET exam?”

Should you start with your favorite subject? Or should you tackle the toughest one while your brain is fresh? Let’s decode the best approach!

🔍 Understand the NEET Paper Pattern First

  • Total Questions: 200 (180 to be attempted)
  • Subjects: Biology (Botany + Zoology), Chemistry, Physics
  • Total Marks: 720 (4 marks per question, -1 for wrong answer)
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes)

This means you have barely 1 minute per question, including OMR filling time.

✅ Factors to Consider Before Choosing the First Subject

1. Your Strongest Subject

Start with the subject you’re most confident about. It boosts your morale early in the exam.

If Biology is your strength, finishing it first helps secure easy marks.

2. Time Requirement

  • Biology: Reading-based, fast to attempt
  • Chemistry: Concept + formula-based, moderate time
  • Physics: Problem-solving, time-consuming

Many toppers suggest attempting Biology → Chemistry → Physics to save time for lengthy calculations.

3. Your Exam Temperament

Some students perform better when they finish easy tasks first, while others prefer tackling tough ones early when their minds are fresh.

Ask yourself: Do I feel relaxed if Biology goes well, or does Physics early keep me focused?

📊 Strategy 1: Biology First Approach (Most Popular)

  • Why? Fast, reading-based, scoring
  • Bonus: Builds confidence with NCERT-based questions
  • Time Target: 40–50 minutes
Best for students with strong NCERT revision and who need more time for Physics.

⚗️ Strategy 2: Chemistry First Approach

  • Why? Balanced mix of theory + numericals
  • Time Target: 40–45 minutes
Good for students who feel neutral about all subjects and want to warm up before Physics.

🔬 Strategy 3: Physics First Approach (Less Common)

  • Why? Solves the toughest part first with a fresh mind
  • Risk: Can be time-consuming, may reduce confidence
  • Time Target: 50–60 minutes
Recommended only for students consistently strong in Physics.

📌 Pro Tips to Decide YOUR Best Order

🧪 1. Take Full-Length Mock Tests in Different Orders

Test yourself with various orders. Track time, accuracy, and confidence levels after each section.

🎯 2. Stick to ONE Strategy in the Final Exam

Finalize your subject order at least 1 month before the exam. Don’t change it on NEET day.

📖 3. Use Buffer Time for OMR and Review

Save 10–15 minutes to fill the OMR properly and recheck critical questions.

✅ Most Toppers Follow This Order:

Biology → Chemistry → Physics

  • Biology is lengthy but easy
  • Chemistry is medium-level
  • Physics is time-taking and needs focus

🧠 Final Takeaway

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. But if you:

  • Know your strengths
  • Practice full mock tests
  • Manage time wisely

…you’ll be able to maximize your score by choosing the right subject order for YOU!

📝 Your Action Plan:

  1. Solve 5 full NEET mocks with different subject orders
  2. Analyze time, marks, and stress levels
  3. Choose the best order
  4. Repeat it until it becomes your habit!

💬 Still confused? Comment your strongest subject below, and we’ll help you plan your strategy!

SMART STUDY.