The NEET UG 2025 answer key is an essential document for students who appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate examination. It allows aspirants to assess their performance, estimate their scores, and gain clarity about their admission chances in medical colleges across India.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the NEET UG 2025 answer key, including its release schedule, download procedure, answer key challenge process, OMR response sheet details, and how to calculate the expected score.
What is the NEET UG 2025 Answer Key?
The NEET UG 2025 answer key contains the correct answers to all the questions asked in the NEET exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases this answer key in two phases:
- Provisional Answer Key – Released initially and open to challenges by candidates.
- Final Answer Key – Based on expert review, released after the challenge window.
It is an official tool that helps candidates calculate their likely score before the NEET UG results are announced.
NEET UG 2025 Answer Key Release Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Tentative Date |
| NEET UG 2025 Exam Date | First Sunday of May 2025 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | Fourth week of May 2025 |
| Challenge Window (Provisional Key) | Last week of May 2025 |
| Final Answer Key Release | Second week of June 2025 |
| NEET UG 2025 Result Declaration | Mid-June 2025 |
How to Download the NEET UG 2025 Answer Key
Students can access the NEET UG 2025 answer key through the official NTA portal. Here’s how:
- Visit the official NTA NEET website.
- Click on the link that says “NEET UG 2025 Answer Key.”
- Enter your login credentials – Application Number and Password or Date of Birth.
- The answer key PDF will be displayed.
- Download and save the PDF for future reference.
Make sure to also download your individual OMR response sheet for cross-verification.
How to Calculate Your Score With the Answer Key
To estimate your NEET UG 2025 score, use the official marking scheme:
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
- Unanswered Question: 0 marks
Here’s a formula to calculate your score:
Estimated NEET Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 4) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1)
Example
| Answer Type | Count | Marks Calculation |
| Correct Answers | 145 | 145 × 4 = 580 |
| Incorrect Answers | 25 | 25 × -1 = -25 |
| Total Score | 580 – 25 = 555 |
This method helps you gauge your approximate score before the official result announcement.
NEET UG 2025 OMR Response Sheet
NTA also releases scanned copies of each candidate’s OMR response sheet. This document contains the exact answers marked by the candidate during the exam.
- Compare your answers on the OMR sheet with the answer key.
- Use it to cross-check and validate your score.
- If you notice any discrepancy in the OMR sheet, you can challenge it during the stipulated time.
How to Challenge the NEET UG 2025 Provisional Answer Key
If you believe that any of the answers in the provisional key are incorrect, you can raise objections. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your NEET account on the official NTA website.
- Click on “Challenge Answer Key.”
- Select the question(s) you want to challenge.
- Upload supporting documents or explanations.
- Pay a fee of ₹200 per question challenged (non-refundable).
- Submit the challenge and download the acknowledgement.
NTA will review all challenges. If acknowledged, the final answer key will be updated.
Importance of the NEET UG 2025 Answer Key
The answer key is more than just a document—it serves various important purposes:
- Self-assessment: Helps students get an early idea of their performance.
- Transparency: Ensures fairness in the evaluation process.
- Preparation for Counselling: Knowing your approximate score helps you predict your rank and shortlist colleges.
- Quick Decision-Making: Students can begin exploring options for state-level counselling or private college admissions.
NEET UG 2025 Answer Key – Set-wise Availability
NEET UG 2025 is expected to be conducted using multiple sets of question papers. The answer key will be released for each set/code individually.
| Paper Code | Answer Key Link |
| Code Q1 | Available in PDF |
| Code R2 | Available in PDF |
| Code S3 | Available in PDF |
| Code T4 | Available in PDF |
Make sure you check your specific code while downloading the key.
What Happens After the Final Answer Key is Released?
Once the final answer key is published:
- The NEET UG 2025 results will be prepared based on this key.
- No further challenges are accepted.
- The final result will show your All India Rank (AIR), marks obtained, percentile score, and eligibility status for counselling.
NEET UG 2025 Expected Cut-Off Marks
Based on past trends, here is an estimate of the category-wise cut-off percentile and expected marks range:
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Expected Cut-Off Score Range |
| General | 50th percentile | 710 – 130 |
| OBC | 40th percentile | 130 – 105 |
| SC | 40th percentile | 130 – 100 |
| ST | 40th percentile | 130 – 95 |
| General-PwD | 45th percentile | 120 – 110 |
Note: Final cut-offs will depend on the difficulty level of the paper, the number of candidates, and seat availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I access the NEET UG 2025 answer key without logging in?
A: Yes, NTA usually publishes the set-wise answer key in public PDFs, but OMR sheets require a login.
Q2: Is the answer key applicable for AIIMS and JIPMER too?
A: Yes. Since AIIMS and JIPMER admissions are through NEET UG, their candidates also use this answer key.
Q3: Can the provisional answer key be challenged multiple times?
A: You can submit multiple challenges in one session, but you will need to pay ₹200 per question.
Conclusion
The NEET UG 2025 answer key plays a pivotal role in the post-exam journey of medical aspirants. From helping estimate scores to supporting result anticipation and counselling preparation, it is a vital document for every NEET candidate. Make sure to download it on time, evaluate your answers carefully, and challenge discrepancies with valid proof.
Being well-informed and proactive during this stage can make a significant difference in your medical career aspirations.