NEET-SS Exam Pattern and Guide for Radiology Candidates
By Dr. Bharath Korrapati, MD Radiodiagnosis, AIIMS Bhubaneswar · Last verified: 2026-07-25
Last verified: NBEMS NEET-SS 2025 Information Bulletin
NEET-SS is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) as an eligibility-cum-ranking examination for admission to eligible DM, MCh and DrNB super-specialty courses. This guide summarises the pattern as published in the NBEMS NEET-SS 2025 Information Bulletin, with preparation guidance for MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis candidates. Examination rules can change between sessions — always verify the bulletin for the session in which you are applying.
Exam pattern at a glance
The paper is a single computer-based test of 150 multiple-choice questions answered over 150 minutes, for a total of 600 marks.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting authority | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Correct response | +4 marks |
| Incorrect response | −1 mark (25% negative marking) |
| Unattempted response | 0 marks |
| Qualifying criterion | 50th percentile or above in the respective question-paper group |
Three time-bound sections
The 150 questions are split into three sections, each timed independently:
- You cannot move to the next section before the allotted time for the current section ends.
- The next section starts automatically when the previous section’s time is over.
- Once a section ends, you cannot return to it, review its questions or change its responses.
What the paper covers
NEET-SS is conducted through question-paper groups, and candidates appear in the group linked to their feeder qualification.
- For most groups, questions are set at the postgraduate exit level of the designated primary feeder broad specialty — for radiology candidates, MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis.
- The paper covers the general/basic component and the relevant subspecialty, system and component areas of that primary feeder specialty.
- Medical Oncology and Critical Care Medicine have separate super-specialty-based question papers under the 2025 scheme.
- Confirm the eligible feeder qualification and question-paper group for your intended course from the current NBEMS bulletin.
Scoring example
Worked example under the +4/−1 scheme: 100 correct, 30 incorrect and 20 unattempted.
Score = (100 × 4) − (30 × 1) = 400 − 30 = 370/600.
NEET-SS strategy for radiology candidates
The following is RadioQBank editorial guidance for MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis candidates — not an official NBEMS recommendation.
- Prepare the entire MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis exit-level curriculum — the paper is set at the feeder-specialty exit level.
- Practise image-based questions, interventional radiology, neuroradiology and system-wise radiology.
- Train using three separately timed blocks of 50 questions rather than one continuous 150-minute sitting.
- Aim to finish the first pass early enough to review within the same section.
- Remember that saved review flags become inaccessible once that section closes.
- Use negative marking carefully — a wrong answer costs 1 mark, so avoid blind guessing.
Official sources and disclaimer
The examination scheme, eligibility, question-paper groups, dates, qualifying criteria and counselling rules may be revised. Candidates must verify the current NBEMS information bulletin before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are asked in NEET-SS?
150 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes, for a total of 600 marks, divided into three sections of 50 questions each (per the NEET-SS 2025 information bulletin). Always verify the bulletin for your session.
How do the time-bound sections work?
Each of the three sections allows exactly 50 minutes for its 50 questions. You cannot finish a section early and move ahead — the next section starts automatically when the previous section’s time ends.
Can candidates return to a completed section?
No. Once a section’s 50 minutes are over it is permanently locked: its questions cannot be reviewed and its responses cannot be changed.
What is the marking scheme in NEET-SS?
+4 marks for a correct response, −1 mark for an incorrect response (25% negative marking) and 0 for unattempted questions.
What is the qualifying criterion for NEET-SS?
Scoring at or above the 50th percentile in the respective question-paper group, as per the NBEMS bulletin. Qualifying rules can be revised — check the current bulletin before applying.