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Botany Syllabus for NEET Preparation 2026

Botany Syllabus for NEET Preparation 2026

Updated on Jan 21, 2026 | 1.05K+ views

The Botany syllabus for NEET is based entirely on Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT textbooks and plays a crucial role in determining overall scores. It covers a wide range of topics, including the Plant Kingdom, Cell Biology, and Plant Physiology, with key chapters on photosynthesis, respiration, and plant growth and development.

The syllabus also includes Genetics, focusing on inheritance and the molecular basis of heredity, along with Biotechnology and Ecology topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, and organism interactions. With high-weightage chapters like Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants and Genetics, the Botany syllabus for NEET demands concept clarity, strong NCERT alignment, and strategic preparation.

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NEET Botany Syllabus Chapter-Wise Weightage 2026

Knowing the weightage of each chapter in the NEET Botany syllabus helps you prioritise your preparation and focus on high-scoring topics. Botany contributes 45 questions out of 90 in the Biology section, accounting for 180 marks. Understanding chapter-wise importance ensures your study time is used efficiently.

Chapter-Wise Weightage:

Chapter / Topic	Approx. Weightage (%)	Key Focus Areas
Genetics and Evolution	~24%	Mendelian inheritance, molecular basis, human evolution, gene expression
Plant Physiology	~13–14%	Photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, growth regulators, photoperiodism
Ecology and Environment	~16%	Ecosystem structure, energy flow, biodiversity, conservation
Plant Diversity / Plant Kingdom	~12%	Classification of plants, characteristics of major groups, angiosperm classification
Cell Biology & Cell Division	~10%	Cell structure, organelles, cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis
Plant Reproduction	~9%	Sexual and asexual reproduction, pollination, fertilisation, seed formation
Morphology of Flowering Plants	~7%	Structure of root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, seed
Plant Anatomy	~4%	Tissue types, tissue systems, anatomy of stem, root, leaf
Bio-molecule Basics	~3%	Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes

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Important Topics from NEET Botany Syllabus 2026

Preparing for NEET can be challenging, but focusing on important topics ensures efficient preparation. Below is a structured list of the Botany syllabus for NEET, divided by Class XI and Class XII, with key chapters and topics.

Class 11: Core Botany Topics

These are the chapters you must focus on, all taken from the official NEET 2026 syllabus:

Diversity in Living World

What is living?
Biodiversity & its importance
Need for classification
Taxonomy & Systematics
Concept of species & taxonomical hierarchy
Binomial nomenclature
Five kingdom classification
Salient features & classification of Monera, Protista, Fungi
Salient features & classification of plants (Algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms)

Structural Organisation in Plants

Morphology of flowering plants: Root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, seed
Anatomy of plant tissues & tissue systems
Functions related to structure (simple, no extra detail beyond anatomy)

Cell Structure and Function

Cell theory, prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
Organelles (ER, Golgi, mitochondria, ribosomes, plastids)
Cytoskeleton basics
Biomolecules (proteins, carbs, lipids, nucleic acids)
Enzymes and their actions
Cell division: Mitosis & Meiosis and their significance

Plant Physiology

Photosynthesis: Light and dark reactions, C3/C4 pathways
Respiration: Glycolysis, TCA cycle, Electron Transport Chain
Plant growth and development: Growth regulators, photoperiodism, vernalization

Class 12: Core Botany Topics

These chapters are high‑yield and part of the official NEET syllabus for 2026:

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

Flower structure & development of male/female gametophytes
Pollination & agents
Double fertilisation
Seed and fruit formation
Special modes (e.g., apomixis, polyembryony)

Molecular Basis of Inheritance

DNA/RNA structure & function
DNA replication
Transcription and translation
Gene expression & regulation
Human Genome Project, DNA fingerprinting

Principles and Process of Biotechnology

Genetic engineering & recombinant DNA technology
Basic mechanisms and applications

Ecology

Ecosystem components and energy flow
Productivity & decomposition
Pyramids (number, biomass, energy)
Biodiversity: Importance, loss, conservation
Hotspots, endangered organisms, biosphere reserves, protected areas

Conclusion

The Botany syllabus for NEET provides a clear roadmap for aspirants to focus on high-weightage chapters and core concepts from Class 11 and 12 NCERT. By understanding key topics like Plant Physiology, Genetics, and Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, students can plan their preparation effectively and strengthen concept clarity. A syllabus-led approach ensures targeted study, better retention, and higher chances of scoring well in NEET.

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FAQs

Which chapters are included under Botany for NEET?

The Botany section in NEET covers chapters from Class 11 and 12 NCERT. Key areas include Plant Physiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Plant Reproduction, Plant Diversity, Anatomy, and Biotechnology. Knowing these chapters helps plan a focused study schedule.

How to prepare Botany for NEET effectively?

Preparation starts with understanding the syllabus and prioritizing high-weightage chapters. Focus on NCERT diagrams, solve previous years’ questions, and revise consistently. Combining theory with practice questions ensures better retention and scoring potential.

Can I score 700+ in NEET if I start preparing three months before the exam?

Yes, scoring 700+ in three months is challenging but possible with a strict timetable. Focus on high-yield topics, solve full-length mock tests, and review mistakes daily. Consistency, time management, and NCERT clarity are key factors.

How can I get 360 marks in Biology for NEET?

To achieve 360+ in Biology, emphasize both Botany and Zoology equally. Prioritize high-weightage chapters, practice MCQs daily, and revise diagrams. Solving previous years’ NEET papers helps identify important patterns and boosts confidence.

Are diagrams important for NEET Botany?

Absolutely. Diagrams form a significant part of Botany questions in NEET. Clear, labeled diagrams improve retention and make it easier to answer application-based questions. Focus on NCERT diagrams for accuracy and high marks.

How many questions in NEET come specifically from Botany?

Out of 90 Biology questions in NEET, roughly 45 are from Botany. Weightage may vary slightly each year, but Plant Physiology, Genetics, and Ecology generally carry the most marks. Knowing this helps prioritize study efforts.

Which Botany topics are considered high-yield for NEET?

High-yield chapters include Genetics and Evolution, Plant Physiology, Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, and Ecology. These chapters have consistently appeared in past NEET exams and often carry multiple questions.

Can I focus only on NCERT for Botany and still score well?

Yes, NCERT covers nearly all NEET Botany questions. Focus on understanding concepts, diagrams, and end-of-chapter exercises. Supplement with mock tests and previous years’ papers for practice, especially for tricky application-based questions.

How should I revise Botany for NEET in the last month?

In the final month, prioritize quick revisions of high-weightage chapters, practice diagrams, and solve timed mock tests. Focus on weak areas and revise previous years’ questions. Short, daily revision sessions work better than long cramming hours.

Are there any shortcuts or tricks to remember Botany chapters?

Yes, mnemonics and flowcharts can help recall plant classifications, physiology cycles, and genetics processes. Grouping related chapters and revising with diagrams also aids memory. Avoid rote learning; understanding concepts is more effective.

How is Botany preparation linked to scoring high in overall NEET?

Strong Botany preparation directly boosts overall Biology marks, which makes up 50% of NEET. Scoring consistently in Botany can significantly reduce pressure in Zoology and improve your total score. A syllabus-led approach ensures balanced preparation.

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