The NEET Zoology Syllabus plays a decisive role in determining a student’s final NEET score. Since Zoology focuses on human physiology, health, reproduction, genetics, and biotechnology, it directly connects theory with real-life biological processes. Therefore, students who understand the NEET Zoology Syllabus thoroughly gain an edge in accuracy and confidence during the exam.
Moreover, because NEET repeatedly asks NCERT-based questions, students who follow the NEET Zoology Syllabus strictly find revision easier and more effective. Hence, early clarity and structured revision of Zoology chapters significantly improve rank outcomes.
Why NEET Zoology Syllabus 2026 Matters the Most
The zoology part from the biology syllabus is the backbone of the medical entrance exam. Since Biology alone carries 360 marks, conceptual clarity in Biology directly boosts selection chances. Moreover, continuous reference to NCERT diagrams helps students handle image-based and assertion-type questions confidently.
Therefore, aspirants who prioritize the NEET Biology Syllabus from the beginning manage revisions better and score consistently above the cutoff. To plan Zoology effectively, students should first understand the complete NEET Biology Syllabus 2026, as it defines the exact scope of both Botany and Zoology. As a result, serious aspirants always treat Biology as a scoring subject rather than a memorization task.
NEET Biology Syllabus 2026 Overview
Since NTA has officially released the syllabus PDF, the NEET Biology Syllabus 2026 remains unchanged. Therefore, students must rely only on the official syllabus and avoid outdated material. Here is the overview of the biology syllabus before moving more towards Zoology syllabus.
| Parameter | Details |
| Official Release | 22 December 2025 |
| Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Syllabus Availability | NTA’s official website |
| Key Sections | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Applicability | Mandatory for NEET 2026 aspirants |
Because the NEET Biology Syllabus stays consistent with the NCERT structure, aspirants gain a predictable study path that ensures time-efficient revision. For complete subject-wise confirmation, aspirants should always refer to the NEET syllabus 2026 released by NTA before finalising their study resources.
NEET Biology Syllabus 2026 for Class 11
Before moving towards NEET Zoology syllabus, let’s see the overall biology syllabus for class 11 and 12.The NEET Biology Syllabus for Class 11 builds the foundation needed to understand advanced Class 12 topics. Students must revise terminology, plant structures, and physiology in detail to avoid conceptual gaps later.
Class 11 Topics
| Unit Name | Unit Topics |
| Unit 1 – Diversity of Living Organisms Change | What is living? ; Biodiversity; Need for classification; Taxonomy & Systematics; Concept of species and taxonomic hierarchy; Binomial nomenclature;Five kingdom classifications: salient features and classification of Monera, Protista, and Fungi into major groups: Lichens Viruses and Viroids.salient features and classification of plants into major groups-Algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms (three to five salient and distinguishing features and at least two examples of each category);Salient features and classification of non-chordate animals up to phyla level and chordate up to the class level (three to five salient features and at least two examples). |
| Unit 2 – Structural Organization in Plants & Animals Change | Morphology and modifications; Tissues; Anatomy and functions of different parts of flowering plants: Root, stem, leaf, inflorescence (cymose and racemose), flower, fruit, and seed. 1 To be dealt with along with the relevant practicals of the Practical Syllabus. Family (malvaceae, Cruciferae, Leguminosae, Compositae, gramineae)’Animal tissues; Morphology, anatomy, and functions of different systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and reproductive) of an insect (Frog)’ (Brief account only) |
| Unit 3 – Cell Structure and Function No Change | cell theory and cell as the basic unit of life; Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell; Plant cell and animal cell; Cell envelope’ cell membrane, cell wall; Cell organelle structure and function; Endomembrane system—endoplasmic reticulum’ Golgi bodies’ lysosomes, vacuoles, mitochondria, ribosomes, plastids, microbodies; Cytoskeleton, cilia, flagella, centrioles (ultrastructure and function); Nucleus-nuclear membrane’ chromatin, nucleolus.chemical constituents of living cells: Biomolecules—structure and function of proteins and carbohydrates. lipids, nucleic acids; Enzyme types, properties of enzyme action, classification, and nomenclature of enzymesB Cell division: Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, and their significance |
| Unit 4 – Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis as a means of Autotrophic nutrition; Site of photosynthesis takes place; pigments involved in Photosynthesis (Elementary-.idea); Photochemical and biosynthetic phases of photosynthesis; Cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation; chemiosmotic hypothesis; photorespiration c3 and c4 pathways; Factors affecting photosynthesis.Respiration: Exchange gases; cellular respiration-glycolysis. fermentation (anaerobic), TCA cycle and electron transport system (aerobic); Energy relations- Number of ATP molecules generated, Amphibolic pathways, and Respiratory quotient.Plant growth and development: Seed germination; phases of plant growth and plant growth rate; Conditions of growth; Differentiation, redifferentiation, and differentiation; Sequence of developmental process in a plant cell; Growth regulators auxin, gibberellin, cy. cytokinin, ethylene, ABA; |
| Unit 5 – Human Physiology | Breathing and Respiration: Respiratory organs in animals (recall only); Respiratory system in humans; Mechanism of breathing and its regulation in humans-Exchange of gases, transport of gases and regulation of respiration. Respiratory volumes; Disorders related to respiration: Asthma, Emphysema, Occupational respiratory disorders.‘Body fluids and circulation: composition of blood, blood groups, coagulation of blood; composition of lymph and its function; Human circulatory system—structure of the human heart and blood vessels; cardiac cycle, cardiac output. ECG. Double circulation; Regulation of cardiac activity; Disorders of the circulatory system-Hypertension, coronary artery disease, Angina pectoris, and Heart failure.Excretory products and their elimination: Modes of excretion- Ammonotelism, ureotelism, uricotelism; Human excretory system structure and function; Urine formation, osmoregulation; Regulation of kidney function-Renin-angiotensin, Atrial Natriuretic Factor, ADH, and Diabetes insipidus; Role of other organs in excretion; Disorders: Uremia, Renal failure, Renal calculi, Nephritis; Dialysis and artificial kidney.Locomotion and Movement: Types of movement—ciliary, flagellar, muscular; Skeletal muscle—contractile proteins and muscle contraction; Skeletal system and its functions (To be dealt with in the relevant practical of the practical syllabus); Joints; Disorders of the muscular and skeletal system—Myasthenia gravis, Tetany, Muscular dystrophy, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout.Neural control and coordination: Neuron and nerves; The Nervous system in humans is the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and the visceral nervous system. Generation and conduction of nerve impulses;chemical coordination and regulation: Endocrine glands and hormones; Human endocrine system-Hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, Thyroid, parathyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Gonads; Mechanism of hormone action (Elementary idea); Role of hormones as messengers and regulators, Hypo-and hyperactivity and related disorders (common disorders e.g. Dwarfism, Acromegaly, Cretinism, goiter, exophthalmic goiter, diabetes, and Addison’s disease. |
Because the NEET Biology Syllabus requires continual reinforcement, students should revise these chapters alongside practice tests for long-term memory.
NEET Biology Syllabus 2026 for Class 12
The NEET Biology Syllabus for Class 12 expands upon concepts learned in Class 11 and introduces deeper biological mechanisms essential for medical entrance preparation. Since these topics dominate high-weightage questions, students should prioritise the NEET Biology Syllabus for Class 12 during revision, especially while solving NCERT-based diagrams and terminology.
| Unit Name | Unit Topics |
| Unit 6 – Reproduction | Sexual reproduction in flowering plants: Flower structure; Development of male and female gametophytes; Pollination-types, agencies, and examples; Outbreeding devices; Pollen-Pistil interaction; Double fertilization; Post-fertilization events- Development of endosperm and embryo, Development of seed and formation of fruit; Special modes: of apomixis, parthenocarpy, polyembryony; Significance of seed and fruit formation.Human Reproduction: Male and female reproductive systems; Microscopic anatomy of testis and ovary; Gametogenesis-spermatogenesis & oogenesis; Menstrual cycle; Fertilization, embryo development up to blastocyst formation, implantation: Pregnancy and placenta formation (Elementary idea); Parturition (Elementary idea); Lactation (Elementary idea).Reproductive health: Need for reproductive health and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD); Birth control—Need and Methods, Contraception and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP); Amniocentesis; infertility and assisted reproductive technologies—IVF, ZIFT, and GIFT (Elementary idea for general awareness). |
| Unit 7 – Genetics & Evolution | Heredity and variation: Mendelian inheritance; Deviations from Mendelism: incomplete dominance, Codominance, Multiple alleles, and Inheritance of blood groups, Pleiotropy; Elementary idea of polygenic inheritance; Chromosome theory of inheritance; Chromosomes and genes; Sex determination in humans, birds, honey bee; Linkage and crossing over; Sex-linked inheritance—hemophilia and color blindness; Mendelian disorders in humans-Thalassemia; chromosomal disorders in humans; Down’s syndrome, and Klinefelter’s syndrome.Molecular basis of Inheritance: Search for genetic material and DNA as genetic material; Structure of DNA and RNA; DNA packaging; DNA replication; Central dogma; Transcription, genetic code, translation; Gene expression and regulation- Lac Operon; Genome and the human genome project; DNA fingerprinting; and protein biosynthesis.Evolution: Origin of life; Biological evolution and evidence for biological evolution from Paleontology, comparative anatomy, embryology, and molecular evidence; Darwin, ‘s contribution, modern synthetic theory of Evolution; Mechanism of evolution, Variation (Mutation and Recombination) and Natural Selection with examples, types of natural selection; gene flow and genetic drift; Hardy-weinberg’s principle; Adaptive Radiation; Human evolution. |
| Unit 8 – Biology and Human Welfare | Health and Disease; Pathogens; parasites causing human diseases (Malaria, Filariasis, Ascariasis, Typhoid, Pneumonia, common cold, amoebiasis, ring worm, dengue, chikungunya); Basic concepts of immunology-vaccines; Cancer, HIV and AIDS; Adolescence, drugs, and alcohol abuse. Tobacco abuseMicrobes in human welfare: In household food processing, industrial production, sewage treatment, and energy generation, and as biocontrol agents and biofertilizers. |
| Unit 9 – Biotechnology and its Applications | Principles and processes of Biotechnology: Genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology).Application of Biotechnology in Health and Agriculture: Human insulin and vaccine production, gens therapy genetically modified organisms: Br crops: Transgenic Animals Biosafety issues-Biopiracy and patents. |
| Unit 10 – Ecology and Environment | Organisms and environment: Population interactions—mutualism, competition. predation, parasitism, population attributes-growth. birth rate and death rate, and age distribution.Ecosystem: Patterns, components, productivity, and decomposition: Energy flow: Pyramids of number, biomass, and energyBiodiversity and its conservation: concept of Biodiversity; patterns of Biodiversity: Importance of Biodiversity; Loss of Biodiversity; Biodiversity conservation; Hotspots, endangered organisms. extinction; Red Data Book. Biosphere reserves, National parks, and sanctuaries, Sacred Groves. |
By completing the NEET Biology Syllabus for Class 12 with repeated revision of NCERT diagrams and solved examples, students develop the accuracy required to score consistently high in Biology.
NEET Zoology Syllabus 2026
The NEET Zoology Syllabus focuses mainly on human physiology, health, evolution, and biotechnology, which frequently appear in NEET.
| S. No | Chapter Name |
| 1 | Structural Organization in Animals (including the Frog) |
| 2 | Biomolecules |
| 3 | Breathing and Exchange of Gases |
| 4 | Body Fluids and Circulation |
| 5 | Excretory Products & their Elimination |
| 6 | Locomotion & Movement |
| 7 | Neural Control & Coordination |
| 8 | Chemical Coordination & Integration |
| 9 | Animal Kingdom |
| 10 | Human Reproduction |
| 11 | Reproductive Health |
| 12 | Evolution |
| 13 | Human Health and Diseases |
| 14 | Biotechnology: Principles & Processes |
Since diagrams appear repeatedly, students should revise every diagram listed in the NEET Zoology Syllabus without skipping.
Zoology Weightage in NEET
The NEET Zoology Syllabus 2026 carries predictable weightage patterns based on past papers. Students should prioritize high-weightage chapters early to maximize marks.
| Chapters/Topics | Average No. of Questions Based on 5-Year Analysis | Weightage (%) |
| Structural Organisation in Animals (Animal Tissues) | 4 | 8% |
| Locomotion and Movement | 3 | 6% |
| Body Fluids and Circulation | 2 | 5% |
| Evolution | 3 | 6% |
| Biomolecules | 5 | 10% |
| Human Reproduction | 3 | 6% |
| Breathing and Exchange of Gases | 2 | 4% |
| Excretory Products and Their Elimination | 2 | 5% |
| Reproductive Health | 4 | 8% |
| Biotechnology – Principles and Processes | 6 | 12% |
| Human Health and Disease | 3 | 6% |
| Biotechnology and its Applications | 4 | 7% |
| Animal Kingdom | 7 | 13% |
| Neural Control and Coordination | 1 | 2% |
| Chemical Coordination and Integration | 2 | 4% |
NEET Zoology Syllabus 2026 Important Topics
The NEET Zoology Syllabus includes detailed topics from tissues, biomolecules, respiration, circulation, excretion, locomotion, nervous system, hormones, animal classification, reproduction, evolution, immunity, and biotechnology. Since diagram-based and application questions appear regularly, students must revise every listed topic without skipping.
| Chapter Name | Topics |
| Structural Organization in Animals (including the Frog) | TissuesEpithelial TissueCell JunctionsConnective TissueMuscular TissueNervous TissueCockroachFrog |
| Biomolecules | Method to analyze chemical compositionMetabolitesMicromoleculesMacromoleculesCarbohydratesAmino acidsProteinsLipidsNucleic acidsRNADNADynamic state of body constituentsThe living stateEnzymes |
| Breathing and Exchange of Gases | Introduction to breathing and respirationRespiratory organsHuman respiratory systemMechanism of breathingRespiratory volumes and capacitiesExchange of gasesTransportation of gasesRegulation of respirationDisorders of the Respiratory System |
| Body Fluids and Circulation | Introduction to body fluidsBloodPlasmaFormed elementsBlood GroupsCoagulation of BloodLymphCirculatory PathwaysDouble CirculationCoronary CirculationHuman Circulatory SystemHeart SoundsBlood VesselsPortal systemECGRegulation of Cardiac ActivityDisorders of the Circulatory System |
| Excretory Products & their Elimination | ExcretionExcretory ProductsExcretory StructuresHuman Excretory SystemNephronMechanism of Urine FormationMechanism of Concentration of the FiltrateMicturitionUrineRole of Other Organs in ExcretionRegulation of Kidney Function—KidneyRegulation of Kidney Function—HypothalamusRegulation of Kidney Function—Adrenal CortexRegulation of Kidney Function—Adrenal medullaRegulation of Kidney Function—HeartRegulation of GFRDisorders of the Excretory SystemTreatment for renal failure |
| Locomotion & Movement | Locomotion and movementLocomotory organsTypes of MovementMusclesTypes of MuscleSkeletal musclesStructure of contractile proteinsMechanism of Muscle ContractionMechanism of Muscle RelaxationRed & White MusclesSkeletal systemAxial skeletonAppendicular skeletonJointsDisorders related to the muscular system |
| Neural Control & Coordination | Control and coordinationNeural systemHuman neural systemNeuronGeneration and conduction of nerve impulseTransmission of ImpulsesSynapseNeurotransmittersCentral nervous system (CNS)Human BrainSpinal cord |
| Chemical Coordination & Integration | Neural system and Endocrine systemEndocrine glandsHormonesHypothalamusPituitary gland/HypophysisPineal gland/bodyThyroid glandParathyroid glandThymus glandAdrenal glandPancreasGonadsHormones of the Gastrointestinal TractHormones of the HeartHormones of the KidneyNon-endocrine tissuesHormonal FeedbackHormonal action |
| Animal Kingdom | TaxonomyKingdom-AnimaliaBasis of ClassificationPhylum- PoriferaPhylum- Coelenterata/CnidariaPhylum- Ctenophora”Phylum- PlatyhelminthesPhylum- Aschelminthes/ Nemathelminthes”Phylum-AnnelidaPhylum-ArthropodaPhylum- MolluscaPhylum- EchinodermataPhylum- HemichordataPhylum-ChordataSubphyla- UrochordataSubphyla- CephalochordataSubphyla- VertebrataClass- CyclostomataSuperclass- Pisces (Class- Chondrichthyes)Superclass- Pisces (Class- Osteichthyes)Superclass- Tetrapoda (Class – Amphibia)Superclass- Tetrapoda (Class – Reptiles)Superclass- Tetrapoda (Class – Aves)Superclass- Tetrapoda (Class – Mammalia) |
| Human Reproduction | Human reproductive systemMale reproductive systemFemale reproductive systemSpermatogenesissemenStructure of spermOogenesisDifferences between spermatogenesis and oogenesisOvumMenstrual cycleFertilisation & ImplantationSex Determination of FoetusPregnancy & embryonic developmentParturition & Lactation |
| Reproductive Health | Reproductive healthPopulationContraceptive methodsMedical termination of pregnancySexually transmitted diseases (STDs)InfertilityAssisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) |
| Evolution | Origin of lifeTheory of the origin of lifeEvolutionEvidence of evolutionAdaptive radiationNatural selection and artificial selectionTheory of organic evolutionHardy-weinberg principleSpeciation and isolationA brief account on evolutionOrigin and evolution of man |
| Human Health and Diseases | IntroductionCommon Diseases in HumansProtozoan DiseaseImmunityInnate immunityAcquired immunityLymphoid organsImmunizationVaccinationTransplantationAuto-immunityAIDSCancerDrug abuseAlcohol abuseAdolescenceAddiction and dependence |
| Biotechnology: Principles & Processes | Principles of biotechnologyGenetic engineering/Recombinant DNA technologyTools of rDNA technologyIsolation of DNASeparation and isolation of DNA fragmentsAmplification of the gene of interestInsertion of rDNA into a host cellObtaining the foreign gene productGMOsBiotechnological applications in agricultureBiotechnological applications in medicineTransgenic animalsEthical issues |
NEET Zoology Syllabus Preparation Tips
To score effectively in the NEET Zoology 2026 section, candidates should follow a strategic approach focused on concept clarity and repeated practice:
- Stick to NCERT Books: NEET Biology questions are directly based on Class 11 & 12 NCERT textbooks.
- Focus on High-Weightage Chapters: Genetics, Human Physiology, Reproduction, Plant Physiology, and Ecology often carry the most marks.
- Make Short Notes: Summaries and keyword notes help during last-minute revision.
- Practice MCQs Daily: Attempt previous year questions and chapter-wise mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Revise Regularly: Weekly revision ensures long-term retention and reduces exam anxiety.
- Utilize Visual Learning: Flowcharts, diagrams, and tables facilitate the efficient internalization of complex processes.
Students appearing for NEET for the first time can also benefit from a structured NEET fresher course that aligns NCERT concepts directly with exam-oriented practice.
Conclusion
The NEET Zoology Syllabus 2026 demands clarity, consistency, and repeated revision. Since Zoology contributes heavily to Biology scoring, students who follow the NEET Zoology Syllabus strictly gain a clear advantage. Therefore, by focusing on NCERT diagrams, revising high-weightage chapters, and practicing regularly, aspirants can maximise accuracy and secure a strong NEET rank.
For expert guidance, structured study planning, and NEET-focused mentorship, students can also rely on SPM & Lalan’s Coaching throughout their preparation journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoology really scoring in NEET or does it need deep memorisation?
Zoology becomes highly scoring when concepts are understood instead of mugged up. Most questions come directly from NCERT lines, diagrams, and tables. Once clarity builds, revision becomes quick, and marks improve naturally.
How much time should I give daily to Zoology preparation?
On average, 1.5 to 2 hours daily works well if revision and MCQ practice are done together. Short, consistent study sessions help retain information better than long study hours.
Which Zoology chapters should I revise again and again?
Animal Kingdom, Human Physiology, Biomolecules, Biotechnology, and Human Health need multiple revisions. These chapters repeat every year and often confuse students if revised casually.
Can I skip low-weightage Zoology chapters safely?
Skipping chapters is risky. Even low-weightage topics sometimes give easy and direct questions. Completing the full syllabus once builds confidence and avoids last-minute panic.
Are NCERT diagrams really that important for Zoology?
Yes, absolutely. Many NEET questions come straight from NCERT diagrams, especially in physiology, reproduction, and animal tissues. Ignoring diagrams often leads to avoidable mistakes.
