Physics is often considered one of the most challenging sections of NEET UG 2026, but if you prepare smartly, it can also become one of your highest-scoring subjects. The Physics section comprises 45 questions, worth 180 marks, accounting for a crucial one-fourth of the entire paper. Since the syllabus stretches across both Class 11 and Class 12, knowing the chapter-wise weightage helps you plan your preparation strategically.
In this article, you’ll find expected and trend-based weightage for every major Physics chapter, compiled using recent expert analyses and past NEET exam patterns.
NEET UG 2026 Physics: Pattern Overview
Before you dive into individual chapters, here’s how the Physics section generally looks:
- Total Questions: 45
- Total Marks: 180
- Class 11 vs Class 12: The distribution is fairly balanced, with a slight edge to Class 12 topics
- High-yield areas: Electricity & Magnetism, Optics, Mechanics, and Modern Physics consistently dominate the paper
Class 11 Physics: Chapter-Wise Weightage
Core Chapters and Expected Weightage
| Chapter | Expected Weightage (%) | Approx. Questions |
| Laws of Motion | 7 | ~3 |
| Thermodynamics | 7 | ~3 |
| System of Particles & Rigid Body Motion | 7 | ~3 |
| Work, Energy & Power | 4 | ~2 |
| Oscillations & Waves | 3–4 | ~1–2 |
| Mechanical Properties (Solids & Fluids) | 3 | ~2 |
| Gravitation | 3 | ~2 |
| Units & Measurements | 2–3 | ~1 |
Key Points You Should Note
- Mechanics chapters like Laws of Motion and System of Particles are foundational, so you’ll see them carrying solid weight every year.
- Thermodynamics appears frequently because of its strong conceptual depth and numerical scope.
- Smaller chapters, such as Oscillations and Mechanical Properties, may have lower weightage, but they often offer direct, scoring questions if you prepare them well.
Class 12 Physics: Chapter-Wise Weightage
Key Chapters and Expected Contribution
| Chapter | Expected Weightage (%) | Approx. Questions |
| Current Electricity | 7–10 | ~3–5 |
| Ray Optics & Optical Instruments | 5–6 | ~2–3 |
| Semiconductor Electronics | 5–6 | ~2–3 |
| Electrostatics & Capacitance | 5–8 | ~2–4 |
| Moving Charges & Magnetism | 5–7 | ~2–3 |
| Alternating Current | 3–4 | ~2 |
| Dual Nature of Matter & Radiation | 3–4 | ~2 |
| Atoms & Nuclei | 4–6 | ~2 |
| Electromagnetic Waves | 3 | ~1–2 |
| Electromagnetic Induction | 2–3 | ~1 |
Highlights for Your Preparation
- Current Electricity is consistently the highest-weightage chapter in Class 12, sometimes contributing up to 10% of Physics marks.
- Ray Optics and Optical Instruments are asked regularly and are among the highest-scoring topics if your concepts are clear.
- Electromagnetism and Modern Physics chapters, like Moving Charges, Dual Nature, and Atoms & Nuclei, also contribute reliably every year.
Combined Chapter Weightage (Across Class 11 & 12)
To help you see the bigger picture, here’s a trend-based overview of how Physics weightage is typically distributed:
| Topic Category | Approx. Weightage (%) | Notes |
| Electricity & Magnetism | 30+ | Includes Current Electricity, Magnetism, Induction |
| Optics (Ray + Wave) | 10–12 | Concept-based and high scoring |
| Mechanics | 20+ | Core fundamentals of Physics |
| Modern Physics | 8–10 | Consistent presence every year |
| Thermal Physics | 7–9 | Includes Thermodynamics |
| Oscillations & Waves | 3–5 | Moderate but important |
| Matter Properties & Misc. | 5–7 | Fluids, Solids, EM Waves |
This distribution closely matches trend analyses from recent NEET cycles.
What This Weightage Means for Your Preparation
Knowing weightage is useful, but what really matters is how you use it to plan your studies.
High-Priority Chapters (Master These First)
- Current Electricity
- Ray Optics & Optical Instruments
- Laws of Motion + Work, Energy & Power
- Moving Charges & Magnetism
These chapters appear frequently and often involve concept-heavy or numerical questions.
Moderate-Priority Chapters
- Dual Nature of Matter & Radiation
- Alternating Current
- Electrostatics & Capacitance
- Thermal Physics
These are tested regularly and can help you secure steady mid-range marks.
Lower-Weightage but Scoring Chapters
- Mechanical Properties
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Units & Measurements
Even though these carry less weight individually, you shouldn’t ignore them because they often give you sure-shot marks with proper revision.
Trend Insights from Previous Years
When you look at recent NEET Physics papers, a few clear patterns emerge:
- Chapters with strong fundamentals and numerical application like Electricity, Optics, and Mechanics, keep repeating.
- NCERT textbooks and exemplar problems are still the most reliable resources for understanding question style.
- Even low-weight chapters can feature simple, direct questions, so covering the entire syllabus boosts your overall score.
Also See:
- Physics Chapter-Wise Weightage for NEET UG 2026
- Documents Required for NEET UG 2026: Keep These Ready
- When is NEET UG 2026? Application Date, Eligibility & 5 Major Updates
- NEET UG 2026 Syllabus (Official): Physics, Chemistry, Biology Chapter-Wise List & PDF
- Class 11 NEET Preparation – Biology-Focused Timetable & NCERT Strategy
Conclusion
When you understand chapter-wise weightage properly, you can prepare Physics in a smarter and more focused way. While Current Electricity, Optics, and Mechanics continue to dominate the paper, chapters like Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, and Dual Nature also contribute meaningful marks.
NEET UG 2026 will reward you for conceptual clarity, consistent practice, and balanced revision across both Class 11 and Class 12. With this detailed breakdown and a well-planned strategy, you can significantly improve your performance in the Physics section and move one step closer to your medical dream.





