The Botany syllabus for NEET 2026 is governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and is strictly aligned with the rationalized NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks. In late December 2025, the NMC confirmed that there would be no further reduction for the 2026 cycle, meaning the 79 total chapters across all subjects remain the focus.
For Botany, you must prepare approximately 32–35 chapters (including plant-related genetics and ecology) which typically account for 45–50 questions (180–200 marks) of the Biology section.
Class 11 Botany Syllabus
This section builds your conceptual foundation. Focus on structural details and physiological cycles.
| Unit | Chapters | Key Focus Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity in the Living World | The Living World, Biological Classification, Plant Kingdom | Five Kingdom classification, Algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms. |
| Structural Organization | Morphology & Anatomy of Flowering Plants | Modified for 2026: Study families like Malvaceae, Leguminosae, Gramineae. Root, stem, and leaf anatomy. |
| Cell Structure & Function | Cell: The Unit of Life, Cell Cycle & Division | Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic cells, Meiosis I (Prophase I), Mitosis. |
| Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis, Respiration, Plant Growth & Development | C3/C4 pathways, Glycolysis, Kreb’s cycle, ETS, Plant hormones (Auxins, ABA, etc.). |
Class 12 Botany Syllabus
The Class 12 syllabus is more application-oriented and carries significant weightage in the final merit.
| Unit | Chapters | Key Focus Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Reproduction | Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants | Pollination, Double Fertilization, Apomixis, and Polyembryony. |
| Genetics & Evolution | Principles of Inheritance, Molecular Basis of Inheritance | Mendel’s Laws, DNA Replication, Transcription, Lac Operon, DNA Fingerprinting. |
| Human Welfare | Microbes in Human Welfare | Microbes in sewage treatment, Bio-fertilizers, and Bio-control agents. |
| Ecology & Environment | Organisms & Populations, Ecosystem, Biodiversity & Conservation | Population interactions, Energy flow pyramids, Biodiversity hotspots, and Sacred Groves. |
High-Weightage "Must-Do" Chapters
If you are short on time, these chapters historically contribute over 50% of the Botany score:
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance: (6–8 questions) — The most critical chapter in Botany.
- Genetics (Principles of Inheritance): (5–6 questions).
- Cell Cycle and Cell Division: (4–5 questions).
- Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants: (3–4 questions).
- Plant Kingdom: (3–4 questions).
Deleted Topics
Ensure your 2026 preparation remains efficient by ignoring these sections removed in the recent rationalization:
- Transport in Plants: (Full Chapter deleted)
- Mineral Nutrition: (Full Chapter deleted)
- Reproduction in Organisms: (Full Chapter deleted)
- Environmental Issues: (Full Chapter deleted)
- Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production: (Portions related to plant breeding deleted)
Pro-Tip: Pay close attention to the "Experimental Skills" section added recently. For Botany, this includes practical knowledge of plant families, osmosis experiments, and identifying stages of mitosis under a microscope.