The Zoology syllabus for NEET 2026 focuses heavily on Human Physiology, Genetics, and the Animal Kingdom. Following the latest NMC guidelines, the syllabus is strictly based on the rationalized NCERT, with specific additions like Frog anatomy and updated animal families.
Zoology typically accounts for 45 questions (180 marks) of the Biology section.
Class 11 Zoology Syllabus
The Class 11 portion establishes the structural and functional basics of animal life.
| Unit | Chapters | Key Focus Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity in Living World | Animal Kingdom | Basis of classification; Salient features of Non-chordates (up to Phyla) and Chordates (up to Class). |
| Structural Organisation | Structural Organisation in Animals | Modified for 2026: Animal tissues; Morphology and anatomy of Frog (Brief account of digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and reproductive systems). |
| Cell & Biomolecules | Biomolecules | Structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; Enzyme action and nomenclature. |
| Human Physiology | Breathing, Circulation, Excretion, Locomotion, Neural & Chemical Control | Mechanism of breathing; Cardiac cycle; ECG; Human excretory system; Muscle contraction; Endocrine glands and hormones. |
Class 12 Zoology Syllabus
The Class 12 portion is high-yield, focusing on reproduction, inheritance, and modern medical applications.
| Unit | Chapters | Key Focus Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Reproduction | Human Reproduction, Reproductive Health | Spermatogenesis & Oogenesis; Menstrual cycle; Fertilization & Implantation; Birth control; IVF, ZIFT, and GIFT. |
| Genetics & Evolution | Evolution | Origin of life; Evidence for evolution (Paleontological, Comparative Anatomy); Darwinism; Modern Synthetic Theory; Hardy-Weinberg Principle. |
| Biology in Human Welfare | Human Health and Diseases | Pathogens (Malaria, Typhoid, etc.); Basic Immunology (Vaccines); Dengue and Chikungunya (specifically added). |
| Biotechnology | Principles & Processes, Applications | Recombinant DNA technology; PCR; Gene therapy; Human Insulin; Transgenic animals; Biopiracy. |
Zoology Weightage & Priority
To maximize your score, prioritize these units which historically carry the highest weightage:
- Human Physiology (12–15 questions): The "core" of Zoology. Pay extra attention to the Chemical Coordination and Circulatory System.
- Human Reproduction & Health (5–7 questions): High-yield and relatively easy to master from NCERT.
- Animal Kingdom (3–5 questions): Focus on the examples given in NCERT; NTA rarely asks beyond them.
- Biotechnology (Both units: 8–10 questions): While technically shared with Botany, the human applications (Insulin, Gene Therapy) are strictly Zoology.
Important Changes for 2026
\- Frog vs. Cockroach: While older NCERTs focused on the Cockroach, the 2026 syllabus emphasizes the Frog for morphology and anatomy.
- Deleted Chapter: The chapter "Digestion and Absorption" has been completely removed from the 2026 syllabus.
- Diseases: Be sure to study Dengue and Chikungunya, as they are now officially part of the Human Health and Diseases chapter.