By: Dr. Ruchir Bhavsar

When it comes to NEET SS, one of the most common dilemmas students face is whether to attempt a question or skip it. Unlike standard exams, where answering every question might be beneficial, NEET SS requires a fine balance between accuracy and risk management.

Many aspirants fall into the trap of either attempting too many questions blindly or skipping excessively out of fear. Both approaches can be detrimental. So, let’s break down the most strategic way to approach question attempts in NEET SS.

1️⃣ When to Skip a Question?

There are certain scenarios where skipping is the best choice:

✅ You have no idea about the topic or options.

• If a question is completely unfamiliar, blind guessing is dangerous due to negative marking. It’s safer to move on rather than risk losing marks.

✅ Two options seem equally likely, and you’re totally unsure.

• If you have narrowed it down to two possible answers but still lack confidence, it’s better to skip rather than lose marks.

✅ The question is consuming too much time.

• If a question is taking longer than expected, mark it for review and come back later. Time is a precious resource, and it’s better spent on questions you are more confident about.

2️⃣ How Many Questions Should You Attempt?

Skipping too many questions can hurt your overall score, while reckless guessing can do the same. Here’s a safe approach:

📌 Skipping up to 10-12 questions max is generally safe.
📌 Attempting at least 138-142 questions is ideal.
📌 Your final attempt count depends on the difficulty of the paper.

This strategy ensures that you maximize your marks while avoiding excessive negative marking.

3️⃣ When to Take an Educated Guess?

Skipping too many questions isn’t ideal either. If you find yourself skipping excessively, use the elimination technique:

🔹 If you can confidently eliminate two options, take an educated guess instead of skipping.
🔹 Your probability of getting it right is now 50% instead of 25%.
🔹 Over multiple such educated guesses, your score will likely improve rather than decline.

This is a game-changer because it allows you to push your attempt count closer to 135-140, which is the ideal range.

Final Takeaway: Accuracy vs. Risk Management

• Skipping should be strategic, not excessive.
• Don’t blindly guess, but don’t skip too much either.
• Use elimination techniques to make smart guesses.
• Aim for a balance: Attempting 135-140 questions is ideal but adapt based on difficulty level.

Mastering this strategy can elevate your score significantly, making the difference between a great rank and an average one. Stick to this framework, and you’ll navigate NEET SS with confidence! 🚀✅