Human Health and Diseases - NEET Previous Year Questions with Complete Solutions

NEET typically asks 3–5 questions from Human Health and Diseases per year. The chapter has appeared in every NEET paper since 2013. Based on NTA data, the 2021 paper had the highest count at 5 questions. On average, expect 4 questions contributing around 16 marks to your Biology score.

Immunity (innate vs. acquired, active vs. passive, antibody structure) and infectious diseases (especially Malaria, Typhoid, and Ringworm) carry the highest combined weightage. Cancer biology — particularly oncogenes, metastasis, and carcinogens — has been increasingly tested from 2019 onwards. Together, these three areas account for roughly 80% of questions from this chapter.

Yes, NCERT is sufficient for this chapter if read carefully and completely. Almost every NEET question from Human Health and Diseases can be traced directly to an NCERT line, diagram, or example box. Focus on the immunity diagrams, the disease summary tables, and the drug classification list. Supplement with PYQs to understand how NEET frames the questions.

Active immunity develops when the body produces its own antibodies in response to an antigen — either through natural infection or vaccination. It is long-lasting. Passive immunity involves receiving readymade antibodies from an external source, such as mother's colostrum or antitoxin injections. It provides immediate protection but does not last long because no memory cells are formed.

NEET frequently tests: Morphine and heroin from Papaver somniferum (opium poppy); THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) from Cannabis sativa; cocaine from Erythroxylum coca. These are classified as opioids, cannabinoids, and coca alkaloids respectively. Questions often ask for the plant source or the chemical extracted, so memorise all three pairs as a set.