NEET 2026 tie-breaking policy can be checked, along with the information bulletin. This article of Shiksha discusses in detail the NEET tie-breaking criteria, and also analyses the policies of the past few years and how the factors have changed over the years.
NEET Tie-Breaking Criteria
The NEET 2026 tie-breaking policy has been announced by the National Testing Agency or NTA, along with the information bulletin. The NEET tie-breaking criteria refer to the mechanism deployed to determine the ranks of two or more candidates in the NEET merit list, in case all of them score the same marks in the exam. NTA changes the tie-breaking policy based on various factors to inculcate best practices to enable allotment of rank to more than one candidate securing the same score.
LIVE NOW: Re-NEET Result 2026 OUT, Check Live Updates
Which Top Medical College Can You Get with Your NEET 2026 Rank?
Predict your admission chances in top MBBS colleges across India and explore leading institutes such as AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER, MAMC, KGMU and other government and private medical colleges.
Last year, the NEET 2025 tie-breaking policy was changed. It is expected that the policy will remain the same this year as well. According to NEET marking scheme, every question is worth four marks. The NEET 2026 exam will have a total score of 720. -1 mark is deducted for negative marking for every wrong answer. If you do not attempt the question, then there will be no negative marking in the NEET question paper. This article by Shiksha.com analyses the NEET tie-breaking policy over the past few years.
- NEET Tie-Breaking Policy
- NEET 2024 Tie-Breaking Criteria
- NEET 2023 Tie-Breaking Criteria
- NEET 2022 Tie-Breaking Criteria
- NEET 2021 Tie-Breaking Criteria
NEET Tie-Breaking Policy
- Obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by,
- Obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,
- Obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Physics in the Test, followed by,
- With less proportion of the number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the Test,
- With less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by
- With less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Chemistry in the Test, followed by
- With less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Physics in the Test, followed by
In case, the first seven criteria are exhausted and the tie still persists, it will be resolved through a random process with the guidance of an independent expert committee.
Commonly asked questions
The total number of exam cities for NEET is 566. The number of NEET exam cities in India are 552 and in abroad are 14. The number of exam cities in India changes every year. The exact number is known through the notification PDF.
The exact numbers of NEET 2027 exam centres will be announced by NTA along with the result details.
The MCC NEET 2026 opening and closing ranks are not available as of now. The MCC NEET Counselling 2026 round 1 cutoff ranks will be published after seat allotment result.
The NEET exam was conducted from 2.00 to 5.15 pm with these exam timings-
| Events | Timing |
|---|---|
| Exam Centre Entry Begins | 11.00 AM |
| Exam Centre Last Entry | 1.30 PM |
| Sitting on the Exam Hall | 1.15 PM |
| Announcement of Important Instructions | 1.15 PM to 1.30 PM |
| Distribution of NEET Test Booklet | 1.45 PM |
| Writing of particulars on the NEET Test Booklet | 1.50 PM |
| NEET Exam Timing | 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM |
NEET 2024 Tie-Breaking Criteria
Upon the release of the NEET 2024 application form and information bulletin on February 9, 2024, it was seen that the NEET 2024 tie-breaking criteria had been changed. In this, the final factor was a computerised draw of lots, which replaced the subject-wise accuracy proportion of candidates, that was followed in the previous years. Later, the factor of the computerised draw of lots has been replaced with a subject-wise accuracy proportion.
The revised NEET 2024 tie-breaking criteria are given below.
- Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by,
- Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,
- Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Physics in the Test, followed by,
- Candidate with less proportion of the number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the Test,
- Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by
- Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Chemistry in the Test, followed by
- Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Physics in the Test.
- Obtaining higher marks in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by,
- Obtaining higher marks in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,
- Obtaining higher marks in Physics in the Test, followed by,
- Draw of lots by using the computer or IT with no human intervention.
Now, let us take a look at the NEET tie-breaking criteria for the previous years.
NEET 2023 Tie-Breaking Criteria
The NEET 2023 tie-breaking criteria is mentioned in the following points given which focuses on the candidates’ performance in each of the subjects in the order of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. After that, the proportion of accurate responses in each of the subjects was tallied.
- Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by,
- Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,
- Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Physics in the Test, followed by,
- Candidate with less proportion of the number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the Test,
- Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by
- Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Chemistry in the Test, followed by
- Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Physics in the Test.
Commonly asked questions
Have a look at the NEET photo requirements 2027 below-
Documents | Size & Format |
|---|---|
Passport Size Photograph | 10 KB to 200 KB JPG/JPEG |
Postcard Size Photograph | 10 KB to 200 KB 4"x6" JPG/JPEG |
The NEET UG 2027 exam will be conducted on May 2.
Till last year, candidates were provided N95 masks at the NEET exam centre which was mandatory to be used by candidates. They had to dispose of their own masks before entering the exam centre at the designated bin. However, since the intensity of Covid has reduced as compared to the last two years, this year candidates may not be provided masks at the centre. The information will be confirmed after the release of the NEET admit card. However, it is recommended that they wear face masks for the entire duration. This should be done to ensure their and other test-takers' safety.
In case candidates are not allotted any seat in the second round of the NEET UG counselling, the earlier allotted seat in Round 1 will be retained. However, on up-gradation of a seat in the second round, the earlier allotted seat in Round 1 will automatically be cancelled and allotted to another candidate. Therefore, candidates are advised to fill in only higher choices or any other choice which they prefer over the earlier allotted seat, for second round.
Explore colleges based on NEET
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
NEET 2022 Tie-Breaking Criteria
- Obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by
- Obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,
- Obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Physics in the Test, followed by,
- Less proportion of the number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the Test,
- Less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by
- Less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Chemistry in the Test, followed by
- Less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Physics in the Test, followed by
- Candidate Older in Age, followed by
- Application Number in ascending order.
Explore more Medicine & Health Sciences exams with upcoming dates
27 Oct '26
30 Oct '26
7 Nov '26
18 Dec '26
1 Jan '27
NEET 2021 Tie-Breaking Criteria
- Obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by,
- Obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,
- Less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the Test.
Read More:
List of Documents Required for NEET 2026 Application Form, Document Size and Formats
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Upper Age Limit, Number of Attempts, Qualification
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jun '20 | AIIMS MBBS 2020 Results |
May '20 | AIIMS MBBS 2020 Exam |
Jun '20 | JIPMER 2020 exam (tentative) |
27 Oct '26 | FMGE October 2026 Exam Admit C... |
31 Oct '26 | FMGE Exam Date October 2026 |
14 Jan '27 - 31 Jan '27 | OJEE 2027 registrations |
22 Apr '27 - 30 Apr '27 | OJEE 2027 Admit Card Release |
Jun '26 | PU CET (UG) 2026 Counselling P... |
May '26 | PU CET (UG) 2026 Result |
18 Dec '26 | NTA CSIR NET December 2025 Exa... |
Jul '26 | NTA AIAPGET 2026 Exam Date |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
The Round 4 closing NEET cutoff 2026 for MBBS at AIIMS Deoghar is 8481. Students who meet the cutoff criteria can take admission in AIIMS Deoghar for the five-year MBBS course.
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, you can join AIIMS Bathinda without giving the NEET examination. The NEET exam is required only for the MBBS and BDS course. Candidates can check the list below to know the course-wise accepted exams.
- INI CET Exam for PG courses (MD, MDS, MS, DM, MCh)
- AIIMS Nursing/ AIIMS Paramedical Exam for B
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
It depends on the college, and sources do not agree. One college lists JENPAS, the West Bengal joint entrance exam, while another lists NEET. A third says both JENPAS and NEET are accepted. So always read each college's own admission page. Do not skip either exam until you are sure. Prepare for both
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, a NEET rank of 1,000 can be considered an excellent rank if you belong to the General AI category. For the aforementioned category, the highest rank acceptable was 222044. On the other hand, for the BDS course, the maximum rank acceptable was 522640. Hence, a NEET Rank of 1,000 could get you ad
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Here is the table below showing some of the top BSc Nursing college without NEET in Delhi NCR, along with their tuition fees.
| Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Amity University, Gurugram | INR 7.52 lakh |
| Sharda School of Nursing Science & Research | INR 11.08 lakh |
| SGT University, Gurgaon | INR 13 lakh |
| Holy Family College of Nursing | INR 2.4 lakh |
| SVSU - Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | INR 9.95 lakh |
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
In many cases, yes. Some sources say NEET is not compulsory for BPT in Karnataka. Many private colleges admit students on 12th marks. Government and counselling seats may follow a different process. Rules change every year, so read the latest notice before you apply.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Not always. While NEET is common, several Karnataka colleges also accept KCET scores, and some even offer direct admission based on 12th marks. This is different from MBBS, where NEET is compulsory everywhere. So if you missed NEET or didn't score well, you still have other routes into a good nursin
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The Kerala NEET UG Counselling Round 3 was conducted from September 16 to September 26. The deadline for candidates to report and join their allotted college/seat was October 1.
S
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, NEET UG is compulsory for any MBBS admission in India, including Bhopal. There is no other entrance exam or backdoor route allowed legally. After NEET, admission happens either via AIIMS-specific counselling or MP state counselling. Management quota seats also require a valid NEET score first.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi.
Yes. You can do many paramedical/allied-health courses in Chennai without NEET.
For Tamil Nadu, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research has a separate admission process for Allied and Healthcare (AHS) UG degree courses, distinct from MBBS/BDS admission. The 2026–27 admission notification
h
Scholar-Level 17