NEET 2024: NTA revises Tie-breaking criteria

New Delhi: Scrapping computerized draw procedure for deciding the rank of joint scorers in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) exam, which was introduced earlier this year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has once again opted for its old policy.

The revised Information Bulletin for the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which was uploaded by NTA on its website, specified that NTA will allot ranks to joint scorers based on their performance - the proportion of incorrect and correct answers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

When two or more candidates secure the same score in the NEET exam, their ranks are decided in compliance with the tie-breaking policy. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that NTA released the application forms for NEET UG 2024 on February 9, 2024. 

Back then, NTA released an Information Bulletin and modified the tie-breaking policy for this year. Introducing lucky draw by computer or IT, the tie-breaking policy released by NTA mentioned that in case two or more candidates obtain equal marks, higher ranks will be given to candidates who obtain higher ranks in Biology, followed by marks in Chemistry, followed by higher marks in Physics, and lastly by draw of lots using computer.

The tie-breaking policy, which was introduced by NTA earlier this year stated- "The inter-se-merit of candidates for tie-breaking In case of two or more candidates obtain equal marks/percentile scores in the NEET (UG) - 2024, the inter-se-merit shall be determined as follows:

a. Candidate obtaining higher marks in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by,

b. Candidate obtaining higher marks in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,

c. Candidate obtaining higher marks in Physics in the Test, followed by,

d. Draw of lots by using the computer or IT with no human intervention."

This was a modification when compared to the tie-breaking policy for NEET-UG 2023 when apart from the first three criteria, a comparison of the proportion of correct responses in each of the three subjects was also considered.

Also Read: NEET 2024: Know all key Changes introduced this year

However, NMC has decided to go back to its old method of breaking a tie between the same scorers. As per the revised brochure, which has been uploaded on the NTA portal, after prioritizing the marks in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, the proportion of incorrect and correct answers attempted in all shall be considered for breaking the tie, followed by the proportion in the individual subjects.

"In case of two or more candidates obtain equal marks/percentile scoresin the NEET (UG) - 2024, the inter-se-merit shall be determined as follows:

a. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in theTest, followed by,

b. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Chemistry in the Test, followed by,

c. Candidate obtaining higher marks/percentile score in Physics in the Test, followed by,

d. Candidate with less proportion of the number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the Test,

e. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Biology (Botany & Zoology) in the Test, followed by

f. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Chemistry in the Test, followed by

g. Candidate with less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in Physics in the Test, followed by"

NTA followed the same rules for breaking the tie between same scores in the case of NEET UG 2023 as well. However, up until 2021, the age of the student used to be also considered as a tie-breaker criterion after the scores secured by the candidates in individual subjects and the proportion of negative marking. Back then, the older students used to get advantages to secure higher ranks.

In fact, this age factor was taken into consideration while announcing the topper of NEET 2020 as well. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in 2020 two candidates who had secured full marks in the medical entrance exam were Shoyeb Aftab from Odisha and Akanksha Singh from Uttar Pradesh.

However, NTA eliminated this age factor in 2021 and the Information Bulletin 2021 mentioned that higher ranks will be given to same scorers if they obtain higher marks in Biology, followed by marks in Chemistry, followed by less proportion of a number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in the test.

Also Read: NEET-2021: Tie-breaking criteria changed, Details