NEET UG Tie-Breaking Rules Explained with Examples 2026

NEET UG Tie-Breaking Rules Explained with Examples 2026

Introduction

Every year, thousands of NEET UG candidates score exactly the same marks, leading to a tie in ranks. To ensure fair and transparent ranking, the National Testing Agency (NTA) follows specific tie-breaking rules.

Understanding these rules helps students predict their rank accurately and avoid confusion during result declaration and counselling.

NEET UG Tie-Breaking Rules Explained with Examples 2026

What Is a Tie in NEET UG

A tie occurs when two or more candidates score the same total marks out of 720 in NEET UG. Since admissions are rank-based, NTA applies tie-breaking criteria to assign unique ranks.

NEET UG Tie-Breaking Rules (Latest Order)

When two or more candidates score the same marks, NTA follows the tie-breaking criteria in the given order:

1. Higher Marks in Biology (Botany + Zoology)

The candidate with higher marks in Biology is given the better rank.

Example

Candidate A – Biology: 340Candidate B – Biology: 330

Candidate A gets the higher rank.

2. Higher Marks in Chemistry

If Biology marks are also equal, Chemistry marks are compared.

Example

Candidate A – Biology: 330, Chemistry: 160Candidate B – Biology: 330, Chemistry: 150

Candidate A ranks higher.

3. Higher Marks in Physics

If Biology and Chemistry marks are equal, Physics marks are considered.

Example

Candidate A – Physics: 140Candidate B – Physics: 135

Candidate A gets a better rank.

4. Fewer Incorrect Answers Overall

If subject-wise marks are still the same, the candidate with fewer total wrong answers across all subjects gets preference.

Example

Candidate A – Incorrect answers: 18Candidate B – Incorrect answers: 22

Candidate A ranks higher.

5. Fewer Incorrect Answers in Biology

If still tied, fewer incorrect answers in Biology are checked.

6. Fewer Incorrect Answers in Chemistry

If Biology incorrect answers are also equal, Chemistry incorrect answers are compared.

7. Age (Older Candidate Gets Preference)

If all above criteria are equal, the older candidate (by date of birth) is ranked higher.

8. Application Number (Random Order)

If the tie still persists, ranking is done using application number order generated by NTA.

Flow Summary of NEET Tie-Breaking

Marks Equal → Biology → Chemistry → Physics → Fewer Wrong Answers → Age → Application Number

Why Biology Is Given Highest Priority

• Biology carries 50 percent of total marks• Core subject for medical education• Directly related to MBBS and AYUSH courses

Does Tie-Breaking Affect Counselling

Yes. Even one-rank difference can affect• Government college seat• Preferred state• Choice of branch

Hence, tie-breaking rules are extremely important.

Common Myths About NEET Tie-Breaking

Tie-breaking uses board marks

Board marks are not considered

Tie-breaking is random

It follows a fixed rule-based order

Category decides tie

Category does not affect tie-breaking

FAQs – NEET UG Tie-Breaking Rules

Are board exam marks used in tie-breaking

No, board marks are not used.

Is age always used for tie-breaking

Age is used only if all academic criteria are equal.

Does category reservation affect tie-breaking

No, tie-breaking is purely merit-based.

Can two students have the same rank

No, tie-breaking ensures unique ranks.

Do tie-breaking rules change every year

Minor updates may occur, but core rules remain similar.

Tips to Avoid Tie Situations

Focus strongly on Biology

Minimize negative marking

Practice accuracy over guesswork

Conclusion

The NEET UG tie-breaking rules ensure fair ranking when multiple candidates score the same marks. By prioritizing Biology performance, subject-wise accuracy, and fewer incorrect answers, NTA maintains transparency in the merit list.

Understanding these rules helps students analyze results better and plan counselling smartly.

Helpful Video on NEET UG Tie-Breaking Rules Explained with Examples 2026

• NEET Tie-Breaker Rules Revealed: How NTA Decides Your Rank: This is a comprehensive 16-minute deep dive that explains the hierarchical rules NTA uses—starting from Biology marks to Chemistry, Physics, and eventually negative marking ratios. It is the most detailed guide available for the current and 2026 cycles.