NEET UG tie-breaking rules demand clarity and transparency

 NEET UG tie-breaking rules demand clarity and transparency

 Sonal.Srivastava@timesgroup.com 

18.03.2024

The NMC introduced new tie-breaking rules for the NEET UG 2024, which were published in the NEET UG information bulletin. However, the NMC will be following the tie-breaking rules that were applicable in 2023. Tie-breaking rules are crucial in the MBBS counselling rounds as they resolve the tie between students who score the same percentile and come in handy while deciding the medical college seat. Clarity and transparency in tie-breaking rules are crucial during counselling rounds since the rules determine how the tie will be broken. 

According to experts, at times, there may be 500- 1000 students who score the same percentile and the rules determine their chances of getting a government medical college seat. The NEET UG 2024 information bulletin suggested the following tie-breaking criteria:In case two or more candidates obtain equal marks/percentile scores in the NEET (UG) 2024, the interse-merit shall be determined as follows: 

● Candidate obtaining higher marks in Biology (Botany &Zoology) in the NEET, followed by, 

● Candidate obtaining higher marks in Chemistry in the Test, followed by, ● Candidate obtaining higher marks in Physics in the Test, followed by,

 ● Draw of lots by using the computer or IT with no human intervention. The following tie-breaking criteria were used in NEET 2023 (which is relevant in 2024): Candidates’ marks in Biology, Chemistry and Physics in the same order; the proportion of accurate responses in each of the subjects. Proportion of the number of attempted incorrect answers and correct answers in all the subjects in NEET. 

In 2022, the tie-breaking criteria included the candidate’s age, followed by the application number in ascending order besides the candidates’ marks and the proportion of right to wrong answers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. “The tie-breaking rules should be slowly and gradually changed. This, being an election year, the Health Ministry does not want to introduce any fresh changes. Al so, it remains to be seen what the reactions to the new rules could be. Before anything new is implemented there should be a mock drill to understand its implications. Clear and transparent tie-breaking rules are important because there may be 1000-1500 candidates who get the same percentile, sometimes even the same marks,” says a health ministry official, on the condition of anonymity.