NTA NEET 2025 Tie-Breaker Policy & Criteria

The NEET 2025 Tie Breaking Criteria are essential in deciding who gets a desired medical seat because each year,  thousands of applicants score similarly on the NEET UG exam. When two or more candidates receive identical scores, the NEET 2025 tie-breaker criteria, which was revised by NTA, guarantees openness and equity.  

Aspirants might have a competitive advantage throughout preparation and NEET 2025 counselling by being aware of these guidelines. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced a new rule for resolving ties in NEET UG 2025 scores. If the existing tie-breaking methods are not sufficient, an independent expert committee will step in and resolve the tie through a random selection process.

The tie-breaking policy is essential in deciding who gets a desired medical seat because each year, thousands of applicants score similarly on the NEET UG 2025 exam. When two or more candidates receive identical scores, the NEET 2025 tie-breaker criteria, which was revised by NTA, guarantees openness and equity. 

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Change in NEET Tie-Breaker Policy in 2025

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has included random selection as the last and new rule to its tie-breaker policy for NEET UG 2025. An independent expert committee will oversee a random selection procedure to assign ranks if none of the previously established criteria are able to break the deadlock. This is meant to preserve objectivity in situations where conventional academic measures are inadequate.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) updated the tie-breaking procedure for NEET UG in 2025, using a seven-point system to assess merit in cases where applicants receive identical scores. After these criteria, if ties still exist, a random procedure will be employed under the supervision of an expert committee.

Must Read: NEET Counselling FAQs 2025

NEET 2025 Tie-Breaker Hierarchy

If two or more candidates get the same marks in NEET UG 2025, the following steps will be applied in order to break the tie:

Rule 1: Higher Marks in Biology

Preference will be given to the candidate with higher Biology marks. If two candidates score the same total marks, the one with higher marks in Biology is ranked higher.
Example: If both score 650, the one with 340 in Biology ranks above someone with 330.

Rule 2: Higher Marks in Chemistry

If Biology marks are also the same, the candidate with higher Chemistry marks gets a better rank. 
Example: Between two students with 340 in Biology, one with 170 in Chemistry beats one with 165.

Rule 3: Fewer Incorrect Answers

If Biology and Chemistry scores are equal, the candidate with fewer wrong answers across all subjects is ranked higher. So The candidate with fewer incorrect answers compared to correct answers in all subjects will get a better rank.

1. Fewer Incorrect Answers in Biology: If necessary, preference will be given to the candidate with fewer incorrect answers in Biology.
2. Fewer Incorrect Answers in Chemistry: If the tie persists, the candidate with fewer incorrect answers in Chemistry will rank higher.
3. Fewer Incorrect Answers in Physics: If required, the candidate with fewer incorrect answers in Physics will be given preference.

Unique Tie-Breaker Cases to Know

Few unique tie-breaaking cases which are interesting and candidates must be aware of them are added below:

When All Marks Are Identical

If total marks, Biology, Chemistry, and number of wrong answers are all the same, non-academic criteria are applied.

Age Factor in Tie-Breaking

In past years, the older candidate was given preference, though this may not always be used.

Application Number as Final Decider

If all else is equal, the candidate with the lower (earlier) application number is ranked higher.

Must Read: NEET Changes 2025 Key Updates, Tie-Breaking Criteria, and Exam Guidelines

How NEET Tie-Breaker Rules Have Evolved (2017–2025)?

The NEET tie-breaking guidelines have evolved to become more formal:

• 2017–2021: Biology grades are prioritised, followed by chemistry and age.
• 2022–2024: Age was removed, and negative marking criteria were added.
• 2025: Under the guidance of an expert committee, random selection was implemented as a last resort for unmatched ties.

An attempt to improve equity and lessen dependence on arbitrary variables like age is seen in this evolution.

Also Check: How to Become NEET 2025 Topper

Smart Ways to Leverage Tie-Breaker Rules

The smart ways to leverage tie breakers are added below for candidates:

Biology First Strategy

To increase your chances of scoring and gaining a tie-break edge, give biology preparation top priority since it continues to be the most important criterion.

Biology is the main subject used as the first-level tie-breaker when applicants have the same overall score on several medical entrance tests (such as NEET). This implies that the applicant with the highest biology score will be rated higher if two or more candidates receive the same total score.

Accuracy Over Attempts

Given the significance of wrong answers, precision should be prioritised; avoid making too many guesses. Make biology a top priority in your preparation schedule.  Since they make up the majority of the paper, devote more time to studying the NCERT Biology Class 11 and 12 chapters.

Concentrate on accuracy rather than attempting every question. Blind guesswork can do more harm than good to your score. To make informed predictions rather than arbitrary ones, practice elimination procedures during multiple-choice questions.

 To reduce thoughtless errors, take practice exams in timed settings and review your wrong responses.

Document Verification Prep

Clean documentation and accurate data entry throughout the application procedure (such as subjects, marks, and a scanned photo by the new rule) might help tight ties avoid problems later on.

Fill out application forms thoroughly, making sure that all contact, academic, and personal information is correct.  According to the most recent guidelines, upload the appropriate photo and signature (many portals have tight criteria for file format, size, and backdrop).

Original documents and certifications, such as caste and domicile certificates and mark sheets from grades 10 and 12, should be kept on hand and validated beforehand.

Conclusion

When several candidates receive identical scores, the updated NEET 2025 tie-breaking strategy guarantees transparency and fairness by incorporating a random selection procedure supervised by an impartial expert committee. This change, from giving biology, chemistry, and negative marking priority to using a random method, attempts to preserve objectivity and lessen dependency on arbitrary factors.

To maximise their advantage, candidates are encouraged to concentrate on biology accuracy and reduce the number of erroneous answers. They should also make sure that their applications are well-prepared and documented to prevent issues during counselling.