NEET UG 2025 Tie-Breaking Criteria Explained: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is one of India’s most crucial and competitive entrance exams for admission into undergraduate medical and allied courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSc Nursing, and more. With lakhs of students appearing every year and many scoring the same marks, ranking becomes a challenge. To resolve this, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has updated the tie-breaking criteria for NEET UG 2025, including a new random selection method as a final resolution step.
This detailed guide explains the latest NEET 2025 tie-breaking process, additional exam updates, and preparation tips that aspirants must keep in mind to improve their chances.
NEET UG 2025 Exam Overview
Let’s begin with the basic details about NEET 2025:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | NEET UG 2025 |
| Exam Date | 4 May 2025 |
| Exam Time | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Entry at Centre Starts At | 11:00 AM |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen-and-paper based) |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BSc Nursing, etc. |
What is a Tie in NEET?
In NEET, a tie happens when two or more students secure identical total marks or percentile scores. Since NEET ranks decide college allotment and cut-off positions, tie-breaking is essential to decide who gets ranked higher.
NEET UG 2025 Tie-Breaking Criteria (Step-by-Step)
As per the latest NEET 2025 notification, if two or more students get the same marks, the following steps will be used to break the tie:
| Step | Criteria Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Higher marks in Biology (Botany & Zoology) |
| 2 | Higher marks in Chemistry |
| 3 | Higher marks in Physics |
| 4 | Lower proportion of incorrect answers in all subjects combined |
| 5 | Lower proportion of incorrect answers in Biology |
| 6 | Lower proportion of incorrect answers in Chemistry |
| 7 | Lower proportion of incorrect answers in Physics |
| 8 | Final decision through Random Selection Process under expert committee supervision |
Random Selection Process – New for NEET 2025
This is a major new addition. If all academic-based and accuracy-based tie-breakers fail, the rank will be decided via a random selection method, supervised by an independent expert committee. This ensures fairness and avoids using subjective parameters like age, which were previously used but considered biased.
Why Has the Random Method Been Introduced?
The random method is being introduced to eliminate any potential unfairness that could arise from older criteria such as age or application number. This method guarantees:
- Total transparency
- No preference based on age or demographic details
- Computerised and committee-monitored decision-making
NEET 2025 Tie-Breaking Example Scenario
Let’s consider two students with the exact same scores:
| Candidate | Biology | Chemistry | Physics | Total Marks | Accuracy (Correct vs Incorrect Ratio) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student A | 340 | 150 | 130 | 620 | 90% |
| Student B | 340 | 150 | 130 | 620 | 90% |
In such a case, after applying all subject-wise and accuracy filters, if both students are still tied, the NTA will perform a random selection process to assign their ranks.
NEET UG 2025 Exam Pattern – What’s New?
The exam pattern for NEET UG 2025 is slightly different from previous years, especially from the COVID-era versions:
| Feature | NEET 2024 Format | NEET 2025 Format |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 200 (180 to attempt) | 180 (All compulsory) |
| Optional Questions | Yes (in Section B) | Removed in 2025 |
| Time Duration | 3 hrs 20 mins | 3 hrs (180 minutes) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Same |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong | Unchanged |
Now all 180 questions are mandatory, and candidates must prepare accordingly with full accuracy.
Extended Entry Time at Centres
The NTA has also revised exam centre entry timings:
- Exam starts at 2:00 PM
- Entry begins at 11:00 AM (previously 12:00 PM)
- Last entry allowed up to 1:30 PM
The change is intended to ensure better management, early identification, and seamless frisking and verification procedures.
NEET 2025 Exam Centre Choice – Major Update
Candidates appearing for NEET 2025 will now be allowed to select up to three cities for their exam centre, compared to only two in earlier years.
However, all selected cities must fall within the candidate’s state of permanent or present address. This ensures better access and minimises unnecessary travel for students.
| Parameter | Previous Years | NEET 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of City Preferences | 2 | 3 |
| City Choice Limited To | Pan-India | Candidate’s own state |
| Selection Basis | Any location | Based on residential details |
Updated Photo Upload Rules for NEET 2025 Application
The NTA has also revised the rules for uploading photos while filling out the NEET 2025 application form.
| Photo Criteria | Updated Requirement |
|---|---|
| Type | Passport-size colour photo |
| Date of Photograph | After 1st January 2025 |
| Format | JPG or JPEG |
| Size | Between 10 KB to 200 KB |
| Background | White or light background only |
| Dress Code in Photo | No sunglasses or caps allowed |
Make sure to get a fresh photograph taken as per the updated specifications to avoid application rejection.
NEET 2025: Preparation Strategy Post Pattern Changes
With no optional questions and a greater emphasis on accuracy due to tie-breaking rules, aspirants should focus on:
- NCERT-based preparation, especially for Biology
- Mock tests for time management
- Accuracy improvement, as incorrect answers directly affect your rank
- Understanding key concepts in Physics and Chemistry rather than rote learning
Most Important Topics for NEET 2025 (Subject-wise)
Here’s a list of important topics NEET aspirants should focus on:
| Subject | High-Weightage Topics |
|---|---|
| Biology | Human Physiology, Genetics, Ecology, Reproduction |
| Chemistry | Organic Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics |
| Physics | Mechanics, Modern Physics, Electrodynamics |
Helpful NEET Resources
| Resource Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| NEET PYQ PDFs (2019-2024) | Free to download online |
| NEET Biology Diagrams | Available on coaching portals |
| NEET Chemistry Notes | Free PDFs on NEET websites |
| NEET Physics MCQs | Practise books & mock tests |
| NEET Application Guidelines | Available on neet.nta.nic.in |
NEET 2025 FAQs on Tie-Breaking
No. All 180 questions are compulsory now.
Final Thoughts
The NEET UG 2025 tie-breaking criteria have become more detailed and transparent with the addition of a random selection process. This change ensures that students are ranked purely on merit, accuracy, and academic performance.
If you’re preparing for NEET 2025, stay focused on accuracy, revise thoroughly, and keep yourself updated with official information from the NTA website. Remember, in such a competitive exam, even a single mark—and now even a single incorrect answer—can affect your rank.
For the best results, follow structured online courses, attempt mock tests regularly, and always prioritise clarity over cramming. Best of luck for NEET UG 2025!
