NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate) is a highly competitive exam for medical graduates seeking admission to postgraduate courses in India. The rank in NEET PG is determined based on the marks secured by candidates in the exam. Understanding how the rank is calculated can help aspirants gauge their performance and set realistic expectations.
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1. Scoring System in NEET PG
NEET PG consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, with each question carrying 4 marks. For every correct answer, candidates earn 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Unanswered carry no penalty.
2. Normalization and Percentile Rank
Since NEET PG is conducted in a single session, no normalization is applied. Instead, rankings are based on the raw marks scored by candidates. However, the exam uses the percentile-based scoring system to determine eligibility.
•Percentile vs. Percentage:
•Percentile indicates a candidate’s relative performance compared to others.
•For example, scoring in the 90th percentile means the candidate performed better than 90% of test-takers.
To qualify for NEET PG, candidates must meet the minimum percentile cutoff set by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
3. Determining the All India Rank (AIR)
The All India Rank (AIR) is assigned based on the total score achieved by candidates. Higher scores result in better ranks. In case of ties, the following tie-breaking criteria are applied:
1.Candidates with fewer negative responses are ranked higher.
2.Older candidates are given priority.
4. Importance of Rank
The rank determines the candidate’s eligibility for counseling and seat allotment in postgraduate medical programs. Higher ranks provide access to better institutions and specialties, making every mark crucial in this competitive exam.