NEET UG 2026: What Happens If Two Candidates Get Same Score in Exam?

With lakhs of aspirants appearing for NEET UG every year, it is common for multiple candidates to secure identical marks or percentile scores. To ensure fairness and transparency in ranking, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has laid down a clear inter-se-merit or tie-breaking policy for NEET UG 2026. These rules decide who gets a higher rank when scores are the same and play a crucial role in counselling and seat allotment for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses. The criteria are applied step by step until the tie is resolved.

Tie-Breaking Rules for NEET UG 2026

When two or more candidates obtain equal marks/percentile scores, NTA determines inter-se-merit using the following hierarchy:

1. Candidate with higher marks/percentile in Biology (Botany & Zoology)

2. If still tied, candidate with higher marks/percentile in Chemistry

3. If still tied, candidate with higher marks/percentile in Physics

Role of Accuracy Ratio in Ranking

If subject-wise marks fail to resolve the tie, NTA considers accuracy:

• Candidate with a lower proportion of incorrect to correct answers across all subjects ranks higher.

• If the tie continues, accuracy in Biology is checked first, followed by Chemistry, and then Physics.

This ensures that candidates with better precision are rewarded.

Final Resolution Through Random Process

In rare cases where all the above criteria are exhausted and the tie still persists, the ranking is resolved through a random process. This process is conducted under the guidance of an independent expert committee to maintain fairness and transparency, as per official notifications issued by UGMEB/NMC.

Official Basis of the Tie-Breaking Policy

The NEET UG 2026 tie-breaking rules are based on:

• Public Notice dated 13 June 2023 issued by UGMEB/NMC

• Official communication from NMC UG Section dated 28 January 2026

These rules are mandatory and uniformly applied to all candidates.