How Can I Calculate My NEET Percentile Based on My Result?

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is a high-stakes examination that opens doors to medical and dental undergraduate programs in India. As a NEET aspirant, you may know that the results are presented not only as raw scores but also as percentile scores. But what does the NEET percentile mean, and how is it calculated? This article provides a step-by-step guide on how you can calculate your NEET percentile based on your result.

Understanding the NEET Percentile

Before we delve into the calculation process, let’s understand what the NEET percentile means. A percentile is a measure used to indicate the value below which a given percentage of test takers fall. For instance, if your NEET percentile is 90, it means that you have scored better than 90% of all the candidates who appeared in the examination.

NEET Percentile vs. NEET Percentage

NEET Percentile and NEET Percentage are two different concepts, each holding unique significance in the context of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Understanding these terms and their implications can help candidates better evaluate their performance and future prospects.

Also Check: NEET 2024 Rank Predictor

NEET Percentage

NEET percentage is a straightforward concept. It refers to the marks a student has scored out of the total marks possible. The total marks for NEET are 720. To calculate the NEET percentage, divide the marks obtained by the maximum marks (720) and multiply by 100.

For instance, if a student scored 360 marks, their NEET percentage would be (360/720) * 100 = 50%.

However, the NEET percentage does not play a significant role in the selection process. It doesn’t give a comparative analysis of a student’s performance against others who appeared for the same examination.

Also Check: Best Online Course for NEET Repeaters

NEET Percentile

Unlike percentage, NEET percentile provides a relative ranking that indicates where a student stands in comparison to all other students who appeared for the exam. It tells you what percentage of students have scored less than you in the examination.

It’s crucial to remember that the NEET percentile is the determinant for admission to undergraduate medical courses. The higher the percentile, the better your chances of securing a seat.

Top Medical Colleges in India 2024

The Formula for Calculating NEET Percentile

NTA uses the following formula to calculate the NEET percentile:

Percentile Score = 100 x (Number of candidates who scored below you / Total number of candidates who appeared)

Let’s break this down.

Number of Candidates Who Scored Below You: This is the count of candidates who have scored less than you in the NEET exam.

Total Number of Candidates Who Appeared: This is the total number of candidates who actually appeared in the examination.

The product is multiplied by 100 to get the percentile score.

Also read: NEET 2023 Toppers

NEET Percentile vs. NEET Marks

Understanding the difference between marks and percentile can help NEET aspirants in evaluating their performance. Here’s a brief explanation of how NEET marks and percentile are related yet different.

NEET Marks

NEET marks refer to the raw score obtained by a candidate in the examination. The paper consists of 180 questions, each worth 4 marks, making the total marks for NEET 720. The raw score is calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers, with 4 marks awarded for every correct answer and 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer. This raw score is often called the NEET marks. The marks you get in NEET determine if you can get into a medical college and which one you might attend. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting into a top medical school. You can use the NEET college predictor for checking which college you expect from your achieved NEET total marks.

Also Check: NEET 2024 AIR 1 Toppers from Infinity Learn

NEET Percentile

On the other hand, the NEET percentile is a measure that tells you what percentage of candidates have scored less than you in the examination. It’s a relative comparison of a candidate’s performance against others who appeared for the exam.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) calculates the percentile score based on the rank of the candidates. The formula used by the NTA for calculating the percentile score is:

Percentile Score = 100 x (Number of candidates who scored below you / Total number of candidates who appeared)

How NEET Percentile and Marks are Related

While the NEET marks are an absolute measure of a candidate’s performance, the percentile is a relative measure. Despite scoring high marks, if many candidates have scored higher than you, your percentile might be lower.

The NEET percentile thus considers the marks scored by all candidates and indicates a candidate’s performance in comparison to others. It is this percentile score, not the raw marks, which is considered for the NEET qualification and the admission to medical, dental, and AYUSH courses across India.

How to Calculate NEET Marks from Percentile

Here are the steps how you can calculate NEET marks from percentile:

1. Understand Percentile: Percentile tells you how you performed compared to others. If you’re in the 90th percentile, it means you did better than 90% of test-takers.
2. Get the NEET Percentile: First, find out your NEET percentile. You can usually get this from the official NEET website or your scorecard.
3. Find the Total Number of Students: You need to know how many students appeared for the NEET exam. This information is usually provided by the exam authorities.
4. Calculate Your Rank: Multiply the total number of students by your percentile. This gives you your rank.
5. Use Rank to Find Marks: Each year, NEET publishes the rank vs. marks data. You can find this online or from official sources. Look for the mark corresponding to your rank. This is roughly your NEET score.
6. Consider Variation: Remember, the actual NEET marks might vary a bit from this calculated value due to rounding and other factors.

NEET 2024 Expected Marks vs Rank

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculate NEET Percentile

While the NTA provides the percentile scores in the NEET result, understanding how to calculate it can help you estimate your percentile before the results are out. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Wait for the official data from the NTA that includes the total number of candidates who appeared for the examination.

Step 2: After the exam, various educational platforms provide a tentative answer key. Use this answer key to estimate your NEET score.

Step 3: Upon release, refer to the official NEET answer key by NTA for a more accurate calculation of your score.

Step 4: Once you have your estimated score and the total number of candidates, use the formula to calculate your estimated percentile.

Remember that this will only be an estimated percentile. The actual percentile might vary and will be provided by NTA in your NEET result.

NEET 2024 Cut off Percentile

NEET Cut Off for General Category – Year-wise

NEET cutoff for OBC Category – Year-wise

Conclusion

Understanding your NEET percentile can help evaluate your performance compared to other candidates and estimate your chances of securing a medical or dental seat. Though NTA provides the percentile score in the NEET result, knowing how to calculate it yourself adds a level of preparedness and allows you to set realistic expectations. Whether you’re aiming for a specific percentile or striving to improve your ranking, knowing the NEET total marks can guide your preparation strategy effectively. As you start your NEET journey, remember that each step takes you closer to your dream of a medical career.

FAQs on How Can I Calculate My NEET Percentile Based on My Result?

What is a percentile in NEET?

A percentile in NEET represents your rank among the total number of students who appeared for the exam. For instance, a percentile of 90 means that you have scored better than 90% of all the candidates who took the exam.

How is the NEET percentile calculated?

The NEET percentile is calculated using the formula: 100 x (Number of candidates who scored below you / Total number of candidates who appeared).

How is a percentile different from a percentage?

While percentage is the absolute value based on your performance (i.e., your marks obtained out of the maximum possible marks), the percentile is a relative measure that shows your performance compared to other candidates.

Does the NTA provide the NEET percentile in the result?

Yes, the National Testing Agency (NTA) provides the percentile score for each candidate in the NEET result.

Can I estimate my NEET percentile before the results are out?

Yes, you can estimate your NEET percentile before the results are released. You can do this by comparing your expected scores with the total number of candidates who appeared for the examination. However, keep in mind that this will only be an estimated percentile.

What is the importance of understanding my NEET percentile?

Understanding your NEET percentile can help you know where you stand among the other candidates and predict your chances of securing a seat in a medical or dental college. It can also assist you in planning your further studies or preparations.

How many marks are required in NEET for MBBS?

The minimum marks required in NEET 2024 for MBBS admission are:
For General/Unreserved (UR) category: 720 to 135 (50th percentile)
For Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Physically Handicapped (PH) categories: 122 to 106 (40th percentile)
For Other Backward Classes (OBC) category: 138 to 105 (40th percentile)
For Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and PH/UR category: 138 to 123 (45th percentile)
For Scheduled Castes (SC) and PH category: 122 to 105 (40th percentile)
For SC category: 138 to 105 (40th percentile)
For OBC and PH category: 122 to 105 (40th percentile)
The minimum marks required can vary year-on-year based on factors like the total number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, and availability of MBBS seats.

How many marks required to clear NEET?

There's a distinction in NEET between qualifying marks and marks for securing a seat. To simply clear NEET and be eligible for counselling, you need to meet the qualifying marks set by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This isn't the same as getting into a medical college.
The exact qualifying marks for 2024 haven't been released yet, but going by past trends, they are expected to be around:
General category: 50th percentile (which translates to roughly 720 - 135 marks)
Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC): 40th percentile (around 138 - 105 marks)
Remember, these are just estimates based on previous years.