How to calculate NEET marks - step by step

Be it an evaluation of your performance on a mock test or after completing the real exam, you would always want to know how to calculate NEET marks so you could find out your score, ranks and probability of securing a seat in your dream medical school.

This guide gives a stepwise explanation of how to calculate NEET marks and how negative marking, percentile, cut-off concepts, and helps you navigate through the evaluation process with confidence.

Understanding the NEET Marking Scheme

We shall first get an idea of the marking system of the NEET UG exam prior to digging into how to calculate NEET marks:

• 360 in total (physics 45, chemistry 45, biology 90)
• Total: 720 marks.
• The correct answer: +4 marks
• The incorrect answers: - 1 mark
• Not answered: 0 mark

The best (and most precise) way one can calculate his/her score is by comparing the OMR responses with the official NEET answer key published by the NTA.

Detailed guidance on How to Calculate NEET Marks

Step 1: Download the NEET Answer Key

Get the official NEET answer key from the NTA website or from reputed coaching institutes for an unofficial one immediately after the exam.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Answers

Properly analyze your OMR responses with the official answer key released by NTA.

Step 3: Note down the total number of Correct and Incorrect Answers

• Tally the number of questions you answered correctly.
• Count how many you answered incorrectly.

Step 4: Apply the Marking Formula

NEET Score = (Number of Correct Answer X 4) (Number of Incorrect Answers X 1)

Let’s say:

• You scored 150 correct answers = 150 x4 =600
• You have given 20 wrong answers = 20 x 1 = 20
• NEET score = 600- 20 = 580

That is your raw score. This formula will give you an idea of how to calculate marks in NEET.

How to Calculate Negative Marking in NEET

For each wrong answer, 1 mark is deducted. Unanswered questions do not count towards your score.

Therefore, when you had 10 incorrect answers:

Negative marks = 10X1=10 marks deducted

This is the reason why it is important to be accurate rather than to answer as many questions as possible.

Calculate NEET Percentile: Tips and Tricks

The NEET percentile is not your percentage score. It represents the number of candidates who scored below you.

Note down the basic formula and get an idea of how to calculate NEET percentile is:

NEET Percentile = [(Total Candidates – Your Rank) / Total Candidates] × 100

Suppose:

• Your All India Rank = 5,000
• Total Candidates = 20,00,000

NEET Percentile = [(20,00,000 – 5,000) / 20,00,000] × 100 = 99.75 percentile

This is how to calculate percentile in NEET – a critical figure used in cut-off and admission processes.

How to Calculate NEET Score from OMR Sheet? 

When the OMR sheet releases:

• Download your OMR answer sheet.
• Compare that with the NEET answer key.
• Then, apply the same formula (Correct x 4 - Incorrect x 1).

A helpful guide on expected marks range for the respective category

If you’re wondering how to calculate cut off marks for NEET, here's the catch: cut-off is not something you calculate from your raw score, but you can estimate it based on past trends and categories.

However, knowing how to calculate NEET cut off category-wise helps in setting realistic targets.

The percentile cut-off varies slightly each year depending on difficulty level and number of test-takers.

Steps for Calculating Cut Off Marks in NEET for Colleges

• Determine the previous year closing rank for your category in your college of choice.
• Compare it with your expected score and percentile.
• Utilize NEET rank predictor tools to find out whether your score is comparable to previous NEET admissions.

When considering college options, both percentile and rank should be checked accurately.

A Sample Calculation – Putting It All Together

Let’s consider a real example to understand how to calculate NEET marks:

• Total correct answers = 140
• Total incorrect answers = 30

Now:

• Correct: 140 × 4 = 560
• Incorrect: 30 × 1 = 30
• NEET Score = 560 – 30 = 530

You can use this score to:

• Check your estimated NEET percentile
• Predict rank using online tools
• Compare with previous cut-off scores for colleges

This helps you stay informed and make realistic counselling decisions.

What are the benefits that a student gets by calculating NEET marks? 

• Predict admission chances
• Prepare better for counselling
• Plan your backup options
• Reduce anxiety after the exam

Also, being able to assess your score before the official results gives you a head start in planning your next move.

Final Tips

• Don’t guess your percentile – use actual rank data.
• Avoid relying on percentage. Always focus on percentile and rank.
• Accuracy > number of attempts — remember negative marking!
   

Conclusion

Calculating your NEET score doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear understanding of the marking scheme, negative marking, and percentile system, you can confidently estimate your result. Use the formula correctly, track your answers diligently, and stay up-to-date with previous cut-offs.

Mastering how to calculate NEET marks is not just about numbers—it’s about making smart decisions in your medical admission journey.

FAQs on How to Calculate NEET Marks

Q1. What is the formula for calculating NEET marks?
Ans: The formula is: NEET Score = (Correct Answers × 4) – (Wrong Answers × 1)

Q2. How to calculate NEET marks if I have 135 correct and 25 incorrect?
Ans: (135 × 4) – (25 × 1) = 540 – 25 = 515

Q3. How to calculate percentile in NEET?
Ans: Use this formula:
Percentile = [(Total Candidates – Your Rank) / Total Candidates] × 100

Q4. How to calculate cut off marks in NEET for college admission?
Ans: Check the previous year’s closing ranks and match with your score using rank predictors.

Q5. How does negative marking affect my NEET marks?
Ans: Every wrong answer deducts 1 mark, so guessing randomly can lower your score significantly.

Also read:

NEET Marks vs Rank 2025 for NEET aspirants

Here is why you must have a mentor to crack NEET with good marks

How to Crack NEET in First Attempt with PrepMed?