NEET UG Result 2024: More than 11,000 candidates received zero or negative scores

More than 11,000 NEET-UG candidates scored zero or negative marks in this year's controversial medical entrance exam, according to results announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The lowest score recorded was -180 at a center in Bihar. Analysis of city- and center-wise results revealed over 2,250 candidates scored zero, while more than 9,400 candidates received negative marks.

Several candidates at a scrutinized center in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, scored less than zero marks. Although multiple candidates from some centers scored zero marks, no significant clusters were noted as the numbers from each center were not high.

NEET Result 2024: Marking Scheme

Zero marks in the exam do not necessarily mean blank answer sheets or unattempted questions. According to officials, a candidate could have attempted some questions correctly and others incorrectly, leading to negative marks. In NEET-UG, four marks are awarded for each correct answer, and one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer, with no marks awarded or deducted for unattempted questions. The NTA released the city- and center-wise results of the exam, which is under scrutiny for alleged irregularities, including a paper leak.

NEET 2024 Result: Performance Analysis

Data analysis showed that candidates who allegedly benefited from the paper leak did not perform well, while some centers had a high concentration of top-performing students. Over 2,000 NEET-UG candidates from Sikar centers scored above 650 marks, and more than 4,000 scored above 600 marks. The extensive result data of over 2.3 million candidates from 4,750 centers was released not in a cumulative format but in a drop-down menu for each center.

NEET UG 2024: Supreme Court Hearing Today

The data release was ordered by the Supreme Court, which is hearing several petitions regarding alleged irregularities. The exam was conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 abroad. The top court mandated that results be announced with masked identities of aspirants to determine if candidates at allegedly tainted centers scored higher than others. The court will continue hearing arguments on July 22 on pleas seeking cancellation, a re-test, and a court-monitored investigation into the alleged malpractice in the exam.