When aspiring medical students across India prepare for their exams, the AIIMS entrance exam is one of the most coveted. With thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of seats, understanding how AIIMS scores are calculated becomes crucial. In this blog post, we will demystify the AIIMS marking scheme and explain the entire process in detail.
Understanding the AIIMS Marking Scheme
The AIIMS entrance exam is known for its rigorous and challenging nature. It tests not only the depth of your knowledge but also your ability to handle pressure. To make it fair for all candidates, AIIMS follows a well-defined marking scheme that takes into account the number of correct and incorrect answers.
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
The AIIMS entrance exam primarily consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each MCQ has four options, and you must choose the correct one. Here’s how the marking for MCQs is done:
Correct Answer: You are awarded one mark for every correct answer. This is where your subject knowledge comes into play.
Incorrect Answer: Unlike some other competitive exams, AIIMS doesn’t have negative marking for incorrect answers in MCQs. This means that if you’re unsure about an answer, it’s better to make an educated guess.
2. Assertion-Reason Questions
AIIMS also includes assertion-reason questions in its exam. In this format, you are given two statements, an assertion, and a reason. You must determine whether both statements are correct and whether the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Correct Answer: If you correctly identify both statements as true and the reason as a valid explanation, you earn one mark.
Incorrect Answer: If you make an incorrect judgment, you receive zero marks.
3. More About Negative Marking
While AIIMS doesn’t impose negative marking for incorrect answers in MCQs, it’s a different story for assertion-reason questions. If you attempt an assertion-reason question and get it wrong, you lose one-third of a mark. This makes it important to attempt these questions only if you are reasonably confident in your understanding.
Total AIIMS Score Calculation
To calculate your total AIIMS score, the examiners follow a simple formula:
Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers in MCQs) + (Number of Correct Answers in Assertion-Reason Questions) – (Negative Marks for Incorrect Assertion-Reason Answers)
Your final AIIMS score is the sum of your scores in MCQs and assertion-reason questions, taking into account any negative marks for the latter.
AIIMS Rank and Cutoffs
Once the scores of all candidates are calculated, AIIMS assigns ranks based on these scores. The candidate with the highest score gets the first rank, and this process continues until all candidates have been ranked. These ranks are used to determine the cutoffs for various categories and courses.
AIIMS sets different cutoff scores for different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.) and courses (MBBS, MD, MS, etc.). Candidates who score above the cutoff for their category and course are considered eligible for admission. However, securing a rank within the cutoff is just the first step.
Tie-Breaker Criteria
In cases where two or more candidates have the same AIIMS score, AIIMS employs tie-breaker criteria to determine the final ranking. The tie-breaker criteria, in descending order of importance, are as follows:
Biology Score: The candidate with a higher score in the Biology section of the exam is given preference.
Chemistry Score: If the Biology scores are the same, the Chemistry scores are compared, and the candidate with a higher score in Chemistry is ranked higher.
Physics Score: If both Biology and Chemistry scores are the same, the Physics scores are compared, and the candidate with a higher score in Physics is ranked higher.
Age: If all else fails and candidates are still tied, the older candidate is given preference.
Conclusion
Understanding how AIIMS scores are calculated is vital for aspirants preparing for this prestigious medical entrance exam. It not only helps you strategize your attempts but also gives you insight into the selection process.
Remember that AIIMS is not just about scoring high; it’s also about managing your time effectively during the exam and minimizing errors. So, while the absence of negative marking in MCQs is an advantage, don’t let it lead to hasty and inaccurate answers.
In the end, success in AIIMS depends on a combination of subject knowledge, effective time management, and a clear understanding of the marking scheme. With dedication and consistent effort, you can maximize your chances of securing a coveted seat in one of India’s premier medical institutions.
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about the AIIMS marking scheme, go ahead and prepare for the exam with confidence. Good luck!