Common Mistakes in Filling OMR Sheet of UPSC Exam
UPSC has highlighted certain common mistakes in filling OMR by candidates. It is essential to avoid common mistakes in filling OMR and Scannable Attendance List (SAL).
Deeksha Dixit2 Jul, 2024
Share
Common Mistakes in Filling OMR : The Union Public Service Commission is well known for conducting some of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India, such as the UPSC CSE, UPSC IFoS, CMS, and EPFO. The majority of these exams have a written exam stage with objective-type questions.
Candidates often tend to make certain mistakes in the proper filling of the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet, which is used to record the candidates' responses to these questions. UPSC has issued dedicated guidelines regarding the common mistakes in filling OMR and SAL, which are discussed here.What are Common Mistakes in Filling OMR?
Filling out the OMR sheet correctly is one of the crucial aspects of the UPSC exam, as failing to do so can lead to disastrous consequences, including the loss of marks or even rejection of the sheet. Common mistakes in filling OMR are certain errors that are frequently repeated by a majority of candidates. These mistakes can waste years of hard work and preparation, leading to the loss of precious attempts. This is why UPSC has explained these errors in a dedicated PDF, ‘Common Mistakes Done While Filling OMR Sheet/Scannable Attendance List'. The Common Mistakes in Filling OMR Sheet PDF is published on the official website, guiding how to avoid them.Also Read: UPSC Study Material
Common OMR Sheet Mistakes
The common mistakes made by candidates are categorized into two categories: mistakes in the OMR sheet and mistakes in SAL. Common mistakes in filling OMR are as follows:Encoding the Wrong Booklet Series
Candidates must carefully encode the correct booklet series on the OMR sheet, as this information is essential for the evaluation process. Since, question number 1 in booklet ‘A’ can be question number 32 in booklet ‘B’, encoding the wrong booklet series can lead to the candidate's answers being evaluated incorrectly.
Failure to Encode the Booklet Series
Some candidates may forget to encode the booklet series which must be avoided at all costs. There are very good chances that when encoding is not done by the candidate, the UPSC may reject the OMR sheet.
Incorrect Encoding of the Subject Code and Roll Number:
Candidates must ensure that they accurately encode their subject code and roll number on the OMR sheet. Any errors in this information can lead to the candidate's responses being not considered by the machine or being allotted to the wrong candidate.
Markings or Writings in Prohibited Areas
The OMR sheet has specific areas designated for candidate responses, and any markings or writings outside of these areas can be interpreted as invalid responses. This may lead to the rejection of the OMR sheet during evaluation.
Incomplete Bubbling or Encoding of Responses
Candidates must fully bubble or encode their answers on the OMR sheet. Partial or incomplete bubbling can lead to the responses being misinterpreted or not being recorded correctly. This again is a major concern as the score will not be counted for that response.
Common Scannable Attendance List (SAL) Mistakes
In addition to the OMR sheet, candidates must also fill out the Scannable Attendance List (SAL) during the UPSC exam. The SAL is used to record the candidate's presence and other important information. Common mistakes made by candidates while filling out the SAL include: Marking presence in the wrong place: Candidates must be careful to mark their presence in the designated area on the SAL. Marking presence in the wrong place can lead to the candidate's attendance being recorded incorrectly.
Filling details in multiple places:
Candidates should only fill out the information in the designated areas on the SAL. Filling details in multiple places can cause confusion and lead to errors in the recording of the candidate's information.
How to Correct Mistakes in OMR Sheet
Correcting mistakes in the OMR sheet can be a challenging task, as the sheet is designed to be read by machine. However, there are a few steps candidates can take to minimize their errors:- Carefully review the OMR sheet before submitting it to ensure that all the information is filled out correctly.
- If a candidate notices a mistake on their OMR sheet, they should immediately inform the invigilator.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the UPSC on how to fill out the OMR sheet correctly.
- In exceptional circumstances, candidates may use a whitener for subject code or roll-number type mistakes.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Prelims Questions | UPSC Marking Scheme | UPSC Exam 2024 |
| UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024 | UPSC Scholarship Test 2024 | UPSC Result 2024 |
Common Mistakes in Filling OMR FAQs
In which case OMR sheet is rejected by UPSC?
OMR sheets may be rejected if the booklet series, subject code, or roll number are incorrectly encoded or missing.
What is the correct way to fill an OMR sheet?
Fill the bubbles completely and accurately encode the booklet series, subject code, and roll number.
How to correct a wrong answer in UPSC OMR?
Inform the invigilator immediately or use a whitener carefully, but avoid frequent corrections.
What will happen if UPSC OMR is filled wrong?
Incorrectly filled OMR sheets can lead to incorrect evaluation or rejection, resulting in loss of marks.
What happens if I mark two options in the OMR sheet?
Marking two options for a single question will be considered invalid, and a negative marking of ⅓ marks will be applied to that question.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
Get App
