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Negative Marking in UPSC Exam, Prelims, Mains Marks Calculator

Negative marking in UPSC Exam makes it challenging for candidates to score the qualifying marks. Check out the complete Negative marking scheme from here.
authorImageSheetal Gaur29 May, 2024
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Negative Marking In UPSC Exam

Negative Marking in UPSC Exam: Over the years, the negative marking has introduced an additional layer of difficulty, particularly in the Preliminary Examination. Understanding how negative marking in UPSC exams works and developing strategies to avoid it can significantly enhance your performance. Keep on reading to understand the marking scheme better, including its implications and strategies to avoid losing marks.

Understanding Negative Marking in UPSC Examinations

Negative marking is a mechanism used to discourage guesswork and ensure that candidates answer questions they are confident about. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, negative marking is applied in the Preliminary Examination but not in the Mains Examination or the Interview stage.

Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims

The UPSC Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). Both papers include negative markings to penalize incorrect answers.

Negative Marking in General Studies Paper-I

General Studies Paper-I is a 200-mark paper with 100 questions, each worth 2 marks. For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks allocated to that question are deducted. This means that for each incorrect answer, 0.66 marks are deducted. Example Calculation - Suppose a candidate answered 70 questions correctly and 30 questions incorrectly out of 100 questions in General Studies Paper-I. The calculation would be as follows: Marks for Correct Answers: Correct answers: 70 Marks per correct answer: 2 Total marks for correct answers: 70 x 2 = 140 Negative Marks for Incorrect Answers: Incorrect answers: 30 Marks deducted per incorrect answer: 0.66 Total negative marks: 30 x 0.66 = 19.8 Net Total Marks: Total marks for correct answers: 140 Total negative marks: 19.8 Net total marks: 140 - 19.8 = 120.2

Negative Marking in CSAT (General Studies Paper-II)

CSAT is a qualifying paper, requiring candidates to score a minimum of 66 marks out of 200. It consists of 80 questions, each worth 2.5 marks. For each incorrect answer, 0.83 marks are deducted. Negative marking In CSAT are as follows:
Type of Answer Marks Allocated
Correct Answer +2.5
Incorrect Answer -0.83
Unattempted Question 0

Negative Marking in UPSC Mains

Negative marking is not used in the UPSC Mains Examination. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions without fear of penalty for incorrect answers. This allows candidates to focus on demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the subjects.

Negative Marking in UPSC Interview

There is no negative marking in the UPSC Interview. The Interview is a subjective assessment where candidates are evaluated on their personality, communication skills, and knowledge of current affairs. The focus is on identifying candidates who have the potential to be effective civil servants.

Also Read: UPSC Prelims Negative Marking Scheme

How to Avoid Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims?

To minimize the impact of negative marking, consider the following tips: Read the Question Carefully: It is always advised to read the question carefully before answering it in order to avoid any confusion later. Ensure you understand what the question is asking before answering. Attempt Questions with Confidence: Only attempt questions you are sure about. For questions you are unsure of, try to eliminate at least two incorrect options before making a guess. Avoid Multiple Answers: Do not mark more than one answer for a question, as this will result in negative marks. Skip Questions You Have No Clue About: There is no penalty for leaving a question blank. It's better to skip than to guess incorrectly. Look for Keywords: Keywords in the question can help you identify the correct answer. Manage Your Time: Don't spend too much time on any one question. Move on and come back if time permits.

Negative Marking in UPSC FAQs

Does the UPSC exam have a negative marking?

Yes, negative marking is part of the UPSC exam. 1/3rd of the marks allocated to each question are deducted for an incorrect answer in the Preliminary Examination. There is no negative marking in the Mains and Interview stages.

Is there a negative marking in UPSC Prelims?

Yes, there is a negative marking in the UPSC Prelims. 1/3rd of the marks for each incorrect answer are deducted in both General Studies Paper-I and Paper-II (CSAT).

When did negative marking in UPSC exam start?

Negative marking in the UPSC Preliminary Examination was introduced in 2007. Before 2007, there was no negative marking in the Preliminary Examination.

How can I avoid negative markings in UPSC Prelims?

To avoid negative marking, attempt only the questions you are confident about, practice with mock tests, and develop a strategy for eliminating incorrect options.

Is there a negative marking in the UPSC Mains and Interview?

No, there is no negative marking in the UPSC Mains and Interview stages. Candidates can answer all questions without the fear of penalty for incorrect answers.
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