Negative marking in UPSC is an important aspect of the test, particularly at the Preliminary level. It aims to discourage blind guessing and encourage precise answers. This system prompts candidates to carefully consider their responses, reducing the likelihood of guesswork and promoting fairness.
In this article, we will look into the negative marking in UPSC prelims, how to calculate the 1/3 negative marking, and how to determine negative marks in the UPSC prelims.
Is There Negative Marking in UPSC Exams?
Candidates must be aware that there are guidelines for negative marking in the UPSC. Additionally, the UPSC provides a challenging test as part of the selection process for individuals aiming to join the IAS. Furthermore, the Civil Services Examination consists of three components: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test, also known as the Interview.
Refer below for a clear understanding of negative marking across all three stages of the UPSC exam:
| UPSC Exam Stage | Question Type | Negative Marking Details |
| Prelims Paper I (General Studies) | Objective (MCQs) | Yes — 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer. |
| Prelims Paper II (CSAT) | Objective (MCQs) | Yes — 1/3rd mark deducted; paper is qualifying with 33% minimum marks. |
| Mains Examination | Descriptive | No negative marking. |
| Personality Test (Interview) | Oral / Viva-voce | No negative marking; evaluation based on overall personality. |
Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims
The UPSC exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test. First, the Preliminary Examination serves as a screening test. Importantly, the marks scored in this stage are not counted in the final result. Due to negative marking in UPSC prelims, this round is quite challenging.
In the UPSC Preliminary Examination, for every incorrect answer, one-third of the total marks allocated to that question is deducted. Furthermore, the Preliminary Examination consists of two papers. These papers are General Studies-1 and General Studies-2, also known as CSAT. Now, let’s take a closer look at the negative marking in the Preliminary Examination for both papers.
After clearing Prelims, structured answer writing practice through a UPSC Mains Guidance program becomes crucial for scoring well.
1. Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims: General Studies Paper-I
General Studies-1 is a 200-mark paper. It consists of 100 questions, with each question worth 2 marks. Furthermore, the duration of the paper is two hours. As previously mentioned, there is a negative marking in UPSC prelims for wrong answers. Specifically, 1/3 of the total marks assigned to each question are deducted for every incorrect answer. Therefore, for each incorrect answer in General Studies-1, 0.66 marks will be deducted.
For example, in a General Studies-1 exam, a candidate answered 70 questions correctly and 30 incorrectly out of a total of 100 questions. To calculate their score, we perform the following calculation:
- For each correct answer, the candidate receives 2 marks: 70 x 2 = 140 marks.
- For each incorrect answer, 0.33 marks are deducted: 30 x 0.66 = 19.8 marks.
Therefore, the final score will be 140 – 19.8 = 120.2 marks for Paper I.
2. Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims: CSAT (GS-II)
CSAT, or General Studies Paper-2 in the Preliminary Examination, employs a negative marking system similar to Paper-1. It consists of 80 questions, totaling 200 marks, with each question worth 2.5 marks. Candidates earn 2.5 marks for a correct answer, while 0.83 marks are deducted for an incorrect one. Therefore, it’s important for candidates to choose their answers wisely.
Suppose a candidate answered 70 questions correctly and 10 incorrectly out of 80 questions in CSAT. To calculate their score, we do the following:
- For each correct answer, the candidate receives 2.5 marks: 70 x 2.5 = 175 marks.
- For each incorrect answer, 0.83 marks are deducted: 10 x 0.83 = 8.3 marks.
Therefore, leaving them with a final score of 175 – 8.3 = 166.7 marks for CSAT (Paper II).
Note: CSAT is a qualifying paper, and candidates only need to score 66 marks to pass.
How to Calculate UPSC Prelims Marks?
To calculate your UPSC Preliminary Examination marks, follow these steps:
1. Multiply the number of correct answers by the marks per question.
2. Subtract the number of incorrect answers multiplied by the negative marking factor from the total marks.
3. The negative marking factor for the UPSC Preliminary Examination is 1/3rd of the marks per question.
For example, you answered 70 questions correctly and 20 questions incorrectly in the General Studies Paper-1 of the UPSC Preliminary Examination.
Step 1: Multiply the number of correct answers by the marks per question:
Correct answers * Marks per question = 70 * 2 = 140
Step 2: Subtract the number of incorrect answers multiplied by the negative marking factor from the total marks:
- Incorrect answers * Negative marking factor: 20 * 0.66 = 13.2
- Total marks: 140 – 13.2 = 126.8
Therefore, your total marks for the General Studies Paper-1 of the UPSC Preliminary Examination would be 126.8
You can use the same steps to calculate your marks for the General Studies Paper-2 (CSAT) of the UPSC Preliminary Examination.
A strong strategy and reliable guidance are essential when beginning your UPSC Exam Preparation journey for Prelims and Mains.
Tips to Avoid Negative Marking in the UPSC Prelims?
Follow these tips to avoid negative marking in the UPSC Prelims exam:
1. Thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern. This will help you identify the most important topics and focus your preparation accordingly.
2. Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests. This will provide a better understanding of the types of questions asked in the exam and help you to develop an effective strategy for answering them.
3. Only attempt questions you are confident about. For uncertain questions, try to eliminate at least two incorrect options before guessing.
4. Avoid selecting more than one answer for any question. If you choose two answers and one is correct, you will still receive a penalty with negative marks.
5. Leave out questions that you are unsure about. There is no penalty for leaving a question unanswered.
6. Carefully read the questions. Ensure you fully understand what each question is asking before you begin answering.
7. Pay attention to the keywords in the question, as they can help you identify the correct answer.
8. Use the process of elimination. If you’re unsure about the answer, begin by eliminating the incorrect options first.
9. Be mindful of the time. Avoid getting stuck on one question. If you are unsure about the answer, move to the next question and return if time permits.
10. It’s better to leave a question blank than to guess wildly if you don’t know the answer.
11. It is better to answer fewer questions correctly than to attempt more and get many wrong. Be careful to avoid making silly mistakes.
Many aspirants prefer expert mentorship from UPSC & APSC Coaching in Guwahati to build concepts and avoid negative marking mistakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding negative marking in UPSC prelims is important for success. It encourages candidates to think critically before answering. By knowing the deduction rules, you can strategize your approach effectively.
Additionally, practicing question selection can lead to better overall scores. Remember, every mark counts in this competitive exam. So, always aim for accuracy. Ultimately, a well-planned strategy and careful answering will help you navigate the challenges of the UPSC prelims successfully. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, negative marking is a part of the UPSC exam. 1/3rd of the marks allocated to each question are deducted for an incorrect answer in the Preliminary Examination. No negative marking in the Mains and Interview.
Yes, there is negative marking in the UPSC Prelims. 1/3rd of the marks for each incorrect answer are deducted in both UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper I and Paper II.
Negative marking in the UPSC Preliminary Examination was introduced in 2007. Before 2007, there was no negative marking in the Preliminary Examination. However, the Union Public Service Commission decided to introduce negative marking to discourage candidates from guessing answers. Additional text to be added here.
In the UPSC Prelims CSAT paper, in case of a wrong answer, ⅓ rd of the marks allotted to the question will be deducted.
