UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination follows a negative marking system that can significantly impact a candidate’s final score. Understanding negative marking in UPSC Prelims is essential for effective exam strategies. Candidates appearing for UPSC Prelims must be cautious while answering questions to avoid unnecessary loss of marks.

In this article, we explain negative marking in UPSC Prelims exam, CSAT negative marking, and how to calculate the penalty for incorrect answers.

Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims

Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims refers to the penalty for incorrect answers, where 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question are deducted. This applies to both General Studies Paper-I and CSAT Paper-II, except for decision-making questions in CSAT. The UPSC Prelims exam consists of two papers:

• General Studies Paper-I (GS Paper)
• Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) – Paper-II

Both papers have negative marking for incorrect answers. However, the marking pattern varies slightly between the two papers.

• General Studies Paper-I: Negative marking is 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question.
• CSAT Paper-II: Negative marking also follows the 1/3rd rule, except for Decision-Making Questions, which do not have any negative marking.

This means that for every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.

Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims Exam: Paper-Wise Breakdown

Paper-Wise Breakdown explains how negative marking is applied separately in General Studies Paper-I and CSAT Paper-II, highlighting the deduction rules for each paper.

• General Studies Paper-I

• Total Marks: 200

• Total Questions: 100

• Marks Per Question: 2

• Negative Marking: 1/3rd of 2 marks = 0.66 marks deducted per wrong answer

• Example Calculation:

• If you attempt 80 questions, and 10 are wrong:

• Marks lost due to negative marking: 10 × 0.66 = 6.6 marks deducted

• CSAT Paper-II (Qualifying Paper)

• Total Marks: 200

• Total Questions: 80

• Marks Per Question: 2.5

• Negative Marking: 1/3rd of 2.5 marks = 0.83 marks deducted per wrong answer

• Decision-Making Questions: No negative marking

• Example Calculation: If you attempt 60 questions, and 8 are wrong:

• Marks lost due to negative marking: 8 × 0.83 = 6.64 marks deducted

Since CSAT is qualifying in nature, candidates must score at least 66 marks out of 200 to pass.

How to Calculate Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims?

To calculate negative marking in UPSC Prelims, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Identify Correct and Incorrect Answers: Count the number of correct, incorrect, and unattempted questions.

• Step 2: Calculate Marks for Correct Answers: General Studies Paper: Each correct answer gives +2 marks. CSAT Paper: Each correct answer gives +2.5 marks.

• • Step 3: Calculate Marks Lost Due to Negative Marking

• General Studies Paper: Incorrect Answers × 0.66 = Total negative marks deducted

• CSAT Paper: Incorrect Answers × 0.83 = Total negative marks deducted

• Step 4: Find the Final Score
  • Final Score = Marks from Correct Answers – Negative Marks.
  • Example Calculation for GS Paper-I:
    • Correct answers: 60 × 2 = 120 marks
    • Incorrect answers: 10 × 0.66 = 6.6 marks deducted
    • Final Score: 120 – 6.6 = 113.4 marks

CSAT Negative Marking: Important Points

CSAT Negative Marking: Important Points covers the penalty for incorrect answers in CSAT Paper-II, exceptions for certain questions, and strategies to minimize mark deductions.

• CSAT Paper-II is qualifying – You only need 33% marks (66 out of 200).
• Decision-Making Questions do not have negative marking – Attempt them freely.
• High accuracy is crucial – Since marks are deducted for wrong answers, avoid guesswork.
• Unattempted questions do not carry any penalty – If unsure, leave them unanswered.

Strategies to Avoid Losing Marks Due to Negative Marking

Strategies to Avoid Losing Marks Due to Negative Marking include smart guessing, eliminating wrong options, and attempting only well-understood questions to minimize deductions. Some of the steps include:

• Attempt Only Confident Answers: Since 1/3rd of the marks are deducted per wrong answer, avoid guessing blindly.

•  Use the Elimination Method: If unsure, eliminate wrong options to improve accuracy.

• Manage Time Wisely: Do not rush through the paper. Take time to analyze questions carefully.

• Focus on Accuracy Rather Than Attempts: It is better to attempt fewer questions with accuracy than attempting many with errors.

• Prioritize Decision-Making Questions in CSAT: Since they do not have negative marking, answer them confidently.

UPSC Mains Penalty Marks: Is There Negative Marking?

Unlike Prelims, the UPSC Mains exam does not have negative marking for incorrect answers. However, candidates must be aware of certain penalty situations:

• Indecipherable Handwriting – If the examiner cannot read your answer, marks may be affected.
• Irrelevant Answers – Writing off-topic responses may lead to lower scores.
• Exceeding Word Limit – While not directly penalized, excessive writing can reduce content clarity.

Conclusion

Understanding negative marking in UPSC Prelims is essential for a smart exam strategy. Both General Studies Paper-I and CSAT Paper-II have negative marking, so accuracy is more important than attempting a large number of questions.

By following a well-planned approach, candidates can minimize negative marking, improve their scores, and clear the UPSC Prelims efficiently. Avoid random guessing, practice previous year papers, and use elimination techniques to maximize accuracy.

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