This is the shrill reality of negative marking in UPSC prelims. As an aspirant, you know the stakes are high, and every answer marked in OMR counts—literally. For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question are deducted from your total score. Don’t stress; we won’t leave you in the lurch with just this. Let’s make things clear.
This blog will guide you through the complexities of negative marking and how to calculate it.
First, let’s dive down to understand the structure of the UPSC Prelims examination.
The UPSC Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination in India. It serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers:
Paper I (General Studies) covers subjects such as history, geography, politics, economy, science and technology, environment, and current affairs.
Paper II (CSAT) tests candidates' aptitude through questions on comprehension, logical reasoning, basic numeracy, and decision-making.
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One negative marking can undo the effort of several correct answers. This makes it essential to approach each question with caution. So, how can you ensure that a few negatives don’t derail your hard work? Here’s the lowdown on how negative marking in UPSC prelims can impact your score:
Let’s break down how to calculate your marks for the UPSC Preliminary examination. Understanding this will help you see how each answer impacts your final score and strategize accordingly.
CSAT is worth 200 marks and contains 80 questions, with each correct answer earning you 2.5 marks.
Whether it's Paper I or Paper II, avoiding unnecessary deductions can be the difference between clearing the Prelims or falling short. Apply these calculations to your practice tests and adjust your approach as needed.
Also Read: Tips to Clear the UPSC Exam in the First Attempt
Worried about how negative marking in UPSC prelims could impact your score? Don’t stress! You're not alone—it’s a common worry among aspirants. But don’t let it weigh you down! With the right strategies, you can significantly reduce the chances of losing marks and keep your score intact. Here’s a detailed guide on how to minimize those costly mistakes and ensure you’re maximizing every point possible:
The first step to beating negative marks is knowing exactly what’s on the exam. Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern so you’re not caught off guard.
Practice makes us perfect. Go through past papers and take as many mock tests as possible. This will help you get a feel for the type of questions asked and how to manage your time effectively.
Start with the questions you know you can answer correctly. This will build your score and confidence before you tackle the trickier ones.
UPSC doesn’t give partial credit—you'll automatically lose marks if you mark more than one answer. Double-check your answers before moving on.
If you’re completely unsure about a question, it’s better to skip it. There’s no penalty for unattempted questions, so don’t risk unnecessary deductions.
Sometimes, the answer lies in the details. Pay close attention to the wording of each question and look for keywords that can guide you to the right choice.
If you’re unsure about an answer, narrow down your options by eliminating the wrong ones. This increases your chances of guessing correctly.
Don’t let the clock pressure you into making wild guesses. It’s better to leave a question unanswered than to risk negative marks.
By applying these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenge of negative marking in UPSC prelims. With careful planning and practice, you can reduce the risk of losing marks and boost your chances of achieving the success you’ve been working so hard for.
Also Read: How Many Hours Per Day Required To Study For UPSC IAS Exam?
Remember that it’s not just about how much you know, but how accurately you can apply that knowledge in the examination hall. The qualifying nature of Paper II (CSAT) means you must clear this hurdle to have your Paper I (General Studies) evaluated, making accuracy and precision crucial.
Negative marking in UPSC Prelims is a reality you can't ignore—it can either boost your chances or pull you down. So, it's essential to minimize errors and make every answer count.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. At SuperKalam, we understand the challenges of the UPSC journey and are here to support you every step of the way. With our targeted resources, daily news analysis, and practice quizzes, you can improve your accuracy, and tackle negative marking head-on. Why not take the first step toward mastering your preparation?
Let’s conquer this exam together—one precise answer at a time.
Your UPSC dream is within reach!
Also watch: Practice UPSC Prelims MCQs - Any topic, Anytime, Anywhere with your personal mentor - SuperKalam
Yes, negative marking is applicable, but only in the Preliminary Examination.
For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the total marks allocated to that question will be deducted.
Deduct 1/3rd of the marks allocated per incorrect answer to calculate negative markings. For example, if you have 25 incorrect answers, you would
No, there is no negative marking for questions you choose to leave unanswered.
Yes, the CSAT paper also has negative markings. Similar to Paper I, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each incorrect answer.
Yes, you can skip questions to avoid negative markings. It’s better to leave a question unanswered than to guess and risk losing marks.
If you mark more than one answer for a question, it will be considered incorrect, and you will incur the penalty of negative marking.
No, the negative marking rule is consistent across all subjects and sections in the UPSC Prelims.
Want to know about how test series can boost your chances of clearing the UPSC Prelims? Learn the Significance of Test Series in Clearing UPSC Prelims and why practicing with tests is essential for every UPSC aspirant.
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