Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims (GS & CSAT) 2026

Negative marking in UPSC can decide whether you clear Prelims or miss the cut-off. Every year, many well-prepared candidates lose 1–2 crucial marks due to avoidable wrong attempts. Knowing when to attempt a question and when to skip it is as important as knowing the answer.

Here, we will understand negative marking in UPSC prelims with calculations and examples. It will help you make confident decisions in the exam hall. Let's first quickly understand the UPSC Prelims exam pattern.

Important: Although CSAT is qualifying, CSAT negative marking still applies, and failing CSAT means disqualification.

Must see: UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026: GS Paper I and CSAT

Negative marking in UPSC Prelims refers to the deduction of marks for incorrect answers marked by a candidate in the objective-type examination. UPSC follows this system to discourage random guessing and to ensure that selection is based on both knowledge and decision-making ability.

In the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination:

• Each question carries equal positive marks, but a fraction of those marks is deducted for every wrong answer.
• The penalty is fixed at one-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to that question.
• Negative marking applies to both GS Paper I and CSAT Paper II.
• Unanswered questions carry no penalty.

It is important to note that even a small marking mistake, such as marking two options or partially darkening bubbles, can lead to loss of marks due to negative marking.

Example: 

If a candidate:

• Attempts 80 questions
• Gets 50 correct and 30 wrong

Score Calculation:

• Correct: 50 × 2 = 100 marks
• Negative marks: 30 × 0.66 = 19.8 marks
• Final GS Score: 100 − 19.8 = 80.2 marks

Many aspirants underestimate CSAT negative marking, which is risky.

Example: 

If a candidate:

• Attempts 50 questions
• Gets 30 correct and 20 wrong

Score Calculation:

• Correct: 30 × 2.5 = 75 marks
• Negative marks: 20 × 0.83 = 16.6 marks
• Final CSAT Score: 75 − 16.6 = 58.4 marks (Fail)

Also see: UPSC Prelims CSAT PYQs Practice with Detailed Solutions

This shows how UPSC minus marking can lead to CSAT failure despite decent attempts.

Formula for UPSC Negative Marking

Final Score = (Correct Answers × Marks per Question) − (Wrong Answers × 1/3rd of Marks per Question)

Negative marking in UPSC prelims directly shapes your exam-day strategy. It determines not just what you know, but how wisely you apply that knowledge under time pressure.

1. Do not do Blind Guessing 

If you have absolutely no idea about a question, it is statistically safer to skip it. Blind guesses often reduce overall scores rather than improving them.

2. Attempt Only High-Confidence Questions First

In the first round, attempt questions where you are 100% sure. This builds confidence and secures base marks before taking calculated risks.

3. Use Intelligent Elimination Techniques

Attempt questions where you can confidently eliminate at least two options. Such questions offer a better probability of correctness.

4. Be Extra Cautious in CSAT

Since CSAT is qualifying, accuracy is more important than attempts. A few careless mistakes due to negative marking can lead to failure despite good GS performance.

5. Practice with Full-Length Mock Tests

Mocks help you understand your personal accuracy rate and refine your risk-taking ability in a simulated exam environment.

Must see: Best All India Test Series for UPSC Prelims 2026

Negative marking in UPSC Prelims is not meant to scare aspirants. It is designed to reward clarity, accuracy, and strategic thinking. Candidates who understand UPSC negative marking rules, calculate risks wisely, and avoid unnecessary attempts consistently outperform those who rely on guesswork.

Prepare with awareness, practice with discipline, and attempt questions with confidence.

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