Is there negative marking in the UPSC exam?

Yes, there is negative marking in the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam. The UPSC conducts various exams such as the Civil Services Examination, Combined Defence Services Examination, National Defence Academy Examination, etc., which are highly competitive and prestigious in India. Negative marking is a common practice in many competitive exams, including the UPSC, to discourage random guessing and to ensure that candidates answer only when they are confident about their response.

Details about negative marking in the UPSC exam:

1. Objective-type questions: The UPSC exam consists of both objective-type (multiple-choice questions) and subjective-type (descriptive questions) papers. Negative marking is applicable only for the objective-type questions.

2. Marking scheme: For every incorrect answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question are deducted as negative marking. For example, if a question carries 2 marks, then 0.66 marks will be deducted for the incorrect response.

3. No negative marking for unattempted questions: It is important to note that no negative marking is applied for unattempted questions. So, if a candidate is unsure about the answer, it is better to leave the question unanswered rather than guessing and risking negative marking.

4. Positive marking: In addition to negative marking, the UPSC exam also follows positive marking. Each correct answer carries a certain weightage of marks allocated to that question.

5. Importance of accuracy: Due to the presence of negative marking, accuracy becomes crucial in the UPSC exam. It is advisable for candidates to thoroughly prepare and have a good understanding of the subjects to answer confidently and accurately.

6. Strategic guessing: While negative marking is a deterrent for random guessing, strategic guessing can be employed by candidates who have narrowed down the options and have a higher probability of choosing the correct answer. However, it is important to exercise caution as incorrect guesses can result in negative marking.

7. Overall score calculation: The final score of a candidate is calculated by adding the marks obtained in all the papers, taking into account the negative marking for incorrect responses in the objective-type questions.

In summary, the UPSC exam does have negative marking for objective-type questions. It is important for candidates to be well-prepared, confident, and accurate while answering to avoid negative marking and maximize their chances of success in this highly competitive examination.