Is there negative marking in UPSC Mains?

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Mains examination is a crucial stage in the UPSC examination process. It consists of a written examination followed by an interview. While there is no negative marking in the UPSC Mains examination, it is important to understand the marking scheme and evaluation process in detail.

Marking Scheme in UPSC Mains:

The UPSC Mains examination consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature (Paper-A and Paper-B) and the remaining seven papers are counted for merit. Each paper is of 250 marks, making the total marks for merit evaluation 1750.

Evaluation Process:

The evaluation process for the UPSC Mains examination is subjective and involves the assessment of the candidate's knowledge, understanding, analytical abilities, and presentation skills. The examiners evaluate the answers based on the following criteria:

1. Content: The depth and accuracy of the information provided in the answer.

2. Understanding: The candidate's comprehension and interpretation of the question and the ability to provide logical and coherent arguments.

3. Analytical Ability: The candidate's capacity to critically analyze the given topic and present a balanced view.

4. Presentation: The clarity, structure, and organization of the answer, including the use of headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability.

5. Language and Expression: The quality of language, grammar, and expression used by the candidate.

Significance of Negative Marking:

Negative marking is generally associated with objective type exams, where candidates have to select the correct answer from multiple options. However, in the UPSC Mains examination, which is subjective in nature, negative marking is not applicable. This is because the evaluation process focuses on the candidate's understanding and analytical abilities, rather than simply selecting the correct answer.

Conclusion:

To summarize, there is no negative marking in the UPSC Mains examination. The evaluation process is based on the quality of content, understanding, analytical abilities, presentation, and language skills demonstrated by the candidates in their answers. It is essential for candidates to thoroughly prepare and present their answers in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner to maximize their chances of scoring well in the UPSC Mains examination.