Are there any negative marks for wrong answers in Paper II?

Yes, there are negative marks for wrong answers in Paper II of the UPSC examination. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) is responsible for conducting various civil service exams, including the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE). The CSE consists of three stages: the Preliminary examination (Paper I and Paper II), the Main examination, and the Personality Test (Interview).

Negative marking is a common practice in competitive exams to discourage random guessing and to ensure that candidates answer the questions carefully. In the Preliminary examination, also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), there is a provision for negative marking for incorrect answers in Paper II.

Details of negative marking in Paper II:

- Negative marking scheme: Each question in Paper II carries 2.5 marks, and for every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question are deducted. This means that for every wrong answer, 0.83 marks are deducted from the total score.

- Multiple-choice questions: Paper II consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with four options, where candidates have to select the correct answer. If a candidate selects the wrong answer, they will be penalized with the deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to that question.

- No negative marking for unattempted questions: It is important to note that there is no negative marking for unattempted questions. Candidates are not penalized for leaving a question unanswered.

- Importance of accuracy: Due to the provision of negative marking, it is crucial for candidates to answer the questions accurately. Random guessing without proper knowledge or understanding of the question can lead to a deduction of marks and ultimately affect the overall score.

- Strategy for handling negative marking: As negative marking can impact the final score, candidates should adopt a strategic approach. It is advisable to attempt only those questions for which the candidate is reasonably confident about the correct answer. Guessing without certainty may lead to unnecessary deductions.

In conclusion, there is negative marking for wrong answers in Paper II of the UPSC Preliminary examination. Candidates should answer the questions carefully, considering the negative marking scheme, to maximize their chances of scoring well in this section.