Is there any negative marking in Paper I?

Yes, there is negative marking in Paper I of the UPSC exam. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) is the central recruiting agency for several prestigious civil service examinations in India, including the 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).

The Preliminary Examination (Paper I)
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the CSE and is commonly known as the "Prelims." It consists of two papers: Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II (Civil Services Aptitude Test).

Negative Marking in Paper I
Paper I of the Prelims has negative marking for incorrect answers. The negative marking scheme is applicable to multiple-choice questions (MCQs) where candidates are required to select the correct option from the given choices.

Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for Paper I is as follows:

- Each correct answer is awarded +2 marks.
- Each incorrect answer attracts a penalty of -0.66 marks.
- Unanswered questions are neither awarded nor penalized.

Importance of Negative Marking
The inclusion of negative marking in Paper I serves multiple purposes:

1. Encourages Accuracy: Negative marking discourages random guessing and encourages candidates to answer only when they are reasonably confident about the correct response. It promotes accuracy and prevents candidates from blindly marking options.

2. Evaluation of Genuine Knowledge: The negative marking system helps in evaluating the genuine knowledge and understanding of candidates. It filters out those who rely solely on guesswork and rewards those who have a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

3. Maintain Level of Difficulty: Negative marking helps maintain the level of difficulty in the exam. It ensures that candidates cannot score well by guessing or by chance. The exam remains challenging, and candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge and analytical skills.

4. Fairness and Transparency: The negative marking system ensures fairness and transparency in the evaluation process. It eliminates any advantages gained through guessing or luck, ensuring that candidates are assessed based on their actual knowledge and aptitude.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Paper I of the UPSC Preliminary Examination (CSE) does have negative marking. Candidates should be cautious while attempting the multiple-choice questions and answer only when they are reasonably confident. The negative marking scheme ensures the evaluation of genuine knowledge, maintains the level of difficulty, and promotes fairness in the examination process.