Negative Markings in UPSC Paper II

Negative markings are an important aspect of the UPSC examination, as they serve as a deterrent against random guessing and encourage candidates to answer only those questions they are confident about. The Civil Services Examination consists of two papers - Paper I and Paper II. While Paper I is the General Studies paper, Paper II is the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

Overview of Paper II
Paper II is a qualifying paper where candidates need to secure a minimum of 33% marks to clear the examination. It tests the analytical and reasoning abilities of candidates, as well as their comprehension and decision-making skills.

Negative Marking Scheme
The negative marking scheme in Paper II is as follows:

1. Each question in Paper II carries 2.5 marks.
2. For every incorrect answer, one-third (0.83) marks are deducted from the total score.
3. If a candidate leaves a question unanswered, there is no negative marking.

Effect of Negative Markings
1. Encourages Accuracy: Negative markings discourage candidates from randomly guessing answers. Instead, it promotes accuracy and encourages candidates to attempt questions they are confident about.

2. Time Management: Negative marking compels candidates to manage their time effectively. They need to prioritize questions and focus on answering those they are sure about, rather than wasting time on uncertain ones.

3. Balanced Approach: Negative marking ensures that candidates adopt a balanced approach while attempting the paper. They need to carefully evaluate each question and decide whether to answer it or skip it based on their understanding and knowledge.

4. Seriousness of Examination: The presence of negative markings highlights the seriousness of the examination. Candidates understand that they need to thoroughly prepare and demonstrate their aptitude and skills to secure a good score.

5. Fair Evaluation: Negative marking ensures that candidates are evaluated fairly. Those who rely solely on guesswork are likely to be penalized, while those who have a good understanding of the subject matter and answer accurately are rewarded.

In conclusion, Paper II of the UPSC examination has negative markings to discourage random guessing and promote accuracy and seriousness among candidates. The negative marking scheme deducts one-third of the marks for each incorrect answer. Candidates need to manage their time effectively, adopt a balanced approach, and thoroughly prepare to secure a good score in this qualifying paper.