24September 4, 2025
How to Avoid Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims and Mains 2026?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is held in three stages: the Preliminary Exam (Prelims), the Main Exam (Mains), and the Personality Test (Interview). The Prelims are the first stage, followed by the Mains after about two months, and finally the interview round.
Important Dates – UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026
• Notification Release Date: 14 January 2026
• Application Deadline: 3 February 2026
• UPSC Prelims Date: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)
• UPSC Mains Start Date: 21 August 2026 (Friday)
UPSC Prelims Structure
The Prelims consist of two objective papers, each of two hours duration:
• Paper I (General Studies): 100 questions, 2 marks each, total 200 marks. Marks count for merit.
• Paper II (CSAT): 80 questions, 2.5 marks each, total 200 marks. Qualifying with a minimum of 33% (66 marks).
• Negative Marking Rule: For both papers, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every wrong answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty.
Example: Paper I (General Studies)
• 60 correct = 60 × 2 = 120
• 20 incorrect = 20 × 0.66 = 13.2 deduction
• The final score = 120 − 13.2 = 106.8 marks
Example: Paper II (CSAT)
• 45 correct = 45 × 2.5 = 112.5
• 15 incorrect = 15 × 0.83 = 12.45 deduction
• The final score = 112.5 – 12.45 = 100.05 marks
Since Paper II is qualifying, only 66 marks are needed to pass.
UPSC Mains Structure
The Mains examination is descriptive and carries 9 papers (total 1750 marks):
• Qualifying Papers: English and one Modern Indian Language (300 marks each, 25% required to qualify).
• Merit Papers: Essay, four General Studies papers, and two Optional Subject papers (250 marks each).
The marks obtained in these papers are added to the Interview (275 marks), making a total of 2025 marks for the final merit list.
How to Reduce Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims and Mains
Many aspirants lose marks not because they don’t know the content, but because of mistakes that can be avoided. Negative marking in Prelims directly reduces your score, while in Mains, marks are lost indirectly through poor presentation or irrelevant answers.
Negative Marking in Prelims
The Preliminary exam is objective, and the marking system is very strict. Every wrong answer costs you one-third of the marks allotted to the question. This means if a question carries 2 marks, a wrong answer deducts 0.66 marks.
1. Use the Three-Category Approach
• Sure answers (100% confidence): Attempt without hesitation.
• Elimination-based (50–70% confidence): Attempt only if you can safely rule out at least two options.
• Pure guesswork (<50% confidence): Skip, since the penalty outweighs the chance of being right.
2. Maintain a Safe Attempt Range
• Most successful candidates attempt 70–85 questions.
• Attempting all 100 often leads to too many negatives.
• Attempting fewer than 60 may keep you below the cutoff.
3. Handle the OMR Sheet Carefully
• Fill answers in three stages: first your sure answers, then elimination-based, and finally revisits.
• Keep the last 5-7 minutes only for cross-checking bubbles.
4. Watch Out for Tricky Questions
• UPSC often frames traps with words like “Always,” “Never,” “Only,” and “Completely.”
• Regular practice of previous year papers will help you recognize such patterns.
5. Manage CSAT Wisely
• CSAT is qualifying, you just need 66 out of 200 marks.
• Attempt only what you’re confident about; accuracy matters more than high attempts.
Negative Marking in Mains
The Mains exam is descriptive. Here, there is no direct deduction for wrong answers, but aspirants lose marks because of how they attempt the paper. Examiners look for clarity, structure, and relevance.
1. Answer as per the Demand of the Question
• Break down directive words like “Discuss,” “Critically Examine,” “Evaluate.”
• Don’t write everything you know, stick to what the examiner has asked.
2. Organize with a Clear Structure
• Follow the Intro – Body – Conclusion format.
• Use bullet points, headings, and sub-sections for better readability.
• Avoid lengthy, unbroken paragraphs.
3. Manage Time Across All Questions
• Manage your time smarty: about 7–8 minutes for 10-markers and 11–12 minutes for 15-markers.
• Ensure every question gets an attempt, even if brief.
4. Avoid Common Mistakes
• Don’t insert irrelevant facts just to fill space.
• Avoid vague or weak expressions like “Maybe,” “Somewhat,” “Kind of.”
• Strengthen your answers with diagrams, flowcharts, and real examples.
5. Build Writing Practice
• Regular timed practice builds both speed and clarity.
• Get your answers reviewed by mentors or peers to spot gaps.
Common Habits That Increase Negative Marking
Even well-prepared candidates lose marks in Prelims and Mains due to avoidable habits. Recognizing these patterns early can save valuable marks:
1. Over-Attempting in Prelims
Attempting too many questions without elimination logic often backfires. Smart selection matters more than high attempts.
2. Neglecting Revision
Knowledge fades without repeated revision. Many errors come from forgetting small details rather than lack of understanding.
3. Time Mismanagement
Spending extra minutes on one tricky question usually forces rushed guesses later. Balanced pacing across the paper is essential.
4. Skipping Mock Analysis
Writing mocks without analyzing mistakes keeps the same errors alive. Detailed review builds exam temperament and accuracy.
Structured Preparation with Global Education Campus
Avoiding negative marking in UPSC requires clear strategies, discipline, and regular practice. While many candidates prepare on their own, joining a UPSC coaching program at Global Education Campus provides structured classes, mock tests, and expert guidance. This support helps aspirants reduce errors and perform better in both Prelims and Mains.
Course Highlights
• Diploma Duration: 9-10 months (900 hours)
• Class Schedule: 4 hours per day (9:15 am – 1:30 pm)
Learning Modes and Support
• Online and Offline Classes: You can attend classes in person or study online. Recorded videos are also available on the Skill Plus App.
• One-to-One Mentorship: Personal guidance is given to support you at each step of your UPSC preparation.
• Weekly Current Affairs: Regular classes with practice questions to keep you updated with the latest news and issues.
• Answer Writing Practice: Continuous writing practice with expert feedback to improve clarity, structure, and presentation.
• Prelims & Mains Test Series: Well-designed tests to check your progress and build exam confidence.
• Interview Training: Guidance sessions to prepare you for the Personality Test with expert tips.
• Two-Year Portal Access: Unlimited access to study materials and recorded classes for two years.
• Free Mains QEP (Online): Includes extra notes and organized sessions to support your Mains preparation.
Smart Strategies for UPSC Success
Preparing for UPSC is not just about knowing the content but also about answering correctly. Maintain focus, plan your attempts carefully, and work with accuracy. With regular practice and a clear strategy, you can avoid negative marks and make each answer count.
Reach out to us at +91 9847 351 610, or email us at info@globaleducationcampus.com.