How to Handle Negative Marking in Objective Exams?

Aanchal · 2025-09-24T10:29:57+00:00

1. Understand the Marking Scheme Every exam has a different penalty rule: Example: +2 for correct, –0.5 for wrong (SSC) Example: +1 for correct, –0.25 fo...

Aanchal

1. Understand the Marking Scheme

Every exam has a different penalty rule:
Example: +2 for correct, –0.5 for wrong (SSC)
- Example: +1 for correct, –0.25 for wrong (Banking)
Calculate in advance how many wrong answers will cancel the benefit of one correct answer.

👉 If the penalty is high → avoid risky guesses. If the penalty is low → smart guessing is possible.

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2. Attempt Only When 50–60% Sure

Blind guessing = dangerous.
If you can eliminate at least 2 options, attempt it.
If you have no clue at all → skip the question.

👉 Rule of Thumb:

Can eliminate 2 options → Safe to attempt.
Confused among 3+ options → Better to leave.

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3. Use Elimination Technique

Cut out obviously wrong answers:
- In English/Grammar, extreme options like always, never are usually wrong.
- In General Knowledge, factually incorrect options can be ruled out.
- In Maths/Reasoning, quick approximation can cancel 1–2 options.

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4. Don’t Get Stuck on One Question

Spending 5 minutes on one tough question → double loss (time + marks).
Follow a time-bound approach:
- Easy → attempt quickly.
- Medium → attempt if partially sure.
- Hard → skip.

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5. Practice With Mocks & Track Accuracy

After every mock test, check:
- Which guesses worked?
- What is your accuracy percentage?
Example:
- If your accuracy = 80%, attempting a few extra questions with educated guessing can be safe.
- If your accuracy = 50%, stick to only sure-shot questions.

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6. Manage Your Time

Don’t panic in the last minutes and start random guessing.
Solve sure-shot questions first.
Then, in the second round, use elimination-based attempts.

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7. Golden Formula (Safe Attempt Strategy)

Strong questions → attempt all.
Medium (2 options eliminated) → attempt selectively.
Weak/Unknown → leave.

👉 Remember: “Leaving 5 doubtful questions is better than losing 5 marks in negative marking.”

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✅ In Summary:

Know the exam’s marking scheme.
Attempt only when 50%+ sure.
Use elimination method.
Track your accuracy in mocks.
Avoid panic guessing.