Negative Marking

Negative marking can be explained as the process of deducing scores in an examination for a mistake or for giving multiple answers to one question. In different exams, there can be different ways through which negative marking can be done. 

For example, in an MCQ exam one may deduct 0.75 marks from every 1- mark question if it has been answered incorrectly. Another example through which negative marking can be done is by deducing 1 mark for a completely wrong MCQ choice, 0.75 for the comparatively less wrong choice, and so on. 

A lot of times in negative marking, if the individual giving examination has marked two or more answers for a question in which only the answer was supposed to be marked then also negative marking is done. 

For Kerala Public Service Examination, here are a few notable points that should be kept in mind regarding negative marking. 

⁃ The maximum score that one can obtain is 100 whereas a minimum score of 40 is required for clearing the exam

⁃ In terms of negative marking, 1/3 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer

⁃ The candidate is given one mark for every right answer

The maximum mark that a candidate can score is 100 whereas the minimum passing marks required are 40.

Thus, with the knowledge pertaining to negative marks, the candidate can become mindful while preparing for the exam as well as while giving the exam