Negative Marking

Negative markings are common in most competitive exams. The exam procedure is lengthy, Candidates have to prepare themselves extensively. The Village Extension Officer exam is not very difficult to crack but there is the issue of availability of jobs. The syllabus for each section is huge and the candidates might get overwhelmed. The possibility of negative marking also makes proper preparation crucial. This can lead to increased knowledge and retention of that knowledge. If candidates wish to score good marks, they have to adopt a more efficient and strategic method of preparing. Any other additional information on negative marking is available on the official website. Follow the updated guidelines and regulations issued by the Kerala PSC. 

Negative Marking in Kerala PSC 2022

For the Village Extension Officer exam, there is a negative marking. A negative marking scheme is introduced in the competitive exam as a filtration method. This helps in selecting the best of the best. As the Village Extension Officer job requires a smaller number of eligibility criteria, there will be many candidates. So, to manage the number of applicants finalizing for the final round, certain measures are implemented. The Kerala PSC exams have a negative system of marking as well. For every category of the civil service sector, including stenographer as well, 0.33 marks are deducted (1/3). 1 mark is accorded to every correctly answered question. 40 % is the minimum mark that candidates have to secure out of 100 in the paper.

Marking Scheme

• Each question has 1 mark
• There are a total of 100 questions
• The time allotted is 75 minutes
• It is conducted through OMR sheets
• 40% is considered as the minimum number to pass
• The standard of the question is around matriculation level
• 1/3 marks deducted upon a negative answer
• The total marks of the exam are 100

As is evident from the brief look at the marking scheme, there is negative marking and there are marks range fixed by Kerala PSC. Candidates must be cautious not to make too many mistakes since though it might not seem as much, repeated 1/3 mark deduction can be detrimental to the overall result of the aspirants.  

Ways of Avoiding Negative Scores in Kerala PSC

While it is possible to score full out of each paper, it is not possible for every candidate. So, to encourage students from all walks of life, certain strategic considerations have to be made. These considerations are based upon certain tricks and mostly a thorough and effective study plan.

Negative marking for the exam of Village Extension Officer can be done in the following ways:

1. Previous years samples and examination questions must be practiced.
2. Understanding and reading the questions carefully. Answers must be given only when aspirants are confident that their answers are correct and they can successfully envision solutions.
3. Additional practice hours must be devoted to practice sessions and familiarising with the basics. 
4. If candidates have to make any educated guesses, then it should be done at the end of the exam when most of the paper is already completed. After that is done, then a calculated risk can be made if the student is confident about risking a negative marking. 
5. Aspirants must be careful to avoid relying on guesswork and estimation. If the objective answer is known, then only the candidate must answer. 
6. Easier questions must be answered quickly.

Negative marking is therefore not a special feature of Kerala PSC. Most competitive exams used these tactics. There are ways of avoiding being too badly impacted by the negative marking scheme. Being well-versed with the four categories of subjects, practicing and learning, taking mock tests, and being careful during the examination day can be beneficial for the candidates.