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Avoid negative marking in NDA 2025 with expert strategies. Learn the marking scheme, avoid random guesses, improve accuracy, use elimination methods & stay calm to boost your NDA exam score.
PWOnlyIAS
April 12, 2025
Negative Marking in NDA: As the NDA (I) 2025 is approaching, candidates must be cautious while preparing, as an incorrect answer can lead to negative marking and reduce their overall score. NDA is one of the competitive exams. However, negative marking makes it more challenging for aspirants to attain a good score. Here we have listed some of the tips to avoid Negative Marking in NDA.
Candidates appearing for the first time must explore the negative marking in NDA. It is one of the crucial aspects of the exam’s marking scheme. Around 1/3rd of marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. This reduces the intent of random guessing. Here’s how you can understand negative marking and avoid it with a proper approach:
1. Stop Random Guessing
First and the most important thing to do is avoid random guessing. If you’re not at least 70–80% sure about any answer, it is always better to skip it. Blind ticking can ruin your scores.
2. Only Attempt What You’re Sure Abou
With two papers, the NDA exam’s total is 900 marks. The exam’s cut-offs usually vary from 340 to 360. This means you don’t have to answer every question to clear the exam. It’s more important to get the answers right (accuracy) than to attempt many and get them wrong (quantity)
3. Understand the Negative Marking Scheme
For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd marks are deducted, which means 3 wrong answers cancel out 1 correct. So, it is mandatory to understand the negative marking in NDA 2025 to avoid any loss. Random guessing can hurt your score. It’s smarter to only answer when you’re reasonably sure.
| Negative Marking in NDA 2025 | ||
| Paper | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks Deducted for Wrong Answer |
| Maths | +2.5 | -0.83 |
| GAT | +4 | -1.33 |
4. Avoid Panic Mode
One mistake doesn’t end it. It’s normal to get stuck or answer a question incorrectly. The NDA exam is unpredictable. So, don’t let that shake your confidence. If you come across a difficult question, skip it and come back later. Do not panic. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and keep moving. Panicking can lead to silly mistakes like misreading the question or rushing through options.
5. First Do the Easy Ones
What best you can do to avoid any mistake is to attempt easy questions. Let’s say for the General Ability Test paper, each question carries 4 marks, whether it is easy or difficult. Grab the easy ones first. This will also help you gain confidence and avoid negative markings.
6. Use the Elimination Method
When you’re unsure of the correct answer, start by eliminating the wrong options. Usually, at least one or two options can be ruled out just by basic logic or facts you already know. This boosts your chances of guessing the right answer.
For example, if you can confidently eliminate two out of four choices, your odds improve from 25% to 50%. It’s a smart way to reduce the risk of negative marking.
7. Don’t Rush Reading the Question
Many mistakes happen just because the question wasn’t read properly. So, always watch out for words like NOT, INCORRECT, ONLY, etc. One wrong word can flip your answer. You should read even twice if needed. This small habit can save you from losing easy marks due to silly errors.
8. Don’t Assume Option or Statement Order
Do not assume options based on the previous one. Like, the correct answer might be in option D as if it refers to Statement 1. No, just because Statement 1 comes before Statement 2 doesn’t mean it’s always true.
Similarly, Option A or Option D doesn’t always have to be the right one. Many students make the mistake of picking early options without checking all four properly.
So, don’t go by order—go by logic. Read every option and statement carefully before locking your answer.
9. Use Both English & Hindi Versions
Another way to avoid any negative marking is to check questions in both versions. If you don’t fully understand the question in English, you can check the Hindi translation as well, as it might click better.
10. Don’t Let 2–3 Wrong Answers Shake You
Everyone makes mistakes, even toppers. But the key is not to let those mistakes affect your mindset. If you start panicking or doubting yourself, you might end up marking more wrong answers just to compensate. Instead, take a moment, breathe, and reset your focus. One or two blunders won’t affect your chances.
Stay composed and focused till the end.
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