Negative marking in UPSC exam is applicable for incorrect answers, mainly in prelims exam. However, certain negative markings are also applicable in the mains exam. Understanding negative marking in UPSC exam will help candidates to plan their preparation in a better way.

Negative marking in UPSC exam for prelims stage has been explicitly mentioned in the UPSC notification. However, the commission is free to impose negative marks if guidelines have been violated by the candidate.

Let us look at the negative marking in UPSC exam for both prelims and mains stage. Read on to know more about negative marking!

Negative Marking in UPSC Exam Overview

Candidates must beware of negative marking in UPSC exam. The negative marking is more prevalent in the prelims stage  of the exam, and is rarely used in the mains stage. However, candidates must not take negative marking provisions lightly and follow the exam guideline strictly. An overview of negative marking in UPSC exam is given here.

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Negative Marking in UPSC Exam Prelims 2026

Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims Exam has been explicitly mentioned in the notification. Based on the notification, here are the negative marking schemes for both papers of UPSC prelims.

Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims General Studies

The negative marking in UPSC exam prelims for GS paper is -0.66. Based on this marking scheme, here is an illustration.

• Suppose you attempt 85 questions in a GS paper. The questions answered correctly are 60 and the questions answered incorrectly are 25.
• Based on the scheme, for the correct answer, the scores are 60 X 2 = 120.
• Based on scheme, incorrect marks are 25 X -0.66 = -16.5
• The total marks scored by the candidate is 120 – 16.5 = 103.5 

Negative Marking in UPSC Prelims CSAT 2026

The negative marking in UPSC exam prelims CSAT paper is -0.83. Based on this marking scheme, here is an illustration.

• Suppose you attempt 50 questions in the CSAT paper. The questions answered correctly are 40, and the questions answered incorrectly are 10.
• Based on the scheme, for the correct answer, the scores are 40 X 2.5 = 100.
• Based on scheme, incorrect marks are 10 X -0.83 = -8.3
• The total marks scored by the candidate is 100 – 8.3 = 91.7. 

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Negative marking in UPSC Exam Mains 2025

There is no negative marking in UPSC mains exam but there are certain conditions under which penalties may be imposed that can deduct your marks. Following are the two important conditions for negative marking.

• Unauthorized Medium: Candidates answering in a language medium other than the one authorized by the commission may face penalty marks. In most cases, the answer copy may not be evaluated.
• Use of Prohibited Words or Symbols: Use of symbols or words that may reveal the identity of the candidate can attract negative marks. 

Penalty marks in UPSC Mains 2025

Penalty marks in UPSC Mains are discussed here. UPSC Mains Examination does not have automatic penalties for wrong answers. However, marks can be deducted for specific violations of examination instructions, such as writing in illegible handwriting, including symbols or appeals that could reveal your identity, filling answer booklets with incorrect information or sketching, writing outside the designated margins, using a prohibited language medium, and writing direct or indirect appeals to the examiner.

Read More: Penalty marks in UPSC Mains 2026

How to Avoid Negative Marking in the UPSC Exam 2026?

To avoid negative marking in the UPSC exam, candidates can follow some of the tips mentioned below.

• Follow Guidelines: Follow the guidelines issued by the UPSC before appearing for the exam. This will help you avoid mistakes.
• Avoid Unnecessary Attempts: Candidates must not attempt questions they have little idea about. This will help avoid negative marks.
• Avoid Multiple Answers: Do not answer the questions multiple times. This will attract negative marks in the prelims exam.
• Be Careful about Language Medium: Many candidates have a habit of using different language scripts while writing answers. This must be avoided.

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