Negative Marking Calculator
Calculate your expected exam score with negative marking. Enter attempted, correct and marking scheme to see net marks instantly.
Common schemes: SSC/IBPS 1 mark, −0.25 · UPSC Prelims 2 marks, −0.66 · JEE +4, −1. Wrong = attempted − correct; unattempted questions carry no penalty.
How Negative Marking Changes Your Strategy
In exams with negative marking, your net score is (correct × marks per question) − (wrong × penalty). With the common 1 / −0.25 scheme, four wrong answers erase one correct one — so attempt selection matters as much as knowledge. A blind guess among four options has an expected value of exactly zero; eliminating even one option makes guessing profitable.
Negative Marking in Major Exams
| Exam | Per correct | Per wrong |
|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL / CHSL Tier-1 | +2 (varies by section) | −0.50 / −0.25 |
| IBPS / SBI Prelims | +1 | −0.25 |
| UPSC Prelims | +2 | −0.66 |
| JEE Main (MCQ) | +4 | −1 |
Practise the trade-off on our free GK quizzes and timed online mock tests, then estimate where your score lands with the Marks vs Rank Predictor. Daily prep? Take the current affairs quiz.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is negative marking calculated?
Net score = (correct answers x marks per correct) minus (wrong answers x penalty). Wrong answers are attempted minus correct; unattempted questions carry no penalty in most exams.
What is the negative marking in SSC and banking exams?
SSC CGL, CHSL and most IBPS/SBI prelims deduct 0.25 marks for each wrong answer against 1 mark per correct answer. UPSC Prelims deducts one-third of the question's marks.
Should I attempt questions I am unsure about?
With a 1 to 0.25 scheme, guessing is profitable if you can eliminate two options. If you are guessing blindly among four options, the expected value is zero — skip unless you can eliminate at least one option.
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