Negative scoring is one important factor that candidates need to consider while answering questions in the competitive exams. Negative marks are aimed at filtering candidates who are uncertain about the right answer. Hence candidates should be extra attentive while answering.

For each incorrect answer, 0.25 -0.50 marks are reduced in general. While you may have scored good marks, the negative scoring can affect the original scores. Here are some guidelines to help you avoid attracting negative scores.

Analyse

Refer the questions papers of previous years to know the pattern of questions in each section. This will make you familiar with the pattern and you can answer accurately.

Practice

Since the time limit is quite short for the complete set of questions you need to answer, it is important to have shortcuts. These help to solve quickly and help you manage the limited time.

Mock Tests

Mock tests are of great help as they let you manage the questions within the given time limit. You will be able to manage the short time limit more effectively by attending the mock tests.

Be Confident

Confidence and self-assurance help in dealing with the questions in a calm and collected manner. You will not panic and more importantly, you can answer properly and with clarity.

Answering Questions

While answering, make sure you attend the questions which you are sure of providing the right solution. When you try attending all the questions in order, if you answer a difficult question and get stuck in it, you will waste precious time. This is bound to affect your score.

No Guesswork

If you are not sure about the answer to a particular question, you should move on to the next one immediately. Avoid guessing. If your guess is wrong, it can reduce your score.

Focus is a Must

While answering, make sure you read the entire question carefully. You may tick the wrong solution in your hurry to finish within the time limit even when you are aware of the right answer. So, have your full focus on the question. This will make it easy to apply the necessary formulas, methods or shortcuts you have painstakingly prepared. If you panic, it will be difficult to focus and you will end up picking the wrong solution.

Details Matter

In the quantitative ability, for instance, you need to solve data interpretation with care. Unless you have the figures and other details correct, while deciphering the answers, you will not get the right answer even if you have followed the method properly. Double check to make sure you have the details properly copied in your rough sheet.

Take Necessary Risks

Avoid trying to answer as many questions as possible. Instead, try answering the questions that you are sure about. Answer risky questions only when you consider it necessary. Calculate the score you need to clear the cut-off marks for the section. If you are confident of scoring above this, stop guessing the solution and taking risks. Too much guess work can lead to more negative scoring, which may bring down the overall score.

The exams feature both easy and complex questions. By reading the entire paper, you can answer the simple questions first and move on to the complicated ones and even manage a risk plan for them. You will be able to answer better, save time, and reduce the negative scoring too. All the best!