What is the marking scheme for UPSC prelims?

UPSC awards +2 per correct answer and deducts 0.6667 per wrong answer in General Studies I (100 questions, 200 marks).

Does UPSC have negative marking?

Yes. GS-I decides the cut-off; CSAT is qualifying (33% / ~66.7 marks). Negative marking is one-third of the marks per wrong answer.

UPSC Marks Calculator

Estimate your UPSC - CSE prelims score with the official marking scheme.

General Studies I100 Q · 200 marks

+2 per correct · −0.6667 per wrong

CorrectWrong

100 unattempted · 0% accuracyScore: 0 / 200

CSAT (General Studies II)80 Q · 200 marks

Qualifying

+2.5 per correct · −0.8333 per wrong

CorrectWrong

80 unattempted · 0% accuracyScore: 0 / 200

UPSC merit score

0 / 200

Counts non-qualifying papers only. Qualifying papers (e.g. CSAT) must be passed but don't add to the merit score.

This marking scheme is a best-effort reference. Confirm the latest pattern and negative-marking rule in the official UPSC notification (official site).

FAQs

What is the marking scheme for UPSC prelims?: UPSC awards +2 per correct answer and deducts 0.6667 per wrong answer in General Studies I (100 questions, 200 marks).
Does UPSC have negative marking?: Yes. GS-I decides the cut-off; CSAT is qualifying (33% / ~66.7 marks). Negative marking is one-third of the marks per wrong answer.