Negative marking – The right approach.

Negative marking – The right approach.

Each correct response yields 4 marks whereas each wrong answer leads to deduction of 1 mark. Students appearing for NEET /IIT /JEE  should be familiar with the right approach in handling the double edged sword of negative marking.

1.  Initially attempt the questions that you are almost sure of the answers. This brings in some confidence and warm you up. Some questions that come up as you proceed, may give clues and help you in the elimination method described below.
2.  The elimination method -  If you can eliminate three choices out of four options , you will reach the right answer safely.
3. Calculated risk - -  If you can eliminate two choices out of four options , you can make an intelligent guesswork based on your experience in the mock tests ( practice tests) you did during your preparation.  A careful analysis of previous ten years’ question papers of any entrance examination, gives an insight into the examiners mindset and possible expected answers.
4. Avoid wild guesses- If you can eliminate only one choice and you are confused between 3 choices, then better to leave such questions, as the probability of getting a wild guess right is remote.
5.  Over the years , as the entrance exams became very competitive , statistics shows that the overall percentage of the attempted questions by the qualified students shows an uptrend when compared to the last decade. This has become possible with the exposure of students to more practice tests, familiarity with the nature of questions asked in the entrance and the focused guidance imparted by the entrance trainers after careful analysis of previous years’ question papers.
6. Solving more mcqs and taking more practice tests will prepare you to the right frame of mind to attempt more questions without being obsessively fearful about negative marking.