Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Negative marking is not a penalty; it is a filter. Learn to take calculated risks. Eliminate options. Don't be greedy. Accuracy > Attempts.
The Math of Negative Marking
1/3rd negative means 3 wrong answers eat up 1 right answer.
It is brutal. Accuracy is key.
To Guess or Not to Guess?
Blind guessing: NO.
Intelligent guessing: YES.
Elimination Method
If you can eliminate 2 options, take the risk.
Probability is in your favor.
| Scenario | Action |
|---|---|
| No idea | Skip |
| Eliminated 1 | Skip |
| Eliminated 2 | Attempt |
| Eliminated 3 | Mark |
Probability Table
| Options Left | Chance of Correct | Expected Score |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (Blind) | 25% | -0.08 (Loss) |
| 3 | 33% | 0 (Neutral) |
| 2 (50-50) | 50% | +0.33 (Gain) |
Psychology of Errors
Greed makes you mark more.
Fear makes you mark less.
Common Traps
Options like "All of the above" can be traps.
Absolute words like "Always", "Never" are usually wrong.
Silly Mistakes
Reading "Hypo" as "Hyper".
Missing "NOT" in the question.
Tip
Read twice. Mark once.
Practice Strategy
Apply negatives in home tests.
Don't calculate gross score. Calculate net score.
Score Calculation Example
| Attempts | Correct | Wrong | Net Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 140 | 40 | 126.6 |
| 160 | 135 | 25 | 126.6 |
| Lesson | Less attempts with high accuracy is same as high attempts with errors | - |
Step-by-Step Risk Taking
Step-by-Step Process:
Read question.
Read all options.
Eliminate obvious wrong ones.
Select best fit.
If confused between 3, Skip.
Impact on Rank
One negative mark can drop rank by 500.
Be careful.
Conclusion
Control your urge.
Play safe.
Example
Real World Example
Options: A. Sydney B. Melbourne C. Canberra D. Perth.
Logic: A and B are famous but C is capital. Eliminate D. Mark C.
Final Words
Accuracy is the king.
Good luck.
Checklist
- Read carefully
- Eliminate options
- Check for NOT
- Don't gamble
Follow this.
Win.