Strategies to Tackle Negative Marking in Medical PG Exams

In this post, we will solve the common query of many aspirants on how to tackle the negative marks awarded for every wrong answer in MCQs. Regarding the Negative Marking we all are aware of 1 trick to reduce it and that is “Never try to mark an answer until you are very confident about it.” To guess can negatively reduce your much valued marks even without your knowing. But Is that totally avoidable? At least 4 to 5 different medical PG Exams are undertaken by medical PG aspirants. A few candidates go with similar strategies for all MCQ based exams whether there is negative marking or not. A different strategy needs to be adopted for every exam and this single approach needs to be left behind.

1. What is ideal for DNB CET and NEET PG? Skip or not?

Attempt All and Do not skip There is no negative marking for NEET PG and DNB CET and therefore all MCQs should definitely be attempted for both the Exams. There are 25% chances that you will get it correct. By eliminating 2 answer choices try to reduce the 4 choices. This way there are 50 % chances of getting the correct answer.

2. What is ideal for AIIMS PG? To be skipped or not?

Give it a miss Prudently or by Skip after Thinking Twice The bad news is that there are negative marks for wrong answers in AIIMS PG. You are given 3 marks for a correct answer and -1 is deducted for every wrong answer. Mark the answer if you are confident about it. If you are sure that you have eliminated 2 answer choices you still stand a 50 % chance, only then attempt. It is best to skip if you are not sure about the answer choice.

3. What is Ideal for State Medical PG Exams in 2016 with +4 for correct and -1 for mistakes. To be attempted or to be skipped?

To be attempted with 50% Elimination If you can eliminate 2 answer choices it is important to attempt questions. It will give you a 50% chance. Whereas, if you eliminate 1 choice, it will give you 33% chances. Should you take 33% chance? It is a matter of debate and rests on your overall performance. Do you want negative marks eating into your positive marks earned with a lot of effort? If you can eliminate 2 answer choices then definitely attempt a question. Suppose you get one of your guess right then you would be awarded with 4 marks straightaway and that could well cover your 1 wrong guess. Still you have 3 positive marks left which is a good deal.

4. Do not do guesswork unmindfully 

OR Attempt Guesses very Cautiously If you have no clues about many of the questions, then you can go for some intelligent guesswork. For making intelligent/sharp guesses you must have a reasonable idea about most of the topics in all the subjects, to such a great extent, that you know the possible answer to the question among the given set of choices. Make the guesswork when you are confused between just 2 options. Zero down to two options for guesswork, when you are attempting unsure questions. There are 50% chances that you will get it right. Leave the questions undone in case you are perplexed between more than 2 options, as your chances of getting it right are reduced to 33%.

5. Evaluate Mocks and Previous years papers

Make it a habit to practice various mock tests and previous year papers. This way you will have an idea about the Examiners basis of setting the question paper. Mock tests provide you with an idea of what the difficulty level of the exam would be. Candidates get to know where they are wasting time and loosing marks by attempting the mocks. Candidates get a sense of how the actual exam should be attempted by taking the mock tests. If weaknesses are kept in mind, it can reduce the loss of marks because of negative marking. You can also register for PrepLadder's feature packed, free mock test series. It is important to give due importance to minimizing the scope of Negative Marking. Follow the above mentioned tips to avoid negative marking. You should definitely take calculated risks wherever there is scope to do that. If you go overboard with making reckless guesswork, this would do more harm than doing good.