How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA and CDS Exam: The marking scheme of the UPSC NDA and CDS exams is almost similar. There is the provision of a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer in objective papers of the NDA & CDS exam. The UPSC NDA exam is divided into two subjects: mathematics and general ability, whereas the CDS exam comprises three sections, such as English, general knowledge, and elementary mathematics. The number of questions and maximum marks vary as per the subject. Read on to learn more about how to calculate marks in the UPSC NDA and CDS exams on this page.
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UPSC NDA and CDS Exam 2024: Negative Marking
There will be a penalty for every incorrect answer marked by the candidates in the UPSC NDA and CDS exams. It is important to know the negative marking scheme before calculating marks in UPSC NDA and CDS exams.
- There will be four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which the candidate has given a wrong answer. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
- If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers is correct and there will be the same penalty as above for that question.
- If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is provided by the candidate, there will be no negative marking for that question.
UPSC NDA 2024 Exam Marking Scheme
Candidates must understand the marking scheme before calculating marks in the UPSC NDA exam. This will allow them to compute the tentative marks correctly. Here is the marking scheme of the UPSC NDA 2024 exam shared below for the reference of the candidates. You must also go through the NDA syllabus and CDS syllabus to know the important topics in the exam.
| Particulars | Details of Papers | |
| Subjects | Paper 1 (Mathematics) | Paper 2 (GAT) |
| No. of Questions | 120 | 150 (English 50, GK 100) |
| Maximum Marks | 300 | 600 |
| Time Duration | 2 ½ Hours | 2 ½ Hours |
| Positive Marking | 2.5 Marks | 4 Marks |
| Negative Marking | 0.83 Marks | 1.33 Marks |
Understanding How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA Exam With Examples
The UPSC NDA exam is divided into two subjects: mathematics and general ability Check how to calculate marks in the UPSC NDA Exam of all the subjects with examples shared below.
How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA Exam for Mathematics Paper?
Let’s consider a student, ABC, who is preparing to attempt the NDA written examination. She has prepared well for the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers of the NDA exam. ABC attempted 70 questions in the mathematics paper of the NDA exam. Upon analysing her answers, it was discovered that 10 of her responses were wrong.
Calculation of ABC's Marks in NDA Mathematics Paper
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Questions in Math Paper | 120 questions |
| Total Marks in Math Paper | 300 marks |
| Positive Marks | 2.5 marks |
| Negative Mark | 0.83 Marks |
| Total Attempts | 70 questions |
| Incorrect Attempts | 10 questions |
| Total Correct Attempts | 70-10= 60 correct attempts |
| Marks Obtained from Correct Attempts | 60 * 2.5 = 150 |
| Negative Marks (For wrong attempts) | 10* 0.83 = 8.3 |
| Final Marks Obtained by ABC | 150 – 8.3 = 141.7 marks |
How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA Exam for GAT Paper?
Let’s consider another student, XYZ, who is preparing to attempt the NDA written examination. She has prepared well for the Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers of the NDA exam. XYZ attempted 100 questions in the GAT paper of the NDA exam. Upon analysing her answers, it was discovered that 20 of her responses were wrong.
Calculation of XYZ Marks in NDA GAT Paper
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Questions in GAT Paper | 150 questions |
| Total Marks in GAT Paper | 600 marks |
| Positive Marks | 4 marks |
| Negative Mark | 1.33 Marks |
| Total Attempts | 100 questions |
| Incorrect Attempts | 20 questions |
| Total Correct Attempts | 100-20= 80 correct attempts |
| Marks Obtained from Correct Attempts | 80 * 4 = 320 marks |
| Negative Marks (For wrong attempts) | 20 * 1.33 = 26.6 marks (approx. 26 marks) |
| Final Marks Obtained by XYZ | 320-26=294 marks |
How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC CDS Exam?
Candidates must be familiar with the marking scheme before calculating marks in the UPSC CDS exam. This will allow them to determine the tentative marks accurately. Here is the marking scheme of the UPSC CDS 2024 exam shared below for the ease of the candidates.
| Specifications | English | GK | Mathematics |
| Number of Questions | 120 | 120 | 100 |
| Maximum marks | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Marks for the correct answer | 1 mark for each correct answer | 1 mark for each correct answer | 1 mark for each correct answer |
| Negative marking | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer |
Understanding How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC CDS Exam With Examples
The UPSC CDS exam comprises three sections, such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Check how to calculate marks in the UPSC CDS Exam of all the subjects with examples shared below.
How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC CDS Exam
Let’s consider a student, ABC, who is preparing to attempt the CDS written examination. She has prepared well for the English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers of the CDS exam. ABC attempted 70 questions in the mathematics paper of the CDS exam. Upon analysing her answers, it was discovered that 10 of her responses were wrong.
Calculation of ABC's Marks in CDS Mathematics Paper
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Questions in Math Paper | 100 questions |
| Total Marks in Math Paper | 100 marks |
| Positive Marks | 1 marks |
| Negative Mark | 0.33 Marks |
| Total Attempts | 70 questions |
| Incorrect Attempts | 10 questions |
| Total Correct Attempts | 70-10= 60 correct attempts |
| Marks Obtained from Correct Attempts | 60 * 1 = 60 |
| Negative Marks (for wrong attempts) | 10* 0.33 = 3.3 |
| Final Marks Obtained by ABC | 60 – 3.3 = 56.7 marks |