UPSC CMS Marking Scheme
Paper I: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for blank.
Paper II: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong for Q1-75. Q76-100 (CSAT): +2.5/-0.83 for "B" and "C".
Expected Value Analysis
| Options Eliminated | Probability Correct | Expected Value | Decision |
|-------------------|--------------------|---------------------|---------|
| 3 | 100% | +3 | Definitely attempt |
| 2 | 50% | +1 | Attempt |
| 1 | 33% | 0 | Break-even, skip if time-pressured |
| 0 | 25% | -0.5 | Definitely skip |
Decision Table: When to Guess
- Can I eliminate 2 or more options? -> Guess
- Can I eliminate 1 option? -> Skip (unless you have a strong hunch)
- Can I eliminate 0? -> Mark and move on
Practical Tips
Use the last 10 minutes for reviewing marked questions. Never change an answer unless you find a definite error in your reasoning.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
What is the marking scheme for UPSC CMS?
+3 marks for correct answer, -1 mark for wrong answer, 0 for unattempted. There is no negative marking for "B" and "C" in CSAT Paper II.
When should I guess?
Guess when you can eliminate at least 2 options (EV = +1). Skip when you can eliminate 0-1 options (EV = -0.5 or 0).
How much can negative marking affect my rank?
Significantly. At 120 questions with 60% accuracy and 30 blind guesses: raw score = 144, with negative marking = 129. The 15-mark difference can shift your rank by hundreds.
Related reading
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