The CUET or Common University Entrance Test is the medium of getting admission for the undergraduate as well as post graduate level courses in the central as well as affiliated universities and colleges. The exam’s objective is to provide suitable and fair opportunity to candidates and getting them the opportunity to secure a seat in colleges. Check the post to know whether CUET has negative marking.
Do CUET have Negative Marking system?
Yes, the CUET exam does have negative marking in most sections. CUET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and other courses in central universities and other participating institutions across India. The exam was introduced to provide a common platform and equal opportunity to students from different educational boards and backgrounds.
As per the official exam pattern released by NTA, for each correct answer in CUET (UG), candidates are awarded +5 marks. However, for each incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions. This system of negative marking is applicable to the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) format, which is the structure used in CUET.
The negative marking rule encourages students to answer only those questions they are reasonably confident about. Blind guessing can result in a lower overall score, so it’s crucial for test-takers to be strategic during the exam. This is particularly important because CUET is highly competitive, and even a small difference in score can affect admission to top universities.
The exam itself consists of three main sections:
- Section I – Language: Tests language comprehension through reading passages, vocabulary, etc.
- Section II – Domain-Specific Subjects: Includes subjects like Physics, Biology, Economics, History, etc., depending on the course the student is applying for.
- Section III – General Test: Includes General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
All of these sections follow the MCQ format and are subject to the same marking scheme: +5 for correct, -1 for incorrect, and 0 for unattempted questions.
Understanding the marking scheme is important for time management and risk assessment during the exam. For example, if a candidate is unsure between two options, it may be better to leave the question unanswered rather than risk losing a mark.
It’s also worth noting that CUET PG (Postgraduate) and other versions of the exam may follow a slightly different pattern depending on the program and institution. However, most of them also follow the negative marking system unless specifically stated otherwise in the notification or information bulletin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, CUET does have negative marking of –1 mark for each wrong answer and 0 for unattempted questions, in most cases. Candidates preparing for CUET should keep this in mind and approach the exam with a strategy that balances accuracy and speed. Proper preparation, solving multiple sample papers, appearing for mock tests, and understanding the paper pattern will help reduce the chances of incorrect answers and maximize scores, improving your chances of securing a seat and getting admission in your desired university or college of your choice.
