CAT 2023 Negative Marking

Negative Marking in the CAT Exam: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you've been through the CAT exam roller coaster before or you're diving in for the first time, it's absolutely crucial to wrap your head around the nitty-gritty of negative marking. Let us be your guide as we walk you through this important part of the exam, sharing valuable tips and strategies to help you succeed.

CAT Online Coaching

Understanding Negative Marking in the CAT Exam

Negative marking is a system employed in multiple-choice questions where marks are deducted for incorrect answers. The CAT exam utilizes this approach to discourage random guessing and reward accurate knowledge.

Calculation of Negative Marking

The deduction for negative marking is determined by subtracting a certain number of marks for each incorrect answer. The specific deduction amount varies based on the exam, number of questions, and scoring system. 

 Negative Marking in MCQ questions

In the CAT exam, each correct answer earns 3 marks, while each wrong answer incurs a penalty of 1 mark for Multiple choice questions. 

Correct Answer: +3 Marks

Wrong Answer: -1 Mark

Unattempted: 0 Marks

 Negative Marking in TITA questions

For TITA (Type in the answer generally known as fill in the blanks) questions, correct answer will carry +3 marks and incorrect answer won't carry any negative marking so will not affect your overall score.

Correct Answer: +3 Marks

Wrong Answer: 0 Marks

Unattempted: 0 Marks

Benefits and Purpose of Negative Marking

Negative marking, like in the CAT exam, serves the purpose of better differentiating high-scoring candidates. It helps identify individuals with genuine knowledge and those who rely on guessing, thereby enabling more accurate scaling of results.

Preparing for Negative Marking

To prepare effectively for negative marking, focus on mastering the concepts tested in the exam. Gain a strong understanding of the fundamental subjects and engage in regular practice. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the negative marking system and develop a strategy to navigate it successfully.

Download CAT Previous Papers PDF

Effective Strategies for the CAT Exam

Develop strategies to tackle as many questions as possible with confidence. Carefully read and understand the instructions, pay close attention to each question, and assess your strengths and weaknesses in the subjects to make informed choices. 

Navigating Negative Marking in the CAT Exam

Maintain a calm and focused mindset during the exam. Manage your time wisely, attempt as many objective questions as you can, and leave the ones you're uncertain about for later. Remember, unanswered MCQ questions do not incur any penalties. Also, you can try guessing and fill the TITA questions as they will not have negative marking.

Tips for Avoiding Negative Marking Mistakes

To steer clear of negative marking mistakes, always read and interpret the questions accurately. Avoid getting overwhelmed by time constraints and refrain from overthinking the answers. Look for keywords and avoid wild guessing. Mock test papers can be immensely helpful in familiarizing yourself with the negative marking system.

While negative marking may appear intimidating, with the right approach, it can be conquered, leading you to success. By following these tips and strategies, you can prepare yourself confidently and with ease.

Take 3 Free CAT Mocks