How Negative Marking Works: 1/4, 1/3 & +4/-1 Formulas with Examples
For a test with fixed marks per answer, multiply the correct count by the marks earned. Then subtract the wrong count times the penalty. Check the rules for blank answers and any special question types. Enter the same values in the score tool and check a small example by hand.
1. The Universal Net Score Formula
Net Score = (Correct Answers × Marks per Correct) − (Wrong Answers × Penalty per Wrong). Unattempted (skipped) questions always receive 0 and never incur a penalty.
2. Common Indian Exam Schemes Compared
Three standard schemes cover almost all competitive tests:
- +4 / -1 (NEET UG, JEE Main): 25% penalty relative to positive marks.
- +1 / -0.25 or +2 / -0.50 (MPSC, SSC, Banking): 1/4th penalty—four wrong answers cancel one right answer.
- +2 / -0.66 (UPSC CSE Prelims): 1/3rd penalty—three wrong answers cancel one right answer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I calculate my negative-marked score automatically?
Use the OMR Score Calculator with your answer key, student responses, marks per correct answer, and penalty per wrong answer. Choose values from your test rules. Check one small result by hand first. If the test has special scoring rules, confirm that the tool can represent them before relying on its total.