If you are planning to appear for the CUET, there’s one important thing you must be careful about — negative marking. Many students lose marks not because they don’t know the answers, but because they guess wrong. This article will help you to know how negative marking works in CUET and how you can prepare smartly.
What is CUET?
The National Testing Agency conducts the CUET entrance exam. It is used by Central and other participating universities to select students for undergraduate courses. The exam tests your knowledge in subjects you studied in school along with your general ability and language skills.
CUET Exam Pattern at a Glance
|
Section |
Subject Type |
Questions to Attempt |
Time Limit |
|
Section I-A |
Languages |
40 out of 50 |
45 minutes |
|
Section I-B |
Optional Languages |
40 out of 50 |
45 minutes |
|
Section II |
Domain-Specific Subjects |
40 out of 50 |
45 minutes |
|
Section III |
General Test |
60 out of 75 |
60 minutes |
Negative Marking in CUET
Yes, CUET has negative marking, and you must take it seriously. Here’s how the marking works:
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+5 marks for every correct answer
-
-1 mark for every wrong answer
-
0 marks for unattempted questions
This means that guessing can lower your score. Even a few wrong answers can reduce your total by several marks. That’s why understanding the question fully before answering is very important. If you are unsure about a question, it's better to leave it than to guess.
Read More: Are NTA CUET Sample Papers Available for the General Test?
Why Negative Marking Matters
Let’s say you answer 10 questions incorrectly. That’s 10 marks lost. But it’s actually more than that — if you had answered those correctly, you could have gained 50 marks. So in total, you’ve missed out on 60 marks (50 gain + 10 loss). This shows how big the impact of negative marking can be.
How to Prepare Smartly
You can avoid the risk of negative marking by preparing well. Use the right books that explain topics clearly and provide lots of practice questions.
Use a Good CUET Book
A reliable CUET exam book will cover each section of the exam in a simple and clear way. It will make your base strong.
Focus on Quality CUET Preparation Books
Use CUET preparation books that offer tips to avoid common mistakes, manage time, and answer questions correctly. These books should help you improve your accuracy and avoid wrong answers.
Tips to Avoid Negative Marking
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Attempt those questions you are confident about.
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To improve speed and accuracy, practice mock tests.
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After practicing each test, review your answer, check where you make mistakes, and try to pay more attention to those areas.
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Don't panic during the exam—stay calm and think before you answer.
Negative marking in CUET can lead to a drastic change in your final marks. It’s not compulsory to attempt all questions; what matters is accuracy. Take your time and understand what question exactly is asking. If you don’t, try to avoid guessing on those questions you are not sure about; just skip them and move to the next.
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FAQs
1. Does CUET have negative marking?
Yes, there is a negative marking; deduct 1 mark for each wrong answer.
2. What happens if I leave a question blank in CUET?
You neither gain nor lose marks for unanswered questions.
3. How many marks are awarded for a correct answer in CUET?
You get 5 marks for every correct answer.
4. How can I avoid losing marks due to negative marking?
Prepare well using the right book, avoid guessing, and focus on accuracy.
