Is There Negative Marking in SSC Constable GD?

Every SSC Constable GD aspirant knows that scoring high is not just about how many questions you answer—it’s also about how many you answer correctly. And that’s where the most common doubt arises: Does the SSC GD exam have negative marking?

The answer is yes. As per the official SSC notification, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Some sources online mention -0.50, but that is incorrect or outdated. The official marking scheme makes it clear: each correct answer gives you 2 marks, and each incorrect one costs you 0.25 marks. In an exam where cut-offs hover around 70–75, even a handful of wrong guesses can make or break your selection.

This blog explains the marking scheme, the impact of negative marking, strategies to minimize its effect, and the role of trusted resources, such as the SSC GD PYQ book or the SSC GD book, in improving accuracy.

The SSC Constable GD Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The SSC GD Constable written examination is a computer-based test comprising 80 questions, worth a total of 160 marks, to be attempted within a duration of 60 minutes. All sections are given equal importance, and all sections have negative marking.

Why Negative Marking Matters in Competitive Exams

Negative marking is practiced to dissuade pure random guessing. The SSC GD exam is not only about how fast you are, but also about how accurate and confident you are. Most aspirants are under the impression that only if they attempt all 80 questions will they get a good score. In practice, attempting 65 questions with 90% of them correct is likely to score more than trying all 80 with some mistakes.

Consider it this way: each wrong answer does not simply forfeit a mark; rather, it subtracts from your total. In other words, the game changes from “answer everything” to “answer smartly.”

Handling Negative Marking Section by Section

Negative marking is not the same for all sections of the test; hence, your approach should be sectional:

Reasoning:

The majority of the questions are straightforward, though some are framed in such a way as to be misleading. If you misread a single word, you will lose marks. Regular practice with a good SSC Constable GD book will help you recognize the patterns and avoid the traps.

General Knowledge:

You either know it or you don’t. Guessing is risky here. If you focus on repetitive topics from an SSC GD PYQ book, it helps you be more accurate and save on negative marking.

Mathematics:

This is where most marks are lost due to rushed calculations. The practice of double-checking formulas and answers, and regularly revising them, can reduce the chances of errors while solving questions from standard SSC GD practice books.

Language (English/Hindi):

In grammar and vocabulary questions, the two options presented to the candidate are often so close that they become confusing. Don’t guess—be rule-based, using solved examples from practice books to feel more certain.

Smart Resources to Tackle Negative Marking

Exam day discipline is definitely important, but discipline begins well before exam day. One should refer to SSC GD PYQ books to understand the latest trends, take a full mock test series to learn time management, and also work with an all-in-one SSC Constable GD book containing concepts and practice questions.

Out of all these, Oswaal SSC GD Books are the handiest as they not only provide questions but also teach you how to avoid mistakes. Among their resources are:

• Chapter-wise PYQs: Useful in identifying the pattern of repeated questions and honing your revision skills.

• Explanations based on errors: Rather than just providing the correct answer, they also elaborate on why the alternatives are incorrect, an important aspect for avoiding negative marking.

• Timed mock tests: Replicate the actual exam and train you to become proficient at being fast and accurate.

Practicing questions from either a standard SSC GD book, a SSC GD PYQ book, or specialized mock tests such as Oswaal’s ensures not only a higher number of attempted questions but also a higher number of correct ones.

Practical Ways to Minimize Mistakes

Access to good-quality SSC GD books and PYQs is just 50% of what you need to clear the examination; it is how you use them in your preparation, and more importantly, on exam day, that will make the difference between negative marking dragging your score below the passing mark or actually putting you above the cut-off. The intention is not to just attempt more, but to attempt better. Implement these strategies to reduce errors:

• Don’t take random guesses. If you are unable to rule out at least two choices, then don’t attempt that question—it is better than losing 0.25 marks.

• Click on the review button. In CBT, any question you are not sure about should be flagged for review after you have worked out the ones you feel confident about.

• Do not record raw scores; track net scores instead. While studying from an SSC Constable GD book or taking a practice test, always score yourself out of 100 by applying negative marking. This gives you an actual view of how you perform.

• Play to your strengths. Try to obtain maximum marks in your strong sections even if you don’t attempt your weaker ones. You can be above the cut-off if you are accurate in your comfort zones.

This discipline ensures that your score remains in the safe zone, even if you attempt fewer questions, because your accuracy is higher.

Read More: Is There Any Interview In SSC CGL?

Beyond the Written Test

Also, remember that negative marking is only in the written stage. After you clear the CBT, the PET, PST, and Medical, you do not have any penalties at the remaining stages. But the written test is your access point, so you do not want to incur deductions there for no reason.

Final Thoughts

Now, does SSC GD have negative marking? Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer according to the SSC notification. Some sources cite values of -0.50, though that is not the case for the present pattern. Always check the official SSC notification before preparing.

The point is very simple: be precise rather than random. If your focus is on good practice attempts, effective use of your time, and quality practice based on trusted sources such as Oswaal SSC GD PYQ books and mock tests, negative marking should not deter you. It may, in fact, even be your competitive advantage to clear the cut-off.

FAQs

Q1. What is the negative marking for a wrong answer in SSC GD?

According to the SSC public notification, 0.25 is subtracted for every incorrect response.

Question 2. Why do some sources say -0.50 marks?

That’s a mistake or a reference from a long time ago. Here is the excerpt from the official SSC GD notification stating that negative marking is -0.25 for each incorrect response .

Question 3. Should I attempt all 80 questions in SSC GD?

Not quite. Only attempt if you are certain – it is better to attain a higher score with a few attempts that are few but correct than to guess.

Question 4. Which books are helpful in avoiding negative marking in SSC GD?

PYQs and mock-test-based materials like Oswaal SSC GD Books work wonders as they focus on mistakes as well as error-free writing.