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UPSC CMS Marking Scheme#
Both papers follow the same rule. Each paper has 120 questions for 250 marks, so:
- Correct answer: about +2.08 marks (250 ÷ 120)
- Wrong answer: one-third of that, about −0.69
- Unanswered: 0
The exam is a computer-based test, so you mark answers on screen as you go.
Expected Value Analysis#
Each question has four options and one correct answer.
| Options Eliminated | Probability Correct | Expected Value | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 100% | +2.08 | Definitely attempt |
| 2 | 50% | +0.69 | Attempt |
| 1 | 33% | +0.23 | Attempt — small but positive |
| 0 | 25% | 0.00 | Pure gamble — skip unless you have a real hunch |
The one-third penalty is designed so that blind guessing on a four-option question averages out to zero. Any genuine elimination tips the odds in your favour.
Decision Table: When to Guess#
- Can I eliminate 2 or more options? -> Guess
- Can I eliminate 1 option? -> Guess (the expected value is positive, though small)
- Can I eliminate 0? -> Mark for review and move on
Practical Tips#
Use the last 10 minutes for reviewing questions marked for review. Never change an answer unless you find a definite error in your reasoning.
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Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
- 1 November 2026 — Corrected the marking scheme to the UPSC CMS notice (one-third of 2.08 per wrong answer, both papers, computer-based test) and recomputed the expected values.
Frequently asked questions
What is the marking scheme for UPSC CMS?
Each paper has 120 questions for 250 marks, so a correct answer earns about 2.08 marks. A wrong answer costs one-third of that (about 0.69); an unanswered question costs nothing. The same rule applies to Paper I and Paper II.
When should I guess?
With four options, a blind guess has an expected value of exactly zero under the one-third rule. Eliminate one option and a guess is worth about +0.23 marks on average; eliminate two and it is worth about +0.69.
How much can negative marking affect my score?
Attempting 100 questions in a paper with 70 right and 30 wrong gives 145.83 − 20.83 = 125.00 marks out of 250. The 20.83 marks lost to wrong answers can move your rank a long way.
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