The penalty in each exam
| Exam | Right answer | Wrong answer | Penalty as share |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL / CHSL Tier 1 | +2 | −0.5 | 1/4 |
| SSC CGL / CHSL Tier 2 | +3 | −1 | 1/3 |
| SSC MTS (Session 2) | +3 | −1 | 1/3 |
| SSC GD | +2 | −0.25 | 1/8 |
| Bank prelims (IBPS, SBI) | +1 | −0.25 | 1/4 |
| CDS | Varies by question | −1/3 of its marks | 1/3 |
| NDA (English) | +4 | −1.33 | 1/3 |
| AFCAT | +3 | −1 | 1/3 |
The maths of a guess
With four options and a 1/4 penalty, a blind guess is right 1 time in 4: you gain 1 question's marks and lose 3 × 1/4 = 3/4. Net: +1/4 of a question on average — but with a large risk. With a 1/3 penalty it is exactly zero on average. That is why blind guessing is not a strategy.
Eliminate two options and the picture changes: you are right 1 time in 2. Under a 1/3 penalty that is +1 − 1/3 = +2/3 of a question per two guesses — clearly worth it. Under 1/4 it is better still.
| Options left | Penalty 1/4 | Penalty 1/3 |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (blind) | Small gain, high risk | Zero on average |
| 3 | Gain | Small gain |
| 2 | Clear gain | Clear gain |
Rules for the exam hall
- Never guess blind when the penalty is 1/3 or more.
- Guess after eliminating two — in every pattern.
- Do not change an answer without a clear reason (a rule you remembered, a misread word).
- Mark "sounds right" answers for review — they are the ones examiners design to trap you.
Frequently asked questions
Should I guess in SSC CGL Tier 1?
Only after eliminating at least one, preferably two, options. A blind guess among four gains very little on average under the −0.5 penalty and adds risk.
What is the negative marking in bank exams?
In IBPS and SBI prelims, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer — a quarter of the question's 1 mark.