How to Decrease Negative Marking in the NEET Exam: Every year, thousands of students aspire to crack the NEET exam to secure a seat in the most prestigious medical colleges around the country. NEET is one of the most competitive exams in India and requires unparalleled dedication if one wishes to succeed in this endeavour. For a seat in any of the top medical colleges in India, one needs to crack not only the exam but also secure a good rank. Since the competition is stiff and there are lakhs of students applying for the exam, every mark counts.
The NEET exam pattern largely remains the same, at least the marking pattern. There’s negative marking, where there’s a deduction of 1 mark for every wrong answer. All students appearing for the NEET exam cannot overlook negative marking, as it can make a difference between a good and average rank.
For students appearing in the NEET exam, here are some tips that they must follow to decrease negative marking.
How to Decrease Negative Marking in NEET Exam 2025?
Negative marking in the NEET 2025 exam can lower your score and impact your rank. Here are some tips to decrease negative marking in the NEET 2025 exam.
1. Don’t Be Overconfident
There’s a thin line that separates overconfidence and confidence, so it is important to not mistake one with the other. Being confident about the exam is good; however, make sure not to go overboard and become careless while attempting questions. Some students get overexcited after reading the question paper, which may lead to silly mistakes and hence negative marking. So, try to control emotions while attempting the NEET exam for a better outcome.
2. Skip Doubtful Questions
Don’t attempt any question you are doubtful about. If you get stuck on a question that is eating away your time or you are not confident about, skip it but do not attempt it in a hurry. If you try such questions, they are likely to be incorrect, which can lead to negative marking. Leaving doubtful questions instead of attempting a wrong answer is a wise decision.
3. Read All Questions Carefully
We at Aakash Institute, teach all our students the importance of reading the questions carefully. There are times when students come across questions that are similar to the ones they have attempted in the past. However, there can be subtle changes in the question, and a student might not pay enough attention which can lead to a wrong answer. Furthermore, students should avoid solving questions straight away and must read the question paper once thoroughly before attempting.
4. Stop Stressing Out
When a question paper is handed to students, most of them stress out on the questions they do not know. However, this practice negatively impacts their results as they lose focus and fail to attempt questions that they actually know. It is crucial to beat stress and try to remain calm for better results.
5. Don’t Answer at the Last Moment
Exams like NEET should not be attempted at the last moment, and one must not try their luck by attempting questions they don’t know. Students might feel like their answer sheet is incomplete and they haven’t attempted a lot of questions, but the best thing to do is to leave questions they don’t know. Attempting such questions can lead to negative marking, which can decrease the chances of getting a good rank. Even when revising, make sure not to attempt any leftover questions if you are not confident about them.
6. Follow NEET Guidelines
While attempting the NEET exam, it’s necessary to follow the guidelines to avoid any negative marking. For example, never choose two answers in the OMR sheet, as that question will be disqualified and lead to negative marking. Moreover, make sure the answer circles in the OMR sheet is filled tidily, and there’s no overlapping.
FAQs
1. How can I reduce negative marking in the NEET 2025 exam?
To reduce negative marking, avoid guesswork, read questions carefully, and practice mock tests. Focus on accuracy, use elimination techniques, and manage time wisely to improve performance.
2. Does guessing answers increase negative marking in NEET?
Yes, guessing can lead to more wrong answers and negative marking. Instead, use elimination techniques to rule out incorrect options and make educated guesses only when necessary.
3. How does time management help in reducing negative marking?
Good time management helps you avoid rushed answers, reducing careless mistakes. Practice solving questions within time limits to improve accuracy and decrease negative marking in the exam.
4. Can practicing mock tests help in avoiding negative marking?
Yes, regular mock tests improve accuracy, speed, and confidence. They help you understand question patterns, reduce silly mistakes, and develop smart answering techniques to minimize negative marking.
5. What strategies should I follow to avoid negative marking in NEET 2025? .
Read questions carefully, avoid overthinking, eliminate wrong options, and answer confidently. Practicing previous year papers and revising concepts regularly will also help reduce negative marking effectively