Negative marking policies affect the UPSC Preliminary examination by penalizing candidates for incorrect answers, discouraging random guessing. Each wrong answer results in a deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to that question. This policy urges aspirants to carefully consider their responses and base their answers on knowledge rather than chance. As a result, candidates often emphasize accuracy and strategic selection of questions to maximize their scores. Understanding this policy aids candidates in shaping effective examination strategies that align with the board’s expectations.