In the preliminary examination of UPSC, negative marking is applied to discourage random guessing. For each incorrect answer, a specific deduction from the total marks is enforced, usually one-third of the marks allotted to the question. This penalization emphasizes the importance of answering questions judiciously. Consequently, candidates are encouraged to focus on accuracy over quantity, carefully considering each choice. Understanding this marking scheme is crucial for aspirants to strategize their approach during the exam effectively.