Negative marking significantly impacts the scoring in the UPSC prelims, designed to discourage random guessing. For every incorrect answer, candidates lose a certain percentage of their total marks, which can adversely affect their overall score. This system compels aspirants to be more cautious and selective in their answering, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of the subjects. As a result, solid preparation and informed decision-making become paramount. Balancing speed and accuracy is essential, as a student’s score can drop significantly due to mistakes, impacting their chances of progressing to the mains examination.