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    How to avoid negative marking in CLAT 2026?

    How to avoid negative marking in CLAT 2026?

    #CLAT
    Isha GargUpdated on 06 Dec 2025, 06:53 AM IST

    Preparing for CLAT 2026 involves understanding the importance of avoiding negative marking. The CLAT exam’s marking scheme awards 1 mark for each correct answer but deducts 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. This marking method prevents students from random guessing. Students must be careful when attempting questions and must focus only on those answers they are confident about. Strategies like eliminating obviously wrong options, managing time well, and practising mock tests can help minimise errors. Students need to develop a disciplined approach, prioritising quality over quantity in their answers. By adopting these strategies, aspirants can protect their scores from unnecessary deductions and can boost their chances of achieving a high rank in CLAT 2026.

    How to avoid negative marking in CLAT 2026?
    How to avoid negative marking in CLAT 2026?

    CLAT 2026 Marking Scheme

    Answer type

    Marking scheme

    Correct answer

    +1 mark

    Incorrect answer

    -0.25 marks

    Unanswered question

    0 marks deducted

    How to Calculate CLAT 2026 Marks

    CLAT 2026 includes 120 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark. The formula to calculate the final score is:
    CLAT score = (number of correct answers × 1) − (number of wrong answers × 0.25)
    For example, if a student answers 85 questions correctly and 10 incorrectly, the score will be: (85×1) − (10×0.25) = 85−2.5 = 82.5
    Prioritise Accuracy Over Quantity in CLAT 2026 Attempts.

    In CLAT 2026, it is better to attempt fewer questions with high accuracy than to attempt many questions and risk negative marking. Students should focus on answering only those questions they are confident about. Top performers often attempt 90-95 questions with an accuracy rate of 85% or higher. Attempting more questions without confidence increases the risk of losing marks due to negative marking.

    Section-wise Ways to Minimise Negative Marking

    Section

    Tips to avoid negative marking

    English language

    Focus on understanding the passage fully before answering, as these questions test comprehension rather than memorisation.

    General knowledge

    Attempt only well-known facts and skip questions based on guesswork.

    Logical reasoning

    Use clear logic and avoid overthinking or complicating simple problems.

    Legal reasoning

    Stick to legal principles to avoid answers based on personal opinion.

    Quantitative techniques

    Double-check calculations and skip unsure math questions.

    How to Avoid Negative Marking in CLAT 2026

    Given below are some effective tips to help students avoid negative marking in CLAT 2026:

    • Eliminate wrong options: Before marking an answer, eliminate options that are clearly incorrect. This increases the chances of selecting the right answer.

    • Avoid blind guessing: Do not guess answers unless at least two options can be ruled out confidently.

    • Double-check calculations: In quantitative sections, verify calculations before marking the answer.

    • Manage time wisely: Allocate time to each section and avoid rushing, which can lead to careless mistakes.

    • Practice mock tests: Regular practice with mock tests helps students identify weak areas and improve accuracy.

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