Question : NEGATIVE MARKING IN CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION

(a) whether the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to introduce negative marking in the Civil Services Examination as per the recommendations of Satish Chandra Committee in 1988 as reported in the Asian Age dated January 5, 2007;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the introduction of the new system has invited opposition/criticism from various quarters;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the reasons for inordinate delay in implementing the recommendation of Satish Chandra Committee after a gap of 18 years?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS.(SHRI SURESH PACHOURI)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1075 FOR ANSWER ON 7.3.2007

(a): Yes Sir.

(b): The UPSC has decided to introduce negative marking as a strong deterrent against guesswork and accurately to asses the level of competence and proficiency of candidates. Besides, this practice is in keeping with the practice adopted by other competitive examining bodies in the country.

(c) & (d): It has been decided to introduce negative marking by the UPSC from 2007 after due consideration of the representations received.

(e): Although the recommendations were received in August, 1989, the UPSC after due consideration did not agree to the proposal of introduction of negative marking at that time. However, keeping in view the overall changes in the examination systems in the country, it has now been decided to introduce negative marking begining the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2007.