By: Dr. Ruchir Bhavsar
Preparing for NEET SS is a marathon, not a sprint. As aspirants, we often aim to increase our correct answers in mock exams, assuming that it will automatically lead to a better score. However, a crucial yet often overlooked strategy is to focus on reducing incorrect answers, which can have a significant impact on your final score.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why this approach is essential and how you can implement it in your preparation.
Why Reducing Incorrect Answers Matters More Than Increasing Correct Ones
The marking scheme of NEET SS follows a +4 for a correct answer and -1 for an incorrect answer. This means that every incorrect answer is costing you five marks (one lost for being wrong and four lost for not getting another question right). If you minimize mistakes, you automatically maximize your score without necessarily increasing your correct answers.
Consider this example:
| Attempt Strategy | Correct Answers | Incorrect Answers | Marks Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategy A (More Attempts) | 100 | 50 | (100×4) – (50×1) = 350 |
| Strategy B (Fewer Mistakes) | 90 | 20 | (90×4) – (20×1) = 340 |
| Strategy C (Balanced Approach) | 95 | 10 | (95×4) – (10×1) = 370 |
Clearly, Strategy C (focusing on reducing incorrect answers) yields the highest marks, even though it does not have the highest number of correct answers.
How to Reduce Incorrect Answers in Mock Exams
1. Identify Your Common Mistakes
- After each mock test, review all incorrect answers and classify them into:
- Silly mistakes (misreading the question, calculation errors)
- Knowledge gaps (not knowing the concept)
- Overthinking or second-guessing
- Guesswork gone wrong
- Keep a mistake logbook to track repeated errors and focus on those weak areas.
2. Improve Accuracy with Better Question Selection
- In mock exams, not all questions are meant to be attempted. The ability to skip doubtful questions is an essential skill.
- Instead of attempting borderline questions (where you’re unsure), prioritize high-confidence questions to minimize negative marking.
3. Avoid Negative Marking Traps
- Many questions have attractive wrong answers that trick students.
- Underline keywords such as “EXCEPT,” “NOT,” “ALWAYS,” and “MOST COMMON” while reading.
- Use elimination strategies: If you can eliminate two wrong options, guessing between the remaining two may be worth the risk.
4. Reduce Silly Mistakes with Smart Strategies
- Read the question twice. Many mistakes happen because of hasty reading.
- Verify calculations or unit conversions if applicable.
- Don’t rush. If time is an issue, work on time management instead of compromising accuracy.
5. Prioritize Conceptual Clarity Over Guesswork
- A common mistake students make is memorizing answers instead of understanding the reasoning behind them.
- Work on core concepts from standard books like Bailey & Love, Sabiston, and Schwartz to ensure deep understanding.
- If you find yourself guessing too often, revisit those topics for conceptual clarity.
6. Practice Strategic Risk-Taking
- Some amount of educated guessing is needed in competitive exams.
- Only guess if you can eliminate at least two options.
- Avoid last-minute answer changes unless you find a solid reason for it.
Final Words: Accuracy Over Aggression
Many students believe that attempting more questions leads to a higher score, but NEET SS is not about answering more—it’s about answering smartly. By focusing on reducing incorrect answers, you’ll minimize negative marking and naturally see an improvement in your final score.
Remember: Precision beats overconfidence.
Analyze your mistakes, refine your approach, and watch your scores climb. Mock exams are not just about testing knowledge but about refining strategy.
Your Next Step
In your next mock test, challenge yourself:
“How few mistakes can I make?” instead of “How many questions can I get right?”
This small shift in mindset might just make all the difference in your NEET SS journey.
Best of luck! Stay focused and keep learning.
