{"id":658,"date":"2026-11-02T23:07:11","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T17:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mcqsdrive.com\/blog\/?p=658"},"modified":"2026-11-02T23:07:12","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T17:37:12","slug":"ppsc-passing-marks-negative-marking-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mcqsdrive.com\/blog\/ppsc-passing-marks-negative-marking-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"PPSC Passing Marks and Negative Marking Rules 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In PPSC\u2019s MCQ-based written tests, you need at least 40% marks to qualify, and 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Questions you leave blank carry no penalty. These rules come from PPSC\u2019s Important Instructions, in the version dated 8 October 2026. Each job advertisement can add conditions for its post, so always read the ad for your post before the test. moccprep<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide explains what those rules mean for your score, how to calculate it, and when guessing is worth the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PPSC Rules at a Glance (2026)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rule<\/strong><\/td>Detail<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Qualifying marks (MCQ test)<\/td>40%<\/td><\/tr>
Penalty per wrong answer<\/td>\u22120.25 marks<\/td><\/tr>
Unattempted question<\/td>0 marks, no penalty<\/td><\/tr>
Common one-paper format<\/td>100 MCQs in 90 minutes<\/td><\/tr>
Interview shortlisting<\/td>Based on written-test merit<\/td><\/tr>
Extra time<\/td>15 minutes for eligible candidates with disabilities<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

PPSC shortlists candidates for interview on their written-test marks. It calls five candidates for each post, and the Chairman can raise that number. Visually impaired candidates, and candidates with a disability who need a reader or writer, get an extra 15 minutes in a 90-minute MCQ paper. moccprep<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Passing Marks in a PPSC Test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a standard 100-mark MCQ paper, 40% means 40 marks. Passing, however, is not the same as getting selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because PPSC calls only a fixed number of candidates per post, the last person shortlisted sets the real cut-off. For popular posts with thousands of applicants, that score usually sits well above 40%. Treat 40% as the minimum, not the target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Negative Marking Works in PPSC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Use this simple formula:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Score = Correct Answers \u2212 (Wrong Answers \u00d7 0.25)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suppose a candidate attempts a 100-question paper with this result:<\/p>\n\n\n\n