The maths behind a guess
In JEE Main and NEET, a correct answer gets +4 and a wrong one −1. With four options and no idea, you're right one time in four:
So on average, even a blind guess gains a little. Each option you can rule out makes it much better:
| Options ruled out | Chance right | Expected marks |
|---|---|---|
| None, pure guess | 25% | +0.25 |
| One option | 33% | +0.67 |
| Two options | 50% | +1.50 |
The break-even point is a 20% chance of being right. Above that, a guess helps on average.
Why toppers still skip some questions
- Averages hide bad luck. Ten blind guesses gain 2.5 marks on average, but a quarter of the time they lose marks.
- Time is the real cost. A minute spent on a question you'll guess anyway is a minute taken from one you can solve.
- Numerical questions are different. Since 2025, JEE Main numerical answers also lose a mark when wrong. There are no options to pick from, so a random number is almost never right. Don't guess those.
Questions students ask
Should I guess in JEE Main?
In MCQs, yes if you can rule out at least one option. Even a blind guess is worth +0.25 marks on average, but it adds risk. In numerical questions, don't guess, because they now carry negative marking too.
Is there negative marking in NEET?
Yes. +4 for a correct answer, −1 for a wrong one, and 0 for unanswered. The guessing maths is the same as JEE Main MCQs.
What is the negative marking in JEE Advanced?
It changes every year and by section. For single-correct MCQs it's usually +3 and −1. Check the instructions on the day; the tool lets you choose that pattern.
How many questions should I leave in JEE Main?
There's no fixed number. Skip a question when you can't rule out any option and solving it would cost time you need elsewhere.