ABSTRACT
Introduction: The present study aims to find the effect of instruction of negative marking in a self-coded MCQ examination on the performance of students in the subject of Pharmacology concerning the raw score, correct score and negative score. Methodology: This longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology. The Second MBBS students were exposed to a self-coded MCQ test twice by surprise. The first test (T1) was given without instructions of negative marking, while during the second test (T2) instructions for negative marking were given. The parameters of the raw score, negative score, corrected score and number of students who did not attempt respective MCQs was calculated. The number of students passing with modified Minimum Passing Level was calculated was compared with conventional Minimum Passing Level. Results:Sixty-seven students participated in the study. There was a statistically significant decrease in the raw score in the T2, while an increase in the negative score when compared with T1. The number of non-attempted questions was increased in T2. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of students passed concerning raw score in T1 and T2, while no such difference was seen concerning Negative score and Corrected score. Conclusion:The Corrected score and Negative score are not affected by the minimum passing level, indicating a better parameter of scoring than the raw score. Hence, the use of Negative score or Corrected score should be encouraged rather than the use of conventional Raw score.