Karnataka TET – Foundation
Topic: Marking Scheme
Think of the marking scheme as the “scoreboard” of the exam.
It tells you how many points you earn for a correct answer, how many points you lose for a wrong one, and how the whole test is divided.
1. What is a Marking Scheme?
- It is the set of rules that decides how many marks each question gives and how many marks you lose for wrong answers.
- It helps you plan how to use your time and how much risk to take on each question.
2. General Rules (All Sections)
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks Lost for Wrong Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Single‑choice (MCQ) | +1 | -1 |
| True/False | +1 | -1 |
| Fill‑in‑the‑blank | +1 | -1 |
| Short‑answer (≤ 30 words) | +2 | -0.5 |
| Long‑answer (≤ 60 words) | +3 | -1 |
Why?
The “+” is the reward for answering right.
The “-” is the penalty for guessing wrong.
Think of it like a game: you earn points for correct moves, but you lose points if you make a wrong move.
3. How Many Questions?
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A – General Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| Section B – Maths & Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| Section C – Language (English/ Kannada) | 20 | 20 |
| Section D – Teaching Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| Section E – Teaching Knowledge | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Tip:
Each section is worth 20 marks, so aim to score at least 10 marks in every section to stay in the safe zone.
4. Example of How the Scheme Works
| Question | Student’s Answer | Correct? | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 (MCQ) | Option B | ✔️ | +1 |
| Q2 (MCQ) | Option D | ❌ | -1 |
| Q3 (Fill‑in) | 5 | ✔️ | +1 |
| Q4 (Short‑answer) | “The Earth is round.” | ✔️ | +2 |
| Q5 (Long‑answer) | “Water is essential for life because it…” | ❌ | -1 |
Total for these 5 questions: +1 –1 +1 +2 –1 = +2 marks.
Remember:
Every wrong answer costs you 1 or 0.5 marks, so avoid guessing unless you’re sure.
5. Strategy Tips
| Situation | What to Do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You’re unsure | Skip it and come back later | Guessing loses 1 mark, so better to save time. |
| You’re sure | Answer immediately | You gain +1 or more. |
| Time running out | Prioritize sections you’re strong in | Earn marks where you’re confident. |
| You’ve already answered | Double‑check before finalizing | Avoid careless mistakes. |
| You’re stuck on a long answer | Write a short, clear response | You’ll still get +2 or +3 if correct. |
Analogy:
Think of the exam like a treasure hunt:
Collect gems (marks) in each area, but avoid traps (wrong answers) that take away your gems.
6. Quick Cheat Sheet
- Correct MCQ / True‑False / Fill‑in → +1
- Wrong MCQ / True‑False / Fill‑in → –1
- Short‑answer (≤30 words) → +2 / –0.5
- Long‑answer (≤60 words) → +3 / –1
Avoid guessing unless you’re almost sure.
Answer first, then review.
7. Final Thought
The marking scheme tells you how points are earned and lost.
Use it to:
- Plan which questions to answer first.
- Manage your time wisely.
- Minimize the penalty from wrong guesses.
Good luck, and remember: “Score smart, not just fast.”