Why Students Get NG (Not Gradable) Marks in Board Exams – Causes and Solutions
“Many students wonder why students get NG marks in board exams. The reasons are often simple mistakes that can be avoided. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes of NG marks and the practical remedies to score better.”
Getting NG (Not Gradable) marks in board exams is a common issue for many students. The good news is that most of the causes are avoidable. Let’s look at the main reasons students get NG marks and the simple remedies to overcome them.
1. Poor Handwriting
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Cause: Examiners struggle to read answers.
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Remedy: Practice neat handwriting daily.
2. Untidy Presentation
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Cause: No headings, spacing, or structure.
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Remedy: Use paragraphs, underline key points, and keep answers clean.
3. Weak Subject Knowledge
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Cause: Incomplete study and weak foundation.
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Remedy: Study regularly and cover the full syllabus.
4. Over-Dependence on Guess Papers
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Cause: Important questions get missed.
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Remedy: Prepare from prescribed textbooks and model papers.
5. Selective Study
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Cause: Ignoring full chapters.
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Remedy: Read all units and practice sample questions.
6. Leaving Questions Blank
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Cause: Automatic loss of marks.
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Remedy: Attempt all questions, even with short answers.
7. Poor Time Management
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Cause: Running out of time during exams.
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Remedy: Practice completing papers within 3 hours.
8. Misunderstanding Question Format
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Cause: Writing essays instead of short answers or theory instead of calculations.
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Remedy: Read instructions carefully before answering.
9. Spelling and Grammar Errors
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Cause: Meaning changes, especially in language papers.
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Remedy: Improve grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.
10. Writing Irrelevant Content
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Cause: Filling pages with unrelated material.
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Remedy: Write to the point – focus on quality over quantity.
11. Overwriting or Cutting
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Cause: Creates confusion for examiners.
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Remedy: Write carefully and avoid unnecessary erasing.
12. Writing in the Wrong Section
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Cause: Mixing answers in different parts.
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Remedy: Check section headings and number answers properly.
13. Using Wrong Ink or Pencil
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Cause: Ink fades or is not allowed.
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Remedy: Use only prescribed pen/ink.
14. Failing to Number Answers
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Cause: Examiners cannot match answers with questions.
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Remedy: Clearly mark answers with question numbers.
15. Damaging the Answer Sheet
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Cause: Torn or stained pages.
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Remedy: Handle the booklet carefully.
16. Omitting Roll Number or Code
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Cause: Evaluation problems.
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Remedy: Double-check roll number and code before submission.
17. Exam Fear and Nervousness
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Cause: Forgetting answers due to stress.
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Remedy: Practice mock exams, meditation, and confidence-building.
18. Lack of Sleep or Poor Health
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Cause: Weak concentration and low energy.
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Remedy: Sleep well and eat balanced food before exams.
19. Cheating or Malpractice
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Cause: Answer script gets canceled.
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Remedy: Stay honest and write on your own.
20. Overconfidence
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Cause: Careless writing and no revision.
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Remedy: Revise answers and stay humble.
21. Family Problems
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Cause: Disturbed concentration.
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Remedy: Seek support and maintain a calm study environment.
22. Economic Stress
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Cause: Difficulty focusing on study.
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Remedy: Manage time, look for scholarships, and join support programs.
23. Lack of Teacher Guidance
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Cause: No clear direction in preparation.
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Remedy: Attend classes regularly and consult teachers.
24. Insufficient Practice Materials
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Cause: Lack of model papers and notes.
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Remedy: Collect and practice past exam sets.
25. Ignoring Invigilator Instructions
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Cause: Technical mistakes in exams.
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Remedy: Listen carefully to all instructions in the exam hall.
26. Writing Outside the Margin
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Cause: Answers may be skipped during checking.
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Remedy: Stay within the given space and margins.
27. Incomplete Sentences
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Cause: Answers look unclear.
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Remedy: Write full, meaningful sentences.
28. Lack of Revision
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Cause: Errors remain unchecked.
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Remedy: Save at least 10 minutes for revision.
29. Panic Under Pressure
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Cause: Messy and rushed writing.
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Remedy: Stay calm, breathe deeply, and attempt step by step.
30. Untidy Diagrams and Tables
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Cause: Wrong or unclear data presentation.
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Remedy: Practice neat diagrams and label them properly.
✅ By avoiding these 30 mistakes and following the remedies, students can turn NG marks into gradable scores and perform much better in board exams.
