BPSC TRE 4.0 Exam Pattern: 150 Marks, Negative Marking, Option E and How the Merit List Is Made
Sarkari Naukri Khabar • Bihar
BPSC TRE 4.0 is decided by a single objective examination of 150 marks with no interview. This guide explains, from Advertisement 14/2026, the three parts of the paper, the one-third negative marking that also applies to questions left blank, why option E matters, the qualifying marks, how the merit list and tie-breaks work for each level, and the weightage for guest teachers.
One examination, 150 marks, no interview
The main examination for every level is objective, with multiple-choice questions. The paper carries 150 marks in all and each question is worth one mark. There is no interview. Advertisement 14/2026 also says there is no provision for re-evaluation, and no supplementary result will be published after the provisional result.
Negative marking, and why you should never leave a question blank
One third of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
Each question has five options, A, B, C, D and E. Mark A, B, C or D for the answer you choose. If you do not want to answer a question, you must mark option E. If you mark none of the five options, the question is treated as unanswered and one third of a mark is deducted for it as well. So a blank question costs you exactly as much as a wrong one. Mark E for every question you skip.
The three parts of the paper
Part I is a language paper and is only qualifying: you need at least 30 percent in it. Part II is general studies, pitched at the school syllabus but at the standard of the minimum qualification for the post. It includes elementary mathematics, general awareness, general science, the Indian national movement and geography. Part III is the subject paper for the subject you chose. The syllabus for the subject papers follows SCERT and NCERT, and general studies follows SCERT.
For classes 11 to 12, the advertisement's table splits the 150 marks as: Part I 30 marks, Part II 40 marks and Part III 80 marks. Part I tests practical knowledge of English and of Hindi, Urdu or Bangla. The split for the other levels is set out in the exam table in the advertisement.
For social science at classes 9 to 10, a candidate who picks history in Section I picks one of geography, economics or political science in Section II. A candidate who picks geography in Section I picks economics or political science in Section II.
Qualifying marks
To be considered at all you must reach the minimum qualifying marks in the main examination: 40 percent for general category, 36.5 percent for Backward Class, 34 percent for Extremely Backward Class, and 32 percent for SC, ST, women and disabled candidates. The 32 percent for women and disabled candidates is available only to Bihar's permanent residents. The advertisement also notes that, under the 2023 teacher rules, the Commission has discretion to fix qualifying marks.
How the merit list is made
Classes 1 to 5: the provisional merit list is made on the marks in Part II, general studies. If two candidates tie, the marks in Part I (language) decide. If they are still level, the older candidate ranks higher, and after that the order of the name in the Devanagari alphabet.
Classes 6 to 8, 9 to 10, special school teacher for 9 to 10, and 11 to 12: the merit list is made on the total of Part II and Part III. On a tie, the marks in Part III (the chosen subject) decide, then Part I, then age, then the name in the Devanagari alphabet.
Recommendations are made subject by subject and district by district. In the online form you can opt for up to 38 districts, and your result is published only for the districts you chose. If you pick 10 districts, you are considered for those 10 and nowhere else.
Weightage for guest teachers
Following the Patna High Court order of 29 May 2024 in CWJC 2270/2024, guest teachers engaged under Education Department resolution 51 dated 25 January 2018, who hold the qualification for higher secondary teacher, get 5 marks of weightage for each year of service, up to a maximum of 25 marks. The Education Department has appealed that order, and the advertisement says the weightage in TRE 4.0 is subject to the outcome of LPA 593/2024. Guest teachers must submit an experience certificate issued by the District Education Officer and their appointment letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks are deducted for a wrong answer in BPSC TRE 4.0?
One third of a mark for each wrong answer.
What happens if I leave a question blank?
If you mark none of the five options, one third of a mark is deducted, the same as a wrong answer. To skip a question, mark option E.
Is there an interview in TRE 4.0?
No. Selection is on the written examination only.
Does the language paper count in the merit list?
Part I is qualifying, with a minimum of 30 percent. Its marks are used only to break a tie.
Can I get my answer sheet re-evaluated?
No. The advertisement says there is no provision for re-evaluation.
ℹ️ Government rules, fees and processing times can change. Always confirm the current position on the official portal or at your block office before acting.
Last updated: 24 Sep 2026