Is There Negative Marking in the ADRE Exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in the Assam Direct Recruitment Exam (ADRE). For every incorrect (wrong) answer, 0.25 marks (one-fourth of a mark) will be deducted from your total score. However, no marks will be deducted if you leave a question blank (unanswered).
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for your exam strategy. This article explains exactly how negative marking works in the ADRE 2026 exam, provides a clear calculation example, and offers smart tips to help you score higher.
How Negative Marking Works in ADRE
The State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC), Assam, follows a standard marking scheme for both Grade III and Grade IV written examinations.
- Marks for a Correct Answer: +1 Mark
- Marks Deducted for a Wrong Answer: -0.25 Marks
- Marks for an Unanswered (Blank) Question: 0 Marks (No deduction)
This rule applies uniformly to all subjects in the exam, including General Knowledge, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and English.
Example of ADRE Mark Calculation
To understand how negative marking affects your final score, look at this simple example.
Imagine the exam has 100 questions. You attempt 80 questions and leave 20 questions blank.
- Out of the 80 attempted questions, 70 are correct, and 10 are wrong.
Calculation:
- Marks for correct answers: 70 × 1 = 70 Marks
- Marks deducted for wrong answers: 10 × 0.25 = 2.5 Marks
- Marks for blank questions: 20 × 0 = 0 Marks
Final Score: 70 – 2.5 = 67.5 Marks
As you can see, 10 wrong answers reduced your total score by 2.5 marks. This shows why guessing randomly can be dangerous.
Smart Attempt Strategy for ADRE Candidates
Because of the 0.25 negative marking, you should not attempt every single question if you are unsure of the answer. Follow these proven strategies:
- The Rule of Elimination: If you can confidently eliminate two wrong options out of four, it is usually safe to attempt the question. Your chance of getting it right increases to 50%.
- Avoid Blind Guessing: Do not mark an answer just to fill the OMR sheet. If you have absolutely no idea about the question, it is better to leave it blank and save your 0.25 marks.
- Focus on Accuracy, Not Just Speed: It is better to attempt 75 questions with 90% accuracy than to attempt 95 questions with 70% accuracy.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Taking timed mock tests on ADRETest.com will train your brain to recognize which questions to attempt and which to skip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the negative marking the same for all posts in ADRE?
Yes, the standard negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies to all Grade III and Grade IV posts under the SLRC Assam, unless a specific notification states otherwise.
Will I lose marks if I do not answer a question?
No. If you leave a question blank on the OMR sheet, zero marks are deducted. You only lose marks for answers that are marked incorrectly.
Does negative marking apply to the Assamese/Bengali language section?
Yes, the negative marking rule applies to all sections of the question paper, including the regional language section.