APPSC FBO ABO Exam 2025 Negative Marking Details – Know the Penalty for Wrong Answers
APPSC FBO ABO Exam 2025 Negative Marking – Check Penalty Rules for Wrong Answers
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has introduced negative marking in the recruitment examination for Forest Beat Officer (FBO) and Assistant Beat Officer (ABO) posts under Notification No.06/2025. Candidates preparing for the exam must understand how the negative marking system works to avoid losing marks unnecessarily.
🔍 What is Negative Marking in APPSC FBO ABO Exam?
As per G.O. Ms. No. 235, Finance (HR-I, Plg & Policy) Dept., Dt. 06/12/2016, each wrong answer in the Screening Test or Main Exam will lead to a deduction of marks.
⚠️ Negative Marking Rule
- Penalty for each wrong answer: 1/3rd of the marks prescribed for that question will be deducted.
- Applies to:
- Screening Test (Prelims)
- Main Written Examination
✅ Example of How Negative Marking Works
If a question carries 1 mark, then:
- Correct Answer = +1 mark
- Wrong Answer = –0.33 mark
So if you answer 10 questions incorrectly, you will lose 3.3 marks in total.
📌 Strategy to Minimize Negative Marking
- Attempt only what you’re sure of – Avoid blind guessing.
- Use elimination method – Narrow down the wrong options before selecting.
- Manage time wisely – Don’t rush through to answer more at the cost of accuracy.
📑 APPSC Exam Sections Where Negative Marking Applies
➤ Screening Test (Prelims)
- General Studies & Mental Ability – 75 Questions
- General Science & Mathematics – 75 Questions
➤ Main Written Exam
- General Essay – Descriptive (No negative marking)
- Paper-1: GS & Mental Ability – 100 Questions (Objective)
- Paper-2: Science & Mathematics – 100 Questions (Objective)
✅ Note: Negative marking applies only to the objective-type papers.
📝 Why Negative Marking is Important in APPSC FBO ABO Exam?
- It ensures accuracy-based assessment.
- Prevents random guessing.
- Helps in selecting the most deserving candidates.
📌 Final Tips
- Focus more on accuracy than the number of attempts.
- Revise fundamentals in General Studies, Maths, and Science thoroughly.
- Practice mock tests with negative marking to simulate real exam scenarios.