BPSC New OMR Rules 2026: Mandatory Option E and Exam Pattern Updates
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has implemented new OMR guidelines for all objective-type exams, featuring a mandatory 'Option E' for unanswered questions. Read on for the latest updates on negative marking, the revised OMR pattern, and essential candidate instructions.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has officially updated the OMR sheet format for all objective-type examinations. Under these new guidelines, candidates will encounter five options—A, B, C, D, and a mandatory newly introduced Option E—on their OMR answer sheets.
According to the latest directive, Option E is designated specifically for "Not Attempted" questions. Candidates who choose not to answer a specific question are now required to mark Option E instead of leaving the space blank.
What Is the New BPSC OMR Rule?
In a significant shift, the BPSC has transitioned from a four-option system to a five-option format. Effective from the 33rd Bihar Judicial Service (Preliminary) Examination on 3 June 2026, marking Option E serves as a formal declaration for "Not Attempted" questions. Crucially, while selecting Option E incurs no penalty, leaving a question completely blank will result in a 1/3 mark deduction under the new negative marking policy.
Compensatory Extra Time (Only for 3 June 2026 Exam)
To assist candidates in acclimating to this procedural change, the BPSC provided compensatory extra time exclusively for the 33rd Bihar Judicial Service Preliminary Exam. Please note that this grace period is a one-time measure.
| Shift | Subject | Old Timing | New Timing | Extra Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Shift | General Studies | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:40 AM | 10 minutes |
| Second Shift | Law | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 4:15 PM | 15 minutes |
The Commission has clarified that no compensatory time will be granted for any future examinations; candidates should plan their time management accordingly for upcoming tests.
Important Notes for Candidates
- Mandatory selection of ‘E’ – If you want to skip a question, you must fill in the bubble ‘E’ on the OMR sheet.
- Don’t leave blanks – Leaving any question blank (without selecting any option) will cost you 1/3 mark per question.
- Compensatory time is a one-time arrangement – Do not expect extra time in future examinations.