Are you preparing for the BPSC 73rd Civil Services Examination? Before you begin your preparation, understand the latest BPSC syllabus and exam pattern. A clear understanding of the subjects, marking scheme, and exam stages helps you prepare in the right direction.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the State Civil Services Examination to recruit Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and other administrative officers. The BPSC 73rd examination includes the Preliminary and Mains stages, each with a prescribed syllabus and exam pattern.
This page explains the complete BPSC Prelims syllabus, BPSC Mains syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, and other important details to help you prepare with confidence.
The BPSC selection process consists of three stages. Candidates must qualify for each stage to move to the next level of the recruitment process.
The selection process includes:
The BPSC syllabus helps candidates understand what to study for every stage of the examination. It is divided into different stages to test general knowledge, analytical ability, subject understanding, and decision-making skills. Knowing the complete syllabus helps you plan your preparation, manage your time, and focus on the topics that matter most.
The BPSC examination consists of the following stages:
BPSC Selection Process |
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Stages of BPSC Exam |
Type of Exam |
Total Marks |
Duration |
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Prelims |
Objective |
General study (150) |
2 Hours |
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Mains |
Subjective/ Objective |
General Hindi (Qualifying)(100) General Studies Paper-1(300) General Studies Paper-2(300) Essay(300) Optional Paper(Qualifying)(100) Total marks:-1100 |
3 hours for each Paper |
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Interview |
Personality Test |
120 |
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The BPSC Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the Bihar Public Service Commission recruitment process. It is a qualifying examination that shortlists candidates for the BPSC Mains. The marks obtained in the Prelims are not included in the final merit list. The examination consists of one General Studies paper carrying 150 marks. All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Check the BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern in the table below.
BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern |
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Name of Exam |
Combined Competitive Exam |
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No. of Papers |
1 – General Studies (150 marks) |
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Mode of Exam |
Offline |
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Exam Duration |
2 hours |
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No. of Questions |
150 |
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Negative Marking |
⅓ mark |
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Nature of Questions |
All questions will be of Objective type (MCQs) |
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BPSC Prelims Syllabus |
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The BPSC Prelims syllabus helps candidates understand the subjects covered in the first stage of the Bihar Public Service Commission examination. The syllabus remains largely consistent every year and focuses on General Studies. Candidates should understand every topic and prepare each subject thoroughly to improve their chances of qualifying for the Mains examination.
Questions test your general understanding of science and everyday scientific concepts. The paper also includes basic Science and Technology questions that do not require subject-specific knowledge.
Questions cover important national and international events. Candidates should regularly follow current affairs related to politics, the economy, science, sports, awards, government schemes, and important developments.
The History section covers the history of India and Bihar. Candidates should prepare important historical events, ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, along with Bihar's historical background and contributions.
Questions cover the physical, social, and economic geography of India and Bihar. Candidates should also prepare:
This section tests your understanding of the Indian political system. Important topics include:
Questions focus on the Indian economy and the economy of Bihar after Independence. Candidates should prepare topics such as economic development, planning, agriculture, industries, budgeting, and government welfare schemes.
This section covers the Indian freedom struggle with special emphasis on Bihar's contribution. Candidates should study:
Questions test logical reasoning, analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and basic mental aptitude. Regular practice helps candidates improve speed and accuracy.
Candidates can appear for the BPSC Mains Examination only after qualifying for the BPSC Prelims Examination. The Prelims examination is qualifying in nature, so its marks are not included in the final merit list. The final selection is based mainly on the marks obtained in the BPSC Mains Examination and the interview.
Yes. The General Hindi paper is qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure the required qualifying marks, but its score is not considered for the final merit list.
Yes. The Optional Subject paper is also qualifying in nature. Candidates can choose one optional subject from the list of subjects notified by the Bihar Public Service Commission while submitting the application form.
Candidates can select one optional subject from a list of 34 subjects available for the BPSC Mains Examination.
As per the latest BPSC examination pattern, the Optional Subject paper contains objective-type questions.
The duration of each paper is 3 hours. The General Studies papers and the Essay paper are descriptive in nature, while the Optional Subject paper consists of objective-type questions.
Candidates who qualify for the BPSC Preliminary Examination can appear for the BPSC Mains Examination. The BPSC Mains syllabus includes descriptive papers that test a candidate's knowledge, analytical ability, writing skills, and understanding of different subjects. The marks obtained in the Mains Examination are included in the final merit list. Therefore, candidates should understand the complete syllabus and prepare every subject with a clear strategy and regular answer writing practice.
BPSC Mains Syllabus |
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Subject |
Topics |
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General Hindi |
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General Studies Paper 1 |
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General Studies Paper 2 |
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Essay |
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| Optional Subjects | ||
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General Studies Paper I tests your knowledge of Modern Indian History, Indian culture, Bihar's history, and data interpretation. Candidates should prepare every topic in detail because this paper carries significant weight in the BPSC Mains Examination.
The History section mainly focuses on Modern Indian History and the history of Bihar from the middle of the nineteenth century.
Important topics include:
Candidates should prepare the major movements that shaped India's freedom struggle, with special focus on Bihar's role.
Important topics include:
Questions may also cover important personalities and cultural heritage.
Important topics include:
Candidates should know how to read and understand statistical data, graphs, charts, and diagrams. Questions test your ability to analyse information, draw logical conclusions, and identify important facts from the given data.
General Studies Paper II tests your knowledge of Indian Polity, the Indian Economy, Geography, and Science and Technology. The paper also includes questions related to Bihar. Candidates should understand the concepts clearly and prepare each topic in detail.
This section tests your understanding of the Indian political system and the political system of Bihar.
Important topics include:
The Indian Economy section focuses on the economic development of India and Bihar. Candidates should understand important economic concepts and government planning.
Important topics include:
The geography section includes the physical, economic, and social geography of India with special emphasis on Bihar.
Important topics include:
This section tests your understanding of the role of science and technology in the development of India and Bihar. Questions focus on practical applications and recent developments.
Important topics include:
The Essay paper is an important part of the BPSC Mains Examination. It tests your ability to express ideas clearly, organise your thoughts, and present logical arguments. Candidates should write well-structured essays with simple language, relevant facts, and balanced viewpoints.
The BPSC Essay paper carries 300 marks and is divided into three sections.
The paper includes:
The Essay paper evaluates a candidate's ability to:
Regular essay writing practice helps candidates improve writing skills, organise ideas, and perform better in the BPSC Mains Examination.
Candidates who qualify for the BPSC Mains Examination are called for the BPSC Interview. This is the final stage of the selection process. The interview helps the Bihar Public Service Commission assess a candidate's personality, communication skills, confidence, and suitability for administrative services.
A board appointed by the Bihar Public Service Commission conducts the interview. The board reviews the candidate's academic background, achievements, work experience, and other details provided in the application form before the interview begins.
The interview is not only about academic knowledge. It also evaluates a candidate's overall personality and decision-making ability.
The board mainly assesses:
Candidates should stay updated with current affairs, government policies, and important developments in Bihar and India. They should also improve their communication skills, practise answering interview questions, and build confidence through regular mock interviews.
The interview is a meaningful discussion that helps the board understand your personality, attitude, and suitability for a career in the Bihar State Services.
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