The Prelims is qualifying in nature, it is used to select candidates for mains exam. Those who qualify for the Prelims exam are called for BPSC Mains. The marks in Prelims will not be taken into consideration for the final merit list. The BPSC Prelims comprised of one papers. The papers is of 150 marks with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Check the BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern in the table below.
| BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 | |
| Name of Exam | Combined Competitive Exam |
| No. of Papers | 1 – General Studies (150 marks) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| No. of Questions | 150 |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ mark |
| Nature of Questions | All questions will be of Objective type (MCQs) |
| BPSC Prelims Syllabus | General Science Events of national and international importance History of Bihar and Indian History Geography(mainly Geography of Bihar) Indian Polity and Economy Changes in the economy of Bihar post-independence Indian National Movement and the Role of Bihar General Mental Ability |
BPSC Preliminary Examination Syllabus 2025
The syllabus for the upcoming 71st BPSC Preliminary Examination aligns with the framework established for prior cycles. This stage evaluates broad awareness across essential domains relevant to administrative roles in Bihar.
Prospective candidates should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the prescribed content areas, as the examination features questions designed to assess analytical depth and foundational knowledge. The core subjects encompassed within the BPSC Prelims syllabus are:
- General Science: Core principles and contemporary developments.
- Indian Polity: Constitutional framework, governance structures, and political systems.
- Economy: Fundamental economic concepts, Indian economic landscape, and developmental issues.
- History: Significant historical events and trends, with emphasis on Bihar and India.
- Indian National Movement: Key phases, leaders, and contributions to independence.
BPSC Main Examination Structure 2025
- Progression Requirement: Admission to the Main Examination is solely granted to candidates who successfully clear the Preliminary Examination.
- Preliminary Exam Status: The Preliminary stage is strictly qualifying; its scores do not contribute to the final ranking.
- Selection Basis: The aggregate score achieved in the Main Examination forms the primary basis for determining the final merit list and candidate selection.
- Examination Composition: The Main Examination consists of five distinct papers:
General Hindi (Qualifying Nature)
General Studies Paper 1
General Studies Paper 2Essay
Optional Subject Paper (Qualifying Nature)
5. Optional Paper Selection: At the application stage, candidates select one optional subject from a predefined list of 34 disciplines.
6. Question Format:
General Hindi, General Studies Papers 1 & 2, Essay: Descriptive/Subjective format.
Optional Subject Paper: Objective format (Multiple Choice Questions – MCQs), as per the updated pattern.
7. Duration: Each paper is allotted a standard time of 3 hours.
BPSC Mains Syllabus 2025
The BPSC Mains will be will be given by those candidates who have passed the preliminary exam. The BPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 consists of four descriptive papers, each of them requires a deeper understanding of the subjects. The Mains exam holds significant importance as its score is added to the final merit list.
| BPSC Mains Syllabus 2025 | |
| Subject | Topics |
| General Hindi | Essay (निबंध) Grammar (व्याकरण) Syntax (वाक्य विन्यास) Summarisation (संक्षेपण) |
| General Studies Paper 1 | Indian Culture The Modern History of India Current International and National Events of Importance Statistical Analysis, Diagrams, and Graphs |
| General Studies Paper 2 | Indian Polity Indian Economy and Geography of India Role and Impact of Science and Technology in the Development of India |
| Essay | Moral and Philosophical Essay Hypothetical Essay Essay related to Social, Economic, Political, Religious, and Administrative Issues Essay related to self-reliant India and Digital India Essay related to problems, solutions, and possibilities of Bihar Essay related to popular proverbs and sayings of Bihar, etc. |
| Optional Paper | English Language and Literature Urdu Language and Literature Hindi Language and Literature Persian Language and Literature Arabic Language and Literature Pali Language and Literature Maithili Language and Literature Bengali Language and Literature Sanskrit Language and Literature Chemistry Sociology Physics Agriculture Statistics Botany Zoology Philosophy Political Science and International Relations Psychology Public Administration Labor and Social Welfare Management Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Geography Geology History Law Civil Engineering Economics Commerce and Accountancy Electrical Engineering Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Anthropology |
BPSC Mains Syllabus (GS Paper 1)
- Modern History of India and Indian Culture, which includes the broad history of the country (with special reference to Bihar) from about the middle of the 19th century.
- The introduction and growth of Western education will be covered in questions on Bihar’s Modern History (including technical education).
- Bihar’s role in the freedom struggle of India.
- Santhal Uprising,
- Revolt of 1857 in Bihar,
- Birsa Movement,
- Champaran Satyagraha
- Quit India Movement 1942.
- Knowledge of the chief features of Mauryan and Pal art.
- Patna Qulam Painting
- Basic knowledge of Mahatma Gandhi, Tagore and Nehru.
- Exercises in statistical analysis, graphs, and diagrams will assess the candidate’s capacity to infer reasonable inferences from data presented in statistical, graphical, or diagrammatic form and to identify any limitations, constraints, or contradictions.
BPSC Mains Syllabus (GS Paper 2)
- Questions in the GS Paper 2 of the BPSC 70th Syllabus will test your understanding of Indian politics, with a focus on Bihar.
- Indian Polity: Political system in India and also including the political system in Bihar
- Indian Economy: Planning in India,
- Geography of India: It mainly includes the economic, physical and social geography of India and also focused on Bihar especially.
- Science and Technology: The contribution and effects of science and technology to the development of India and Bihar. The candidate will be tested on their knowledge of how science and technology have impacted India and Bihar and the emphasis will be on applied aspects also.
BPSC Essay Paper Framework
The Main Examination administered by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) includes a significant essay writing component. This paper assesses candidates’ abilities to present arguments logically and demonstrate structured writing skills. Key features are:
- Weightage: The essay paper carries a total of 300 marks.
- Structure: Divided into three distinct sections.
- Sectional Marks: Each section is allocated 100 marks.
- Question Format: A total of twelve (12) essay topics are presented – four (4) within each section.
- Attempt Requirement: Candidates must answer three (3) essays in total, selecting one (1) topic from each section.
- Expected Length: Each essay response should be approximately 700-800 words.
BPSC Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates achieving the requisite score in the Main Examination progress to the final stage: the Personality Test (Interview).
- Conducting Body: Interviews are conducted by a panel designated by the BPSC.
- Assessment Basis: The panel reviews the candidate’s submitted application details (career background and stated interests) alongside the interview performance.
- Primary Objective: This stage evaluates the candidate’s overall suitability, personal attributes, and temperament for a career within the Bihar state administrative services.
- Scope of Evaluation: Beyond academic knowledge, interviewers assess the candidate’s grasp of significant regional (Bihar-specific) and national affairs.
- Interview Nature: Designed as a structured dialogue, the interview probes the candidate’s critical thinking, analytical capabilities, problem-solving approach, and mental agility.