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BPSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern: BPSC Syllabus is divided into three parts, including Prelims, Mains and Interview. It includes the topics and subjects that candidates need to study to prepare for the BPSC Civil Services Examination. A thorough understanding of the BPSC Syllabus 2025 is crucial for aspirants aiming to clear the BPSC 2025 Exam and secure a prestigious government job in the state.
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BPSC CCE is a highly competitive exam held in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Each stage tests the candidate’s analytical skills, knowledge,and suitability for public service roles. It is comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects including General Studies, Indian Polity, History, Geography, and an optional subject chosen by the candidate. It is important to understand that the detailed syllabus is essential for effective preparation. Scroll down to know the exam-wise syllabus.
The Bihar Public Service Commission conducts the CCE (Combined Competitive Exam) every year for the recruitment of candidates for the post of Sub-Divisional Officer/Senior Deputy Collector, DSP, AC, BPRO, RDO, RO, CDPO, APO and others.BPSC 71 Prelims Exam is scheduled to be held on 30 August. Bihar Public Service Commission will also conduct the mains exam in December. We have highlighted key points to remember and recent updates in the 71st BPSC Syllabus & Exam Pattern 202
Those planning to appear in the Bihar 71st exam can check the latest syllabus, exam structure, and marking scheme. This will help them prepare with a clear strategy and focused approach. In this article, let’s explore the updated Syllabus and Exam Pattern of BPSC in detail.
Students can download the official syllabus PDF for both Preliminary and Mains examinations from the BPSC website.We have provided the PDF link here for the students.
As per the official notification for the, several important changes have been introduced in the marking scheme, syllabus, and exam pattern. The key updates are:
The optional subject list has been updated to include a wider range of academic disciplines, giving candidates more flexibility to choose based on their educational background and interests.
BPSC CCE Exam is held in three main stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. However, the exam pattern and marking scheme are different for each stage. Highlights of the written exam are listed below:
Exam Stage |
Type of Exam |
Subjects / Papers |
Marks |
Duration |
Qualifying Criteria |
Prelims |
Objective |
General Studies |
150 |
2 hours |
Qualifying (not counted in merit) |
Mains |
Descriptive |
GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2, Optional Subject, General Hindi |
900 + 100 (Qualifying) |
3 hours per paper |
Scores of GS and Optional counted in merit |
The mode of the exam will be offline. The paper consists of a single General Studies paper with 150 multiple-choice questions. The total marks for the paper are 150, and candidates get 2 hours to complete the exam. The marks from the Prelims do not count in the merit list. However, the score in BPSC Prelims will help to qualify for the Mains exam. The questions in the BPSC Pre Syllabus will mainly be focused on testing the general knowledge and awareness of the candidates.
Exam Stage |
Paper Name |
Number of Questions |
Total Marks |
Duration |
Nature of Exam |
Prelims |
General Studies |
150 |
150 |
2 Hours |
Qualifying (Marks not counted in final merit) |
The BPSC Prelims syllabus covers topics that focus on both general and Bihar-specific subjects. Science and Technology questions test general awareness. Candidates can easily attempt these questions even if they don't have specific subject knowledge.
In History, candidates must study not only events but also their economic, political, and social impacts. Both History and Geography sections emphasize Bihar’s historical and geographical aspects which can be prepared through BPSC Medieval History notes. Moreover, the Indian National Movement section focuses on the 19th-century resurgence, the growth of nationalism, and India’s independence and the majority of questions highlight Bihar’s role in the freedom struggle.
Subjects |
Subtopics |
General Science |
|
Current Affairs |
|
History |
|
Geography |
|
Polity |
|
Economy |
|
Indian National Movement |
|
Find the best preparation BPSC study material to ace the exam!
All the aspirants who clear the prelims exam will be eligible to appear for the BPSC CCE Mains Exam. Plus, it is expected that the number of candidates who will appear for the mains exam will be more than the vacancy. The total marks for the Mains exam are 1000, out of which 900 marks count toward the final merit list. The BPSC Mains exam consists of four descriptive papers:
Paper |
Marks |
Qualifying Requirement |
General Hindi |
100 |
Minimum 30% required (qualifying) |
General Studies Paper 1 |
300 |
Counts toward merit list |
General Studies Paper 2 |
300 |
|
Optional Subject |
300 |
Read in detail the BPSC Eligibility Criteria to know about Age Limit here.
The mains exam is the second stage of the BPSC's selection process and is taken by candidates who qualify Prelims exam. The BPSC Syllabus for the mains exam includes four descriptive papers – General Hindi, two General Studies Papers, and an Essay. There is also one Optional Subject Paper. The marks obtained in the Mains exam (except for Hindi and qualifying papers) are counted for the final merit list. Here's the detailed syllabus:
Paper |
Topics Covered |
General Hindi |
Essay (निबंध) |
Grammar (व्याकरण) |
|
Syntax (वाक्य विन्यास) |
|
Summarisation (संक्षेपण) |
|
General Studies Paper 1 |
Indian Culture |
Modern History of India |
|
Current National and International Events |
|
Statistical Analysis, Diagrams, and Graphs |
|
General Studies Paper 2 |
Indian Polity |
Indian Economy |
|
Geography of India |
|
Role and Impact of Science and Technology in India’s Development |
|
Essay |
Moral and Philosophical Essays |
Hypothetical Essays |
|
Essays on Social, Economic, Political, Religious, and Administrative Issues |
|
Essays on Self-Reliant India and Digital India |
|
Bihar’s Problems, Solutions, and Possibilities |
The General Studies Paper 1 in the BPSC Mains Exam tests candidates on Modern Indian History, Indian Culture, and Statistical Analysis. Special focus is given to Bihar’s historical movements and contributions to the freedom struggle. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Syllabus |
Topics |
BPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Syllabus |
Broad history of India from the mid-19th century onwards, with a special reference to Bihar. |
Introduction and growth of Western (including technical) education in Bihar. |
|
Role of Bihar in India’s freedom movement, including: • Santhal Uprising • Revolt of 1857 in Bihar • Birsa Movement • Champaran Satyagraha • Quit India Movement (1942) |
|
Basic knowledge of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jawaharlal Nehru. |
|
Interpretation of data presented through graphs, charts, and diagrams; ability to draw inferences and identify constraints or contradictions. |
The General Studies II paper also contains 300 marks and the BPSC Syllabus Mains for GS 2 Paper includes topics like Indian Polity, Geography, Economy, Technology etc. This paper is also counted for the making of the final merit list. Check out the BPSC Mains Syllabus Topics in detail to start with a good foundation of knowledge.
BPSC Exam |
Subjects |
BPSC Mains General Studies 2 Syllabus |
Indian Polity |
Indian Economy and Geography of India |
|
Impact of Science and Technology |
The Hindi paper in the BPSC Mains Exam is only a qualifying paper. The minimum passing criteria for the BPSC Mains Hindi Paper is 30 marks (out of 100). As it is a qualifying paper, the marks obtained in the Hindi Paper won't be counted in the final merit list. It is important to understand the BPSC Mains Syllabus for the Hindi Paper, as they need to score a minimum of 30 marks out of 100. Have a look at the BPSC Mains Syllabus for Hindi Paper.
BPSC Exam |
Subjects |
BPSC Mains Hindi Syllabus |
Essay (निबंध) |
Grammar (व्याकरण): पर्यायवाची, अलंकार, विलोम, वर्तनी, तत्सम एवं तदभव, लिंग, कारक, आदि |
|
Syntax (वाक्य विन्यास) |
|
Summarisation (संक्षेपण) |
Candidates can choose from a list of 34 optional subjects in the upcoming BPSC Mains Exam. Candidates should be familiar with the complete syllabus of the optional subject that they have chosen for the Mains paper. Below is a list of subject-wise BPSC optional syllabus –
BPSC Exam |
Optional Subjects |
BPSC Optional Syllabus |
|
Chemistry |
|
Political Science and International Relations |
Solve BPSC Previous Year Questions Papers to improve your preparation strategy.
The final stage of the selection process is the interview round, aimed at evaluating a candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for administrative roles. The total marks of this round are 120.
Book Title |
Price |
Language |
Publisher / Author |
Topic |
BPSC 68th Combined Competitive Exam Guide |
Rs. 603 |
English |
Flipkart |
Prelims & Mains |
Bihar Ek Samagra Adhyayan (2nd Edition) |
Rs. 392 |
Hindi |
Arihant |
Bihar Specific Topics |
BPSC Complete Syllabus: PT + Mains + Interview |
Rs. 282 |
Hindi |
Flipkart |
All-in-One Resource |
BPSC TRE Samanya Adhyan Class 1 to 5 (by Khan Sir) |
Rs. 221 |
Hindi |
RBD Publication |
TRE Aspirants |
Here are some expert-recommended tips to effectively cover the BPSC syllabus and boost the chances of success:
We hope this article on the BPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus in English provided you with detailed information. You can also download the Testbook App now and get access to free mock tests, study materials, PYPs, and more.
Last updated: Jun 7, 2025
-> BPSC 71th CCE 2025 Notification is out. BPSC. The registration process begins on 02nd June and will continue till 30th June 2025.
-> The BPSC 71th Prelims Exam 2025 will be held on 30 August.
-> The exam is conducted for recruitment to posts such as Sub-Division Officer/Senior Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police and much more.
-> The candidates will be selected on the basis of their performance in prelims, mains, and personality tests.
-> To enhance your preparation for the BPSC 71 CCE prelims and mains, attempt the BPSC CCE Previous Years' Papers.
-> Stay updated with daily current affairs for UPSC.
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