BPSC Exam Details Syllabus

Detailed BPSC exam syllabus available. Ace the exam with our in-depth coverage of all the topics and subjects.

Preliminary Examination

This is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains Examination.

Pattern:

• It consists of one paper, the General Studies paper, which is objective type (multiple choice questions).
• The total marks for this paper are 150.
• The duration of the exam is 2 hours.

Syllabus:

• General Science: Basic understanding of everyday science and scientific phenomena.
• Current events of national and international importance: Recent events and developments on a national and international level.
• History of India and Bihar: Important events in Indian history and the historical significance of Bihar.
• Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India and Bihar.
• Indian polity and economy: Political system, Constitution, economic development, and major changes in the Indian economy, with a focus on Bihar’s economy post-independence.
• Indian National Movement: The role and contribution of Bihar in India’s freedom struggle.

Mains Examination

This stage evaluates the candidate’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of various subjects.

Pattern:

• It consists of four papers.
• Each paper is descriptive (essay type).
• The total marks for the Mains Examination are 900.

Syllabus:

1. General Hindi (Qualifying Paper):
   • Essay writing: Ability to express thoughts coherently and logically.
   • Grammar: Correct usage of language.
   • Syntax: Sentence formation and structure.
   • Sentence structure: Clarity and conciseness in writing.
2. General Studies Paper 1:
   • Indian Culture: Key aspects of Indian culture and heritage.
   • Modern History of India: Important events and movements in Indian history.
   • Contemporary events of national and international importance: Recent and significant events.
   • Statistical analysis, graphs, and diagrams: Interpretation of data presented in various forms.
3. General Studies Paper 2:
   • Indian Polity: Governance, political systems, and the Constitution.
   • Indian Economy and Geography of India: Economic policies, development, and geographical aspects.
   • Role and impact of science and technology: Developments in science and technology and their impact on society.
4. Optional Paper: Candidates can choose one subject from a list of optional subjects provided by BPSC. Some of the subjects include:
   • Agriculture
   • Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
   • Anthropology
   • Botany
   • Chemistry
   • Civil Engineering
   • Commerce & Accountancy
   • Economics
   • Geography
   • Geology
   • History
   • Law
   • Management
   • Mathematics
   • Mechanical Engineering
   • Philosophy
   • Physics
   • Political Science & International Relations
   • Psychology
   • Public Administration
   • Sociology
   • Statistics
   • Zoology
   • Literature of any one of the following languages: Hindi, English, Urdu, Bangla, Maithili, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, Pali, and Prakrit

Interview

This is the final stage of the selection process, aimed at assessing the candidate’s personality, suitability, and overall fitness for a career in public service.

Pattern:

• The interview is a face-to-face interaction with a panel of experts.
• It carries 120 marks.

Assessment Areas:

• Personality traits: Confidence, communication skills, and demeanor.
• Knowledge: Understanding of various subjects and current affairs.
• Suitability for public service: Motivation, integrity, and problem-solving ability.

Final Ranking

The final selection is based on the combined scores of the Mains Examination and the Interview.

Pattern:

• The total marks for the Mains Examination are 900.
• The total marks for the Interview are 120.
• The final ranking is based on the aggregate of these scores.

Candidates who clear all stages with the required cut-off marks are selected for various administrative positions in the Bihar state government. 

BPSC Previous Year Question papers with solution and explanation

69th BPSC Prelims Questions 

1 Consider the following statements:
The arrival of Babur into India led to the:
(1) Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
(2) Introduction of arch and dome in the region’s architecture
(3) Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
(4) Introduction of cannons in warfare
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 2
(d) None of the above

ans. a
Explanation: Gunpowder is believed to have been introduced to India during 7th-8th Century, likely by Islamic traders and travelers.  Much before the arrival of Babur. „ Arch and dome had been introduced by the Delhi sultanates. Babar establishment of Timurid dynasty in India in 1526 AD.

2 Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during the Mughal period?
(a) Surat
(b) Cambay
(c) Broach
(d) Calicut

ans. a
Explanation: The port that was often referred to as “Babul Makka” during the Mughal period was Surat. Pilgrims from various regions, including the Mughal Empire, would often embark on their journey to Mecca from Surat. As a result, Surat was associated with the concept of being a “gateway to Mecca”, which is what “Babul Makka” signifies.

3 ‘Ashta Pradhan’ was a Council of Ministers:
(a) In the Chola administration
(b) In the Maratha administration
(c) In the Vijayanagara administration
(d) In the Gupta administration

ans.b
Explanation: The Ashtapradhan (also spelled Astapradhan) was a council of eight ministers who played a crucial role in the administration of the Maratha Empire, particularly during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Each minister was responsible for a specific department of the government. The Ashtapradhan system was a wellorganized and efficient administrative structure.

4 The painting of ‘Bodhisattva Padmapani’ is located at:
(a) Ellora
(b) Ajanta
(c) Badami
(d) Bagh

ans. b
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are renowned for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave paintings and sculptures. Among the beautiful artwork found in these caves is a notable depiction of Bodhisattva Padmapani.

5 Consider the following statements:
(1) Fa-Hien was a Chinese pilgrim who visited India during the reign of Harsha.
(2) Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 1
(d) None of the above

ans. d
Explanation: The options have been interchanged. Fa-hien, a Chinese pilgrim and Buddhist monk, embarked on a religious mission to India during the reign of Chandragupta II, a prominent Gupta dynasty ruler. Hiuen Tsang visited India between AD 627 and 643, during the reign of Harsha (Harshavardhana).

More BPSC questions and test papers in English 

More BPSC questions and test papers in Hindi 

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