1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Before you start preparing, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the BPSC exam pattern and syllabus for the Prelims. The exam consists of one objective-type paper of 150 marks with questions based on:

• General Studies
• Current Affairs
• General Knowledge (with a special focus on Bihar)

Key Points:

• The exam is qualifying in nature, and you need to clear the cutoff to move on to the Mains.
• BPSC has a comprehensive syllabus, so prioritize topics based on previous year questions and their relevance.
• Focus on Bihar-specific topics (history, culture, geography, economy) as they carry substantial weightage.
• Your Action Plan: Download the official syllabus from the BPSC website and prepare a list of topics that require more attention. Mark sections that are crucial and frequently asked in the exam.

7 tips to Crack 70th BPSC Prelims Exam

2. Create a Structured Study Plan

Once you’re familiar with the syllabus, it’s time to create a well-organized study plan. A proper timetable ensures that you cover the syllabus systematically while leaving ample time for revision.

Steps to Create a Study Plan:

• Allocate Time: Divide your study time equally across subjects like History, Polity, Geography, Current Affairs, Science, and Bihar-specific GK.
• Weekly Targets: Set weekly goals to complete portions of the syllabus. Focus on one topic each day and revise what you’ve learned at the end of the week.
• Daily Schedule: Include at least 6-8 hours of focused study time daily. Make sure to include breaks to avoid burnout.

Your Action Plan: Customize your study schedule to suit your strengths and weaknesses. Identify tough subjects and allocate more time to them. For example, if you are weak in Geography, dedicate more hours per week to that subject.

3. Focus on Bihar Special Section

The Bihar Special section is a key differentiator in the BPSC exam. This section includes questions on Bihar’s history, geography, economy, culture, and current affairs, and plays a major role in determining your score.

Key Focus Areas:

• History of Bihar: Focus on ancient, medieval, and modern periods, particularly on key movements, personalities, and events related to Bihar.
• Geography of Bihar: Study the physical features, rivers, climate, and agricultural practices of the state.
• Current Affairs: Pay attention to recent developments and government schemes in Bihar.
• Cultural Heritage: Read about Bihar’s festivals, traditions, and significant contributions to Indian culture.

Your Action Plan: Utilize Bihar government websites, Bihar special books, and online resources to gather detailed information. Revise this section regularly, as questions from this area are highly predictable and scoring.

7 tips to Crack 70th BPSC Prelims Exam

4. Practice Previous Year Question Papers and Mock Tests

Practicing previous years’ question papers and taking regular mock tests are critical to excelling in the BPSC Prelims. This not only helps you understand the exam pattern but also improves your time management and accuracy.

Benefits:

• Identify Important Topics: Past papers help you focus on recurring themes and questions.
• Time Management: Mock tests help you manage the 2-hour exam duration effectively.
• Self-Assessment: They enable you to assess your preparation level and pinpoint areas of improvement.

How to Use Mock Tests Effectively:

• Start with topic-wise mock tests and then move to full-length tests.
• Analyze your performance after each test. Focus on mistakes and weak areas.
• Try to solve at least 10-15 full-length mock tests before the exam.

Your Action Plan: Solve question papers from the last 10 years and set a goal to score above the cutoff in every mock test. Simulate real exam conditions when solving mock tests to improve your stamina and concentration.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Current affairs are a major part of the BPSC Prelims. Questions are often asked from the last 12 months’ worth of current events, with an emphasis on Bihar’s government schemes, policies, and national-level issues.

Best Resources for Current Affairs:

• Newspapers: Read newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and Prabhat Khabar (for Bihar-specific news) daily.
• Magazines: Refer to magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan, Yojana, and Kurukshetra for comprehensive coverage of government schemes and national issues.
• Online Sources: Use online platforms such as PIB (Press Information Bureau) and government portals to stay updated.

Key Areas to Focus:

• Government schemes (especially those related to Bihar)
• Economic policies and reforms
• Environment and climate change issues
• National and international events

Your Action Plan: Maintain a separate notebook for current affairs and update it regularly. Revise monthly compilations and special issues for better retention.

6. Revise Regularly

Revision is the key to retaining what you’ve learned. The BPSC syllabus is vast, and revising the important topics repeatedly helps in better recall during the exam.

How to Revise Effectively:

• Short Notes: Prepare short notes for quick revision. For subjects like History and Geography, use flowcharts and timelines for better clarity.
• Weekly Revision: Revise the week’s syllabus every Sunday to ensure you haven’t missed any important points.
• Mock Test Review: Go through your mistakes in mock tests and revise the topics where you made errors.

Tip:

• Focus more on revision in the last 30 days before the exam. This is the time to consolidate your preparation rather than starting new topics.

Your Action Plan: Dedicate the last 15-20 days before the exam purely for revision. Ensure that you go through all your short notes and highlighted sections in your books.

7. Take Care of Your Health and Mindset

Preparing for competitive exams like BPSC is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s crucial to maintain both your physical health and mental well-being during the preparation phase.

Tips for Mental and Physical Well-being:

• Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet to keep your energy levels high.
• Exercise: Regular exercise, such as yoga or running, helps in relieving stress and improves concentration.
• Breaks: Take regular breaks during study sessions to avoid mental fatigue.
• Positive Mindset: Stay positive and confident about your preparation. Visualize success, and don’t let negative thoughts or self-doubt demotivate you.

Your Action Plan: Incorporate physical activity, meditation, or relaxation techniques in your daily routine. Stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals and rewarding yourself for meeting them.

Cracking the 70th BPSC Prelims exam requires a combination of smart strategy, disciplined preparation, and a focused mindset. By understanding the exam pattern, creating a structured study plan, focusing on the Bihar special section, practicing mock tests, staying updated with current affairs, revising regularly, and maintaining your physical and mental health, you can confidently approach the exam and increase your chances of success.