The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the State Level Civil Services Examination to recruit officers for prestigious administrative posts like Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Deputy Collector, and other PCS-level roles in Bihar. If you are planning to appear for the upcoming BPSC 73rd Examination, understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme is essential for your preparation.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the BPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026-2027 for both Prelims and Mains stages.
Table of Contents
BPSC Exam Pattern 2026
The BPSC Exam is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Objective Type (MCQs)
- Main Examination (Mains) – Descriptive and Objective Type
- Interview/Personality Test
BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
Key Highlights:
| Component | Details |
| Exam Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Total Papers | 1 (General Studies) |
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Number of Questions | 150 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deduction for each wrong answer |
| Qualifying Nature | Screening test for Mains (not counted in final merit) |
BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Prelims Syllabus focuses on General Awareness and Basic Knowledge of Bihar:
- General Science (Everyday science concepts, no subject specialization required)
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- History of Bihar and Indian History
- Geography of Bihar and India (Physical, social, and economic aspects)
- Indian Polity and Economy
- Indian National Movement (with special emphasis on Bihar’s role)
- Changes in Bihar’s Economy post-Independence
- General Mental Ability
BPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Mains Exam is the deciding stage for the final merit list. It includes five papers, of which General Hindi and Optional Subject are qualifying in nature.
| Paper | Marks | Duration | Nature |
| General Hindi (Qualifying) | 100 | 3 Hours | Qualifying (33% minimum) |
| General Studies Paper 1 | 300 | 3 Hours | Descriptive/Objective |
| General Studies Paper 2 | 300 | 3 Hours | Descriptive/Objective |
| Essay | 300 | 3 Hours | Descriptive |
| Optional Paper (Qualifying) | 100 | 3 Hours | Objective (MCQs) |
- Total Marks (for Merit): 900 + Interview (120) = 1020 Marks
BPSC Mains Syllabus 2026
| Paper | Syllabus Topics |
| General Hindi (Qualifying) |
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| General Studies Paper 1 |
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| General Studies Paper 2 |
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| Essay | Candidates will write three essays from different sections on topics like:
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| Optional Subject (Qualifying) | Choose one subject from the list of 34 Optional Subjects, including:
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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 Kalam 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 72th 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 Syllabus
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the mains examination to select candidates for various administrative roles in the state of Bihar. A key component of this exam is the essay writing section, which holds significant weightage with 300 marks. This section evaluates candidates’ ability to express their thoughts clearly, logically, and effectively.
The BPSC essay paper is structured into three distinct parts, allowing candidates to demonstrate their analytical and writing skills across different topics
- Each section is worth 100 points.
- There are 12 (twelve) essay questions in total, 3 (three) of which must be answered one from each section by the candidate.
- And the 700–800 word essay on any of the aforementioned topics.
BPSC Interview (Personality Test)
The final stage is the Interview for 120 Marks. It tests:
- General knowledge of Bihar and India
- Awareness of current affairs
- Analytical ability, presence of mind, and personality traits
- Understanding of the candidate’s academic background and hobbies
The BPSC Exam Pattern 2025 is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability, and personality for serving Bihar in administrative capacities. With the right preparation and understanding of the syllabus, aspirants can crack the exam confidently.
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