Official Exam Guide

72nd BPSC (Prelims) Syllabus Exam Pattern

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72nd BPSC (Prelims) Syllabus Exam Pattern

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Bihar Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Exam (CCE) is conducted to select candidates for administrative posts in Bihar. The exam is held in three stages namely, Prelims, Mains and Interview. The BPSC Syllabus 2026 is the most important guide for exam preparation. It aids the candidates to understand what to study and what to skip. Knowing Exam Syllabus and BPSC exam pattern help to enhance focus and increase chances of selection. Candidates can plan their exam strategy with clear understanding of the syllabus. Scroll down to know more about the detailed syllabus of BPSC, exam pattern and subject wise topics.

BPSC Exam Syllabus

BPSC Syllabus includes topics for both Prelims and Mains stages. It mainly encompasses General Studies subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Current Affairs. The syllabus also focuses on Bihar specific topics which are important for the exam. For BPSC Mains Syllabus candidates must prepare for descriptive papers including essay & general studies. Understanding syllabus helps in focused preparation and better allocation of time

BPSC Syllabus 2026: Overview

BPSC Syllabus encompasses Prelims and Mains stages of the exam. It mainly includes General Studies subjects along with an Essay, General Hindi and Optional subjects in Mains. Understanding the syllabus aids candidates to prepare in a structured and focused way. Candidates can refer to the following table for important details of the exam.

BPSC 72 Syllabus 2026: Important Details

Component

Details

Exam

BPSC Combined Competitive Exam (CCE)

Conducting Body

Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)

Exam Stages

  • Prelims
  • Mains
  • Interview

Exam Mode

Offline (Pen & Paper)

Exam Duration

  • Prelims – 2 Hours,
  • Mains – 3 Hours Each Paper

Exam Type

  • Prelims – Objective (MCQs)
  • Mains – Descriptive

Total Marks

  • Prelims – 150
  • Mains – 900
  • Interview – 120

Subjects

Prelims:

  • General Studies - 150 marks

Mains:

  • General Hindi (Qualifying) - 100 marks
  • GS Paper 1 - 300 Marks
  • GS Paper 2 - 300 Marks
  • Essay - 300 Marks
  • Optional Subject - 100 marks

Interview:

  • Oral (Personality Test) - 120 Marks

BPSC Negative Marking Scheme

  • Prelims - 0.25 for each wrong answer
  • Mains - No negative Marks

BPSC Exam Pattern

BPSC Exam Pattern explains structure of Prelims, Mains and Interview stages. Prelims is an objective test while Mains is descriptive in nature. It provides details like number of questions, marks and duration. Understanding exam pattern helps candidates plan their preparation better

BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The BPSC Exam Pattern for the Prelims suggests that the exam will be an objective-type test for 150 marks. This stage is only qualifying in nature. The marks scored will not be counted for merit list preparation. The detailed exam pattern indicating the marking scheme, type of questions, etc., is given below.

BPSC Exam Pattern for Prelims 2026

Subject

General Studies

Type of Questions

Objective

No. of Questions

150

Maximum Marks

150

Duration

2 hours

Negative Marking

1/3 for each wrong answer

BPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026

All the aspirants who clear the prelims exam will be eligible to appear for the Mains. As per the new BPSC Exam Pattern for the Mains, the General Hindi and Optional Subject papers will be qualifying in nature. Also, the optional subject will be an objective-type question paper. Check the marking scheme, subject-wise weightage, and the detailed Mains Pattern below.

BPSC Mains Pattern 2026

Paper

Maximum Marks

Qualifying Requirement

General Hindi

100

Minimum 30% required (qualifying)

General Studies Paper 1

300

Counts toward merit list

General Studies Paper 2

300

Essay

300

Optional Subject

100

Qualifying

Find the best preparation BPSC study material to ace the exam!

BPSC Syllabus PDF 2026

BPSC Syllabus PDF 2026 provides detailed outline of both Prelims and Mains examinations conducted by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). Candidates should download official syllabus to familiarize themselves with exam pattern, subject-wise topics & marking scheme. To excel in Exam aspirants must give priority to high-weightage areas such as Current Affairs, History, and Geography. Candidates can access and download the BPSC syllabus PDF 2026 in English and Hindi from the links provided below.

Download BPSC Syllabus PDF in Hindi (Prelims & Mains)

Download BPSC Syllabus PDF in English (Prelims & Mains)

BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026

The syllabus for BPSC Prelims is based on topics related to General Studies. These include topics that focus on both general and Bihar-specific subjects. In History, candidates must focus on important events and their economic, political, and social impacts. Questions from the History and Geography sections focus more on Bihar’s historical and geographical aspects. The part on the Indian National Movement 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. Check the detailed subject-wise BPSC Exam Syllabus 2026 here.

Check BPSC Medieval History notes.

BPSC Exam Syllabus 2026: Subject-wise Topics

Subjects

Topics

General Science

Current Affairs

History

  • History of India
  • History of Bihar
  • Broad understanding of Bihar's historical events and heritage

Geography

Polity

  • Indian political system
  • Panchayati Raj
  • Community development
  • Planning in India and Bihar

Economy

  • Indian economy post-independence
  • Economy of Bihar
  • Latest Economic Indices & Reports

Indian National Movement

Read in detail the BPSC Eligibility Criteria to know about Age Limit here.

BPSC Mains Syllabus 2026

The mains exam is the second stage of the BPSC's selection process and is taken by candidates who qualify the 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 is a detailed breakdown

BPSC Syllabus for Mains 2026

Paper

Topics

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, Data Interpretation

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

BPSC Mains GS Paper 1 Syllabus

The General Studies Paper 1 in the BPSC Mains Exam tests candidates on Modern Indian History, Indian Culture, and Statistical Analysis. A 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.

BPSC Mains GS Paper 2 Syllabus

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.

Syllabus

Topics

BPSC Mains General Studies 2 Syllabus

Indian Polity

Indian Economy and Geography of India

Impact of Science and Technology

BPSC Mains Syllabus For Hindi Paper

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 Syllabus for Hindi Paper.

BPSC Mains Hindi Syllabus

Hindi

Essay (निबंध)

Grammar (व्याकरण): पर्यायवाची, अलंकार, विलोम, वर्तनी, तत्सम एवं तदभव, लिंग, कारक, आदि

Syntax (वाक्य विन्यास)

Summarisation (संक्षेपण)

BPSC Syllabus for Optional Subjects

Candidates can choose from a list of 34 optional subjects in the upcoming BPSC Mains Exam. Candidates should be familiar with the complete BPSC syllabus of the optional subject that they have chosen for the Mains paper. Below is a list of subject-wise optional syllabus.

Solve BPSC Previous Year Questions Papers to improve your preparation strategy.

BPSC Syllabus for Interview

The final stage of selection process is 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. While there is no specific BPSC Syllabus prescribed for the interview stage, candidates must prepare by going through the following:

  • Important news and current affairs particularly with reference to Bihar.
  • Latest updates and developments related to the optional subject.
  • Important National & International Affairs
  • Government policies and administrative issues in Bihar.

Best Books For BPSC Exam Preparation

Choosing the correct BPSC Books are important to cover BPSC Syllabus effectively. Good books help in building clear concepts and understanding important topics. Candidates should select books that match latest syllabus and exam pattern. Referring to previous year papers improves preparation and confidence.

Best Books for BPSC Syllabus

Book

Author/Publisher

BPSC Solved Papers

Arihant

Bihar Ek Samagra Adhyayan

Arihant

Bihar Samanya Gyan

Jaswant Sing/McGraw-Hill

Errorless 21 Year-wise Bihar BPSC Prelims General Studies Previous Year Solved Papers

Disha Publications

Mastering Essay & Answer Writing for UPSC Civil Services IAS/ IPS & State PSC Main Exams

Awadesh Singh/ Disha Publications

BPSC Exam Preparation Tips

To cover the BPSC syllabus effectively, candidates must start preparing well in advance. Some of the best BPSC Preparation Tips that students can follow are listed here for reference.

  • Based on the Syllabus, identify the topics you need to work on and the ones you find easy.
  • Go through BPSC Exam Pattern to understand subject-wise weightage and marking scheme
  • Make a study plan such that you assign more time to study the difficult topics.
  • Take your time alone while preparing for the exam. Avoid any distractions.
  • Always make notes while studying. This improves your memory retention.
  • Use charts, flow diagrams, mnemonics and tables for better retention.
  • Solve BPSC previous year papers and mock tests to practice questions
  • Regularly revise topics you study
  • For Mains practice writing answers to improve speed and accuracy
  • For the interview attempt mocks and frequently asked questions. Practice in front of a mirror
  • For more tips and guidance for the BPSC exam, download the PrepMe247 App now and get access to free 72 BPSC mock tests, study materials, PYPs, and more.

For more tips and guidance for the BPSC exam, download the PrepMe247 App now and get access to free 72 BPSC mock tests, study materials, PYPs, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the BPSC 72nd Prelims Exam 2026?

The tentative date of BPSC 72nd CCE Prelims 2026 is October 25, 2026. This exam was previously scheduled for July 26, 2026 and was postponed.

<span id="docs-internal-guid-b2083785-7fff-221c-6684-bbeefe437f65"><span style=" background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where can I download BPSC Syllabus PDF 2026?</span></span>

Candidates can download the syllabus from the official website of Bihar Public Service Commission or PrepMe247. The PDF includes Prelims and Mains syllabus details.

Was the BPSC 72nd Exam 2026 postponed?

Yes, the BPSC 72nd Prelims Exam The exam date has been rescheduled to October 25.

<span id="docs-internal-guid-948df3af-7fff-664c-5fb1-9b190e1efd96"><span style=" background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is BPSC Exam Pattern 2026?</span></span>

The exam pattern includes Prelims, Mains and Interview. Prelims is objective while Mains is descriptive.

What are the selection stages for the BPSC 72nd CCE 2026?

The BPSC 72nd CCE Selection process involves three stages namely Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination and Interview.

<span id="docs-internal-guid-ca495483-7fff-b41a-57de-8b804888b14c"><span style=" background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What does the BPSC Exam Syllabus include?</span></span>

The syllabus covers General Studies topics like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, General Hindi, Optional subjects and Current Affairs.

When will the BPSC 72nd Mains Exam 2026 be conducted?

The BPSC 72nd Mains Exam Date 2026 has not been announced yet. The candidates need to check the official BPSC website for updates.

<span id="docs-internal-guid-421b9e1b-7fff-ed01-7cfd-c6c3278c2539"><span style=" background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the BPSC Syllabus available in English?</span></span>

Yes, candidates can access syllabus in both English and Hindi.

How many vacancies are available under BPSC 72nd Recruitment 2026?

Total 1186 vacancies are available in the BPSC 72nd Recruitment 2026 after the 44 posts of Sugarcane Officers were withdrawn from the originally announced 1230 posts.

<span id="docs-internal-guid-585f4cce-7fff-6720-f280-b4ca117658d7"><span style=" background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is included in the Mains Syllabus?</span></span>

The BPSC Mains syllabus includes General Studies Paper 1 and 2, Essay, General Hindi and Optional Subjects.

<span id="docs-internal-guid-0c22091a-7fff-d62f-3a77-784d36e4939b"><span style=" background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How should I cover BPSC Exam Syllabus effectively?</span></span>

Start with exam syllabus and exam pattern. Focus on important topics and make short notes. Practice previous year papers and revise regularly.

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