72nd Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Preparation: A Complete Guide with a 90-Day Strategy.
Hello friends! From the streets of Patna to the dreams of Delhi, millions of youth from Bihar prepare for the BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) every year. The BPSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) is an opportunity that can lead you to prestigious positions like SDM, DSP, and Block Development Officer. But the truth is that the competition is fierce – millions of applications, only a few hundred vacancies. Still, the right strategy, discipline, and a focused 90-day plan can help you achieve a top rank.
This blog is specifically for students preparing from Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, or anywhere in Bihar. Here, we will explain in detail the format of the notification, the syllabus (Prelims and Mains), how to prepare, and most importantly, a 90-day target plan.
1. Advertisement
The BPSC releases notifications for the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) every year. For example, the 71st BPSC CCE 2025 notification was released in May 2025, with over 1,250 vacancies.
Key Points in the Notification:
Number of Posts:
Group A and B posts such as Deputy Collector, DSP, Treasury Officer, etc. Vacancies range between 1,000 and 1,300.
– Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (in any subject). Age limit – 21 to 37 years (UR men), relaxation for women and reserved categories (up to 40-42 years).
– Application Process: Online – at bpsc.bih.nic.in. Fee: ₹600-750 for UR/BC/EBC, ₹150 for SC/ST/women. Documents: Photo, Signature, ID Proof, Category Certificate
– Important Dates: Application Opening/Closing, Prelims Exam (
BPSC Exam Calendar 2026
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released its exam calendar, which includes several recruitment stages planned in 2026. Candidates should note that only those exams whose mains, interview, or final stage falls in 2026 are listed below. All dates are tentative and may change as per official updates.
| Adv. No. | Name of the Post | Prelims Exam Date | Mains Exam Date | Interview Date | Final Result (Tentative) |
| 70 CCE | Integrated CCE 70th | Dec 2024 & Jan 2025 | Apr 2025 | January 2026 | April / May 2026 |
| 29/2024 | Secondary & Higher Secondary Teacher (Simultala School, Jamui) | 16 Aug 2024 | 17 & 18 June 2026 | TBD | TBD |
| 38/2025 | District Statistical Officer / Assistant Director | 03 Aug 2025 | Nov 2025 | January 2026 | February 2026 |
| 71 CCE | Integrated CCE 71st | 13 Sept 2025 | April 2026 | TBD | TBD |
| 43/2025 | Lower Division Clerk | 20 Sept 2025 | Typing Test: Jan 2026 | — | Feb 2026 |
| 109/2025 | Project Manager (Industry Dept.) | 30 May 2026 | — | — | — |
| 09/2026 | Auditor, Panchayati Raj Dept. | 05 July 2026 | — | — | — |
| 08/2026 | Research Officer, Revenue Dept. | 15 July 2026 | — | — | — |
| NA | 33rd Judicial Services | 30 May 2026 | — | — | — |
| NA | Assistant Public Prosecutor (APO) | 15 July 2026 | — | — | — |
| 72 CCE | Integrated CCE 72nd | 26 July 2026 | — | — | — |
–Reservation: As per Bihar state rules – SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Women/Divyang, etc.
: Download the notification and read every line. Selecting the wrong category or missing documents will result in application cancellation. Always check the official website.
2. Syllabus: Prelims (PT) and Mains
Prelims (Preliminary Exam) – Screening Test
– Paper 1: General Studies (GS)
– Questions: 150 (MCQs)
– Marks: 150 (1 mark per correct answer)
– Time: 2 hours
– Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answer (some sources also say 1/4, but the latest one says 1/3)
– Qualifying: No fixed cutoff, but the top 10-12 times candidates qualify for Mains.
Prelims GS Syllabus (Main Topics):
– General Science: Sciences relevant to daily life, basic physics, chemistry, and biology.
– Indian History and Bihar History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern (from 1857 to Independence), Bihar Special (Magadha Empire, Buddhist-Jain History, Bihar in the Freedom Struggle).
– Geography: Geography of India and the World, Geography of Bihar (Rivers, Soil, Agriculture, Disasters).
– Indian Polity and Economy: Constitution, Panchayati Raj, Economic Reforms, Budget, Bihar Economy.
– Current Affairs: Events of National and International Importance (Current Affairs): Last 1-2 Years.
– General Mental Ability: Reasoning, Math Basics.
– Bihar Special: Focus on Bihar’s History, Culture, Economy, and Geography (30-40% of questions in Prelims are from Bihar).
Mains (Main Exam) – Merit-Based
– 5 papers in total (1000-1100 marks total)
– General Hindi (Qualifying): 100 marks (must score more than 30%, does not count towards merit) – Essay, grammar, summary, sentence structure.
– General Studies Paper 1: 300 marks – History of Modern India, Indian Culture, Current Events, Statistical Analysis, Graphs.
– General Studies Paper 2: 300 marks – Indian Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, Bihar Specific.
– Essay Paper: 300 marks – 3 essays (current affairs, philosophical, literary topics).
– Optional Subject: 100 marks (qualifying, but counts towards merit in certain patterns) – 34 options such as History, Political Science, Sociology, Hindi Literature, etc.
Mains consists of descriptive questions, so writing practice is essential. Interview: 120 marks (merit based on Mains + Interview).
BPSC Syllabus 2026
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 72nd Notification 2026 will be released soon on the official website, including the updated syllabus and exam pattern. Meanwhile, candidates can refer to the previous year’s syllabus to plan their preparation.
This guide provides a detailed overview of BPSC Syllabus 2026, covering the Prelims Syllabus, Mains Syllabus, and Interview/Personality Test, helping aspirants strategize effectively for the upcoming exam.
BPSC Syllabus 2026 Overview
The important details of the BPSC Syllabus for the preliminary and main exams are included in the table below for candidates to review. The syllabus has been released by the Bihar Public Service Commission along with the confirmed vacancies.
| BPSC Syllabus 2026 Overview | |
| Exam Conducting Body | Bihar Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | BPSC Combined Competitive Exam |
| Application Mode | Online |
| BPSC Vacancy | To be Announced |
| BPSC Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, and Interview |
| BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 | · General Science· History· Geography· Indian Polity and Economy· Indian National Movement· General Mental Ability |
| BPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 | · General Hindi (Qualifying)· English· General Studies Paper 1· General Studies Paper 2· Essay· Optional Subject |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduation |
| Job Location | Bihar |
| Official Website | bpsc.bih.nic.in |
BPSC Syllabus 2026
Candidates who are preparing for the exam will be able to download the BPSC Syllabus 2026 https://bpsc.bihar.gov.in/ directly from the official BPSC website once it is released. The syllabus PDF will contain a detailed breakdown of all topics covered in both the BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 and BPSC Mains Syllabus 2026, including subject-wise topics and the exam pattern.
BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern
The BPSC CCE Exam and the BPSC CDPO Exam were combined last year according to the BPSC’s latest Notification.
· The BPSC Prelims exam will consist of multiple-choice questions with objective-type questions.
· There will be 150 questions in this exam, worth 150 marks.
· Every right answer receives one mark.
· 1/3rd mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
· The examination will be organised for 2 hours.
| BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern | ||||
| Subjects | number of questions | Total Marks | Types of Questions | Duration |
| General Studies | 150 | 150 | Objective-Type | 2 hours |
| Total | 150 questions | 150 marks | ||
BPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026
· The major exam is the BPSC selection process’s second stage.
· The General Hindi (Qualifying), General Studies Paper 1, General Studies Paper 2, Essay, and Optional Subject are the five papers that comprise the BPSC Mains exam pattern.
· The highest mark for the BPSC mains exam is 1100, including qualifying papers as per the BPSC exam pattern.
· According to the recent changes in the BPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026, the Optional Paper will contain objective-type questions.
· The time limit for each paper will be of 3 hours and will be of subjective type in nature (except for the optional paper).
| BPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| Paper | Total Marks | Duration |
| General Hindi | 100 | 3 hours |
| General Studies Paper 1 | 300 | 3 hours |
| General Studies Paper 2 | 300 | 3 hours |
| Essay | 300 | 3 hours |
| Optional Subject | 100 | 3 hours |
BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026
The BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 is designed to test a candidate’s general knowledge and awareness of current events. It is a single paper of General Studies (GS) with 150 marks, and it is objective in nature. The 1/3 marks will be deducted as per the negative marking scheme. The BPSC preliminary syllabus 2026 is available for download in both Hindi and English, so candidates must start preparing appropriately. The complete BPSC syllabus for the prelim exam is provided here.
| BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 | |
| Subject | Topics |
| BPSC syllabus General Studies | · Events of National and international importance· General Science· Geography of India and Geography of Bihar· General geography and geographical division of Bihar and its main river systems· History of Bihar and Indian History· Indian Polity (Questions will assess knowledge of the political system, community development, Panchayati raj, and planning in India and Bihar)· Changes in the economy of Bihar post-independence· Indian Polity and Economy (Indian Political System, Community Development, Panchayati Raj, and Planning in India and Bihar)· General Mental Ability· Indian National Movement and the Role of Bihar (Question about the nature and character of the 19th-century resurgence, nationalism growth, and Independence attainment with special emphasis on Bihar) |
BPSC Mains Syllabus 2026
The BPSC Mains will be given by those candidates who have passed the preliminary exam. The BPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 consists of four descriptive papers, each of which requires a deeper understanding of the subjects. The Mains exam holds significant importance as its score is added to the final merit list.
| BPSC Mains Syllabus 2026 | |
| Subject | Topics |
| General Hindi | · Essay (निबंध)· Grammar (व्याकरण)· Syntax (वाक्य विन्यास)· Summarisation (संक्षेपण) |
| General Studies Paper 1 | · Indian Culture· The Modern History of India· Current International and National Events of Importance· Statistical Analysis, Diagrams, and Graphs |
| General Studies Paper 2 | · Indian Polity· Indian Economy and Geography of India· Role and Impact of Science and Technology in the Development of India |
| Essay | · Moral and Philosophical Essay· Hypothetical Essay· Essay related to Social, Economic, Political, Religious, and Administrative Issues· Essay related to self-reliant India and Digital India· Essay related to problems, solutions, and possibilities of Bihar· Essay related to popular proverbs and sayings of Bihar, etc. |
| Optional Paper | · English Language and Literature· Urdu Language and Literature· Hindi Language and Literature· Persian Language and Literature· Arabic Language and Literature· Pali Language and Literature· Maithili Language and Literature· Bengali Language and Literature· Sanskrit Language and Literature· Chemistry· Sociology· Physics· Agriculture· Statistics· Botany· Zoology· Philosophy· Political Science and International Relations· Psychology· Public Administration· Labor and Social Welfare· Management· Mathematics· Mechanical Engineering· Geography· Geology· History· Law· Civil Engineering· Economics· Commerce and Accountancy· Electrical Engineering· Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science· Anthropology |
BPSC Optional Syllabus 2026
The BPSC Optional Syllabus 2026 is an important part of the BPSC Mains Exam and allows candidates to choose any one subject from a wide range of options. The Optional Paper in the Mains exam plays an important role in determining a candidate’s final rank, as it carries 300 marks. The choice of the optional subject should be based on a candidate’s interest, academic background, and strengths.
Here, we will break down the BPSC Optional Syllabus 2026 and provide insights into the exam pattern to help you make an informed decision.
BPSC Optional Exam Pattern 2026
· Depth of Knowledge : Candidates are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of their chosen subject. Simple memorisation will not suffice, and answers should reflect an analytical perspective.
· Presentation : Writing skills are crucial, as candidates must present their answers in a clear and structured manner, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
· Application of Concepts : The ability to apply concepts to current scenarios or case studies is essential to score well.
| BPSC Optional Exam Pattern 2026 | |
| Feature | Details |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Type of Questions | Descriptive, subjective-type questions |
| Language | Hindi, English, or the language of the optional subject |
| Answer Format | Candidates must present structured, analytical, and comprehensive answers |
BPSC Interview
Those who pass the BPSC Main Examination will be invited to an “Interview” round. A board appointed by the Commission interviews each candidate. The main subjects covered by the interviewer are listed below.
· A board that has a record of the applicant’s career and interests from their application form will interview that person.
· The goal of the interview is for a board of competent and unbiased observers to assess the candidate’s fitness for a career in state services.
· Candidates should know about current events both inside and outside of their state, as well as their academic studies, for personality interviews.
· An interview is an intentional discussion designed to learn more about a candidate’s mental attributes and analytical skills.
| BPSC Interview Exam Pattern | |||
| Subjects | Total Marks | Types of Questions | Duration |
| BPSC Interview | 120 | Physically Presence | Not specified |
BPSC Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What is the BPSC syllabus?
Where can I get the 2026 BPSC syllabus?
What is the expected number of questions in the BPSC Preliminary Exam?
Is the BPSC exam difficult or simple?
What is the best optional subject for the 2026 BPSC Exam?
3. How to Prepare for the Exam
Preparing for the BPSC is a little easier than the UPSC, but with a Bihar-specific focus. Step-by-Step Guide:
– Basic Foundation:
Read NCERT books (6th to 12th grade) – History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science.
– Standard Books:
– Polity: Laxmikant (available in Hindi)
– History: Spectrum (Modern India), Bipin Chandra
– Bihar Special: Imtiaz Ahmed’s Bihar-specific book, Crown Publications
– Economy: Ramesh Singh or Bihar Economy Book
– Current Affairs: The Hindu/Indian Express + Competition Darpan/Prabhat Prakashan magazines daily
– Daily Routine:
Study for 8-10 hours. Current Affairs + Newspaper in the morning, 2-3 subjects a day, revision/mocks in the evening.
Mock Tests:
Take 50+ mocks for Prelims.
Practice answer writing (150-250 words) for Mains.
Online Resources:
Unacademy, Drishti IAS YouTube, Physics Wallah BPSC Channel, Telegram Groups.
Health:
7 hours of sleep, exercise, meditation. Yoga/meditation when stressed.
Don’t ignore current affairs, don’t underestimate Bihar Special, and don’t rely solely on coaching.
4. 90 Days Strategy (Last 90 Days Target Plan)
Suppose you have basic knowledge and need to prepare for both Prelims and Mains. This plan is for the last 90 days – when the exam is near. Study 10-12 hours daily (including breaks).
Phase 1:
Days 1-30 – Revision + Strengthening Core Subjects**
– Daily Target:
– 2 hours: Polity (Laxmikant Complete Revision + Bihar Polity)
– 2 hours: History (Modern India + Bihar History)
– 1.5 hours: Geography (India + Bihar)
– 1 hour: Economy + Bihar Economy
– 1 hour: Science + Environment
– 2 hours: Current Affairs (based on PYQ of the last 18 months)
– 1 hour: Bihar Special (Imtiaz Ahmed Book)
– Every week: 2 Prelims Mock Tests + Analysis (focus on mistakes)
– Notes: Make short notes – facts, dates, Bihar-specific points.
– Goal: Complete 2nd revision of all standard books.
Phase 2:
Days 31-60 – Intensive practice + Prelims focus
– Daily:
– 3 hours: Prelims mocks (full-length, timed)
– 2 hours: Mock analysis + weak area improvement
– 2 hours: CSAT-like practice (Reasoning, Math – required in Prelims)
– 2 hours: Mains GS1 and GS2 topics revision + answer writing (2-3 questions a day)
– 1 hour: Essay practice (1 essay weekly)
– Weekly: 4-5 Prelims mocks + 1 Mains GS paper practice.
– Goal: Target a score of 110+ in Prelims. Stay updated on current affairs.
Phase 3:
Days 61-90 – Mains-Oriented + Final Revision
– Daily:
– 3 hours: Mains Answer Writing (GS1, GS2, Essay – 4-5 questions daily)
– 2 hours: Optional Subject (if chosen – Deep Revision)
– 2 hours: Full Mains Paper Practice (Write in 3 hours)
– 1.5 hours: Prelims Revision (PYQ + Weak Topics)
– 1 hour: Current Affairs + Bihar News
– Every week: 1 full Mains Simulation + Interview Prep (Practice conversations on Bihar issues)
– Buffer Days: 1 rest day every 10 days – light revision.
– Goal: Target 600+ marks in Mains. Confidence buildup.
Adaptation Tip:
If Prelims are first, focus more on Prelims for the first 45 days. If Mains are near, increase your answer writing.
Conclusion
Friends, cracking the BPSC is not a dream; it’s possible. Many toppers from Bihar, such as Sanjeev Ranjan (IAS), Sunil Kumar (DSP), etc., have proven that hard work and smart work can achieve anything.
“The fear of failure should not be greater than success.” – Get up every day, study, and practice. If you give 100% commitment in 90 days, the results will be yours.
