BPSC 72nd Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims + Mains PDF Download

Posted: Jun 12, 2026 11:02 AM IST
Updated: Jul 19, 2026 07:54 AM IST
1K views

The BPSC Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (BPSC CCE) is one of Bihar's most sought-after civil services exams, attracting thousands of aspirants annually. Understanding the 72nd BPSC Syllabus 2026 is critical to aligning your study strategy with the commission's requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we detail the subject-wise syllabus for both Prelims and Mains and provide a direct link to download the official BPSC syllabus PDF.

BPSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

Mirroring the standards of the UPSC and other state service commissions, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination in three rigorous stages: Preliminary, Mains, and the Personal Interview. Familiarity with the 2026 BPSC exam pattern is the foundational step toward achieving a top rank.

BPSC Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
OrganizationBihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)
Exam NameBPSC 72nd CCE Exam
Prelims Exam Date26th July 2026
Level of ExamState Level
CategorySyllabus 
Negative MarkingPrelims: ⅓ mark
Mains- Nil
Mode of ExamOffline
Selection ProcessPrelims, Mains, & Interview
Official websitewww.bpsc.bih.nic.in

BPSC 72nd Exam 2026 Postponed - Click to Check Latest Updates

BPSC Selection Process 2026

Candidates must qualify at each stage to progress in the selection process. Success in the Preliminary exam allows entry to the Mains, and high performance in the Mains leads to the final interview stage. Refer to the structure below for a better understanding of the examination sequence.

  1. Preliminary Examination
  2. Mains Examination
  3. Interview

BPSC Exam Pattern 2026

The BPSC defines specific curricula for both exam phases. The 72nd BPSC Prelims is an objective-type paper worth 150 marks, while the subjective Mains exam carries a total of 1000 marks, featuring a qualifying General Hindi paper. The final interview stage accounts for 120 marks. The allotted time is 2 hours for the Prelims and 3 hours per paper for the Mains.

BPSC Selection Process 2026
Stages of BPSC ExamType of ExamTotal MarksDuration
PrelimsObjective1502 Hours
MainsSubjectiveOne qualifying paper (Hindi)
900 ( 3 Papers of 300 marks each)
3 hours for each Paper
Personal InterviewPhysically Present120Not Defined

BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary examination serves as a screening round to filter candidates for the Mains. As the Prelims marks are not calculated for the final merit list, the focus should be on securing the required qualifying cut-off. Below is the detailed BPSC Prelims exam pattern to guide your initial preparation.

BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
PapersTotal QuestionTotal MarksTime DurationNegative Marking
General Studies 150150 marks2 hours⅓ marks
Total1501502 hours⅓ marks

Key Examination Guidelines:

  1. Marks of paper will be considered for qualifying candidates for the mains exam.
  2. There is a negative marking of ⅓ marks in the 72nd BPSC Prelims exam.
  3. BPSC Prelims is a screening in nature.
  4. Candidates need to score a minimum of marks as decided by the commission to qualify for the main exam.
  5. All the questions are set in English and Hindi, except for those questions that are meant to test the candidate’s knowledge of English.

BPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026

Advancement to the BPSC Mains depends entirely on clearing the Prelims cut-off. The Mains consist of a qualifying General Hindi paper, alongside General Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2, each worth 300 marks. Additionally, candidates must sit for an optional paper (selected during registration), which is also valued at 300 marks. You can view the full list of 34 optional subjects below.

BPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026
PapersName of PaperTotal MarksDuration
72nd Combined Competitive ExaminationGeneral Hindi (Qualifying)1003 Hours
General Studies Paper 13003 Hours
General Studies Paper 23003 Hours
Essay3003 Hours
Child Development (Project Officer (Social Welfare Department)General Hindi 1003 Hours
General Studies Paper 13003 Hours
General Studies Paper 23003 Hours
Financial Administrative Officer and equivalent (Finance Department)General Hindi 1003 Hours
General Studies Paper 13003 Hours
General Studies Paper 23003 Hours
Sub-Divisional Protection Officer (Social Welfare Department) General Hindi 1003 Hours
General Studies Paper 13003 Hours
General Studies Paper 23003 Hours

BPSC 72nd Syllabus 2026

Grasping the BPSC 2026 syllabus is essential for identifying high-yield topics and understanding the weightage of questions. A deep dive into the exam pattern ensures you are prepared for the specific format and marking scheme used by the commission in each stage.

BPSC Syllabus 2026 for Prelims Exam

The BPSC 72nd Prelims syllabus maintains consistency with previous years, covering critical subjects such as General Science, History, Geography, Indian Polity, and Economy. Because of the high standard of questioning, comprehensive study is advised. Please find the detailed Prelims syllabus outlined below:

BPSC Syllabus 2026 for Prelims Exam
SubjectsTopics
General Science 
  • General understanding of science, including matters of everyday observation and experience
  • The questions on Science and technology
Current Affairs of National/International Importance
  • Topics related to Current Affairs of National/International Importance
History of India and Bihar
  • General understanding of the subject with the broad aspects of the history of Bihar
Geography of India and Bihar 
  • Questions will relate to the physical, social and economic geography of the country, including the main features of Indian agricultural and natural resources
Indian Polity 
  • Questions will test knowledge on the country’s political system, Panchayati raj, community development and planning in India and Bihar
Indian economy and economy of Bihar 
  • Indian economy and economy of Bihar post-independence
Indian Movements and Contribution of Bihar in it
  • Questions will relate to the nature and character of the 19th century resurgence, growth of nationalism, and attainment of independence with special reference to Bihar
  • Under Indian Economy and Polity, the questions will cover the following topics:
    Indian Political System, Panchayati Raj, Community Development, Planning in India and Bihar
  • Under the Indian National Movement, candidates have to focus on the resurgence in the 19th century, the nature and growth of nationalism in India, and India’s independence
  • Also, the role of Bihar in the Indian National Movement is important from the BPSC exam point of view
General Mental Ability
  • Topics related to General Mental Ability

Analyze BPSC Previous Year Cut-Off Marks

BPSC Syllabus 2026 for Mains Exam

Below, we breakdown the BPSC Mains 2026 syllabus across all four sections: General Hindi (qualifying), General Studies Paper 1, General Studies Paper 2, and the chosen Optional Subject.

BPSC Syllabus 2026 for Mains Exam
PapersSubjects/Topics
 General Hindi
  • Essay
  • Grammar
  • Syntax
  • Summarisation
General Studies 1
  • Indian Culture
  • Modern History of India
  • Contemporary events of national and international importance
  • Statistical Analysis, diagrams and graphs
General Studies 2
  • Indian and Bihar Polity
  • Indian and Bihar Economy
  • Indian and Bihar Geography
  • Role and impact of Science and Technology in the development of India (and Bihar)
 Optional Subjects
  • Agricultural Science
  • Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
  • Anthropology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Commerce and Accountancy
  • Law
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • History
  • Labour and Social Welfare
  • Law
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • Zoology
  • Hindi Language and Literature
  • English Language and Literature
  • Urdu Language and Literature
  • Bengali Language and Literature
  • Sanskrit Language and Literature
  • Persian Language and Literature
  • Arabic Language and Literature
  • Pali Language and Literature
  • Maithili Language and Literature

Download Official BPSC Prelims & Mains Syllabus PDF

BPSC Interview Test

Candidates who successfully clear the Mains exam are invited to the Personality Test (Interview). This final phase is conducted by a commission-appointed board to assess a candidate's suitability for administrative service, focusing on communication, presence of mind, and general awareness.

  1. The candidate will be interviewed by a board who will have before them a record of the candidate's career and interests filled by the candidate in the application form.
  2. The objective of the interview is to check the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in the state services by a board of competent and unbiased observers.
  3. In the personality test, apart from their academic study, candidates must be aware of the affairs happening both within and outside their state.
  4. The interview is more of a purposeful conversation intended to explore the mental qualities and analytical ability of the candidate.

Access BPSC Previous Year Question Papers Here

FAQs

LIVE ALERTS & NOTIFICATIONS

Never miss another exam update!

Get the fastest exam results, recruitment news, and educational guides delivered directly to your phone.

About OnlineResult.in Articles

Expert analysis and deep dives into education, career guidance and the latest trends.

Browse All Articles

Share this article

Spread the knowledge with your friends

Important Exams