The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 71st Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2025 is one of the most prestigious state-level exams in Bihar. It opens the gateway to high-profile administrative positions such as Sub-Divisional Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rural Development Officer, and more.
With the Preliminary Examination scheduled on September 13, 2025, aspirants must clearly understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme to maximize their preparation. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown, drawing from the latest official updates.
Exam Pattern of BPSC 71st CCE
The exam will be conducted in three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
2. Mains Examination (Descriptive + Optional)
3. Interview / Personality Test
Each stage evaluates specific skills, from knowledge and analytical ability to communication and personality traits.
1. Preliminary Exam
The Prelims is a qualifying screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains.
Paper: General Studies (GS) – Objective type (MCQs)
Total Marks: 150
Duration: 2 hours
Questions: 150
Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3 mark (0.33) deducted for every wrong answer
Nature: Qualifying only (marks not counted in the final merit list)
Coverage:
General awareness from History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, and Bihar-specific issues. About 10–12 questions will test Mathematics (matriculation level).
2. Mains Exam
The Mains stage is descriptive in nature and plays a decisive role in the final merit.
General Hindi – 100 marks (qualifying, 30% minimum required)
General Studies Paper I – 300 marks (Indian culture, modern history, statistical analysis, current events)
General Studies Paper II – 300 marks (Indian polity, economy, Bihar-specific governance, role of science & tech)
Essay – 300 marks (three essays of 700–800 words each)
Optional Subject – 100 marks, qualifying, objective-type (recent change from descriptive)
📌 Total for Merit: 900 marks (GS I + GS II + Essay).
General Hindi and Optional Subject are qualifying and do not add to merit ranking.
3. Interview / Personality Test
Candidates who qualify Mains will face the Personality Test.
Marks: 120
Focus Areas: Communication, confidence, academic background, knowledge of Bihar, and current affairs.
📌 Final Merit = Mains (900 marks) + Interview (120 marks) = 1020 marks.
Syllabus Overview
Prelims Syllabus
General Science – Basic concepts, daily applications
Current Affairs – National & international events, emphasis on Bihar
History – Ancient, medieval, modern Indian history, Bihar’s role in freedom struggle
Geography – Physical, social & economic geography of India and Bihar, agriculture, river systems
Polity & Economy – Indian governance, constitutional framework, economic development in Bihar post-independence
Indian National Movement – Key events, resurgence in the 19th century, and Bihar’s contribution
Mains Syllabus
General Hindi: Class XII level (essay writing, grammar, comprehension)
GS Paper I: Indian culture, modern Indian history, current events, statistical analysis
GS Paper II: Polity, Indian & Bihar’s economy, governance, role of science & technology
Essay: Structured analytical writing on diverse topics
Optional Subject: One subject from 34 disciplines (e.g., History, Geography, Sociology, Public Administration)
Marking Scheme
Prelims: 1 mark per correct answer, 1/3 negative marking
Mains:
GS I – 300 marks
GS II – 300 marks
Essay – 300 marks
Hindi & Optional Subject – Qualifying only
Interview: 120 marks
Preparation Tips for BPSC 71st CCE 2025
1. Download Official Syllabus: Get the updated syllabus PDF from bpsc.bih.nic.in.
2. Prioritize Bihar-Specific Topics: History, geography, polity, and economy of Bihar carry heavy weightage.
3. Practice Mock Tests: Build speed and accuracy for Prelims.
4. Answer Writing Practice: For Mains, focus on structured, concise, and well-organized answers with headings and subheadings.
5. Stay Updated: Read Bihar-centric newspapers and government portals regularly.
Key Takeaway
With 1298 vacancies announced, the BPSC 71st CCE 2025 offers a golden chance for aspirants to join Bihar’s administrative services. Success will depend on a disciplined study plan, thorough syllabus coverage, answer writing practice, and staying updated with Bihar’s current affairs.
If you aim to excel, start preparing now with a smart strategy—not just hard work.
