BPSC Prelims Exam Syllabus – Complete & Updated Guide
The BPSC Preliminary Examination is the first and most important stage of the BPSC Civil Services Examination, conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission. A clear understanding of the BPSC Prelims syllabus is essential because this stage decides whether a candidate qualifies for the Mains examination.
This page provides a detailed, topic-wise syllabus of BPSC Prelims for quick and effective preparation.
Nature of BPSC Preliminary Examination
The BPSC Prelims is a screening test, and its marks are not added to the final merit list. However, it plays a crucial role in shortlisting candidates for the Mains.
Feature | Details |
Exam Type | Objective (MCQ) |
Paper | General Studies (Single Paper) |
Total Questions | 150 |
Total Marks | 150 |
Duration | 2 Hours |
Negative Marking | Yes |
Medium | Hindi / English |
BPSC Prelims Syllabus – Subject-Wise Details
The syllabus of BPSC Prelims is broad and focuses on general awareness with special emphasis on Bihar.
- General Science
This section tests basic understanding of science concepts commonly applied in daily life.
Important Topics
- Physics (motion, light, heat – basic level)
- Chemistry (elements, compounds, everyday chemistry)
- Biology (human body, plants, environment)
- Scientific developments and applications
Focus on conceptual clarity rather than numerical problems.
- History of India & Bihar
History questions are asked from ancient to modern times, with special emphasis on Bihar.
Important Areas
- Ancient Indian History
- Medieval Indian History
- Modern Indian History
- Freedom struggle
- Bihar’s role in national movements
- Important historical sites of Bihar
- Geography of India & Bihar
Geography questions are mainly analytical and map-based in nature.
Important Topics
- Physical geography of India
- Rivers, mountains, climate
- Natural resources
- Agriculture and industries
- Geography of Bihar (rivers, soil, climate, irrigation)
- Indian Polity & Governance
This is a high-scoring and important section in BPSC Prelims.
Important Topics
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental Rights & Duties
- Directive Principles
- Union and State Government
- Panchayati Raj system
- Bihar state governance structure
- Indian Economy & Bihar Economy
Questions focus on basic economic concepts and Bihar’s economic structure.
Important Topics
- Basic concepts of economy
- Planning in India
- Budget and taxation
- Agriculture and industrial development
- Bihar economy, schemes, and development programs
- Current Affairs (National & Bihar)
Current affairs play a significant role in BPSC Prelims.
Coverage Areas
- National events
- Bihar-specific news
- Government schemes
- Awards, sports, appointments
- International events of importance
At least last 1–1.5 years of current affairs should be covered.
- Bihar-Specific General Knowledge
BPSC gives special importance to Bihar-related topics.
Important Topics
- History and culture of Bihar
- Art, architecture, and literature
- Festivals and traditions
- Important personalities from Bihar
- Social and economic issues of Bihar
Weightage Trend in BPSC Prelims (Indicative)
Subject | Approximate Weightage |
History & Polity | High |
Geography | Medium |
Current Affairs | High |
Bihar GK | Very High |
Science & Economy | Medium |
(Actual weightage may vary each year.)
Preparation Strategy for BPSC Prelims
A smart preparation strategy includes:
- Strong focus on Bihar GK
- Regular revision of static subjects
- Daily current affairs practice
- Continuous mock test practice
- Analysis of previous year questions
Importance of Mock Tests for BPSC Prelims
Mock tests help aspirants:
- Understand real exam difficulty
- Improve speed and accuracy
- Identify weak areas
- Practice time management
Final Words
The BPSC Prelims syllabus may appear vast, but with a focused and Bihar-centric approach, it becomes manageable. Consistent study, regular revision, and quality mock tests are the keys to clearing the BPSC Preliminary Examination.
This page is designed as a ready reference guide for aspirants preparing for the BPSC Prelims.