BPSC Interview Guidance: Complete Strategy to Score High in 120 Marks Interview
Introduction
The BPSC Interview (also called the Personality Test) is the final and decisive stage of the Bihar Public Service Commission examination process. It carries 120 marks, which may look less compared to Mains, but in reality, it plays a crucial role in final ranking. A difference of even 20–30 marks in the interview can significantly change a candidate’s rank and service allocation.
Unlike the written examination, the interview does not test rote knowledge. It evaluates a candidate’s personality, clarity of thought, administrative aptitude, awareness, honesty, and suitability for public service. This article provides a complete, structured, and syllabus-linked guidance for BPSC Interview preparation, based on commonly asked areas such as bio-data, Bihar-related issues, current affairs, hobbies, and general awareness.
Based on interview guidance programs and real interview experiences shared by successful candidates, it is clear that BPSC interview preparation must be systematic, bio-data driven, Bihar-oriented, and application-based, not book-heavy or panic-driven
Nature of BPSC Interview (Personality Test)
- Total Marks: 120
- Purpose: Assessment of personality, not academic knowledge
- Board Composition: Experienced administrators, academicians, and subject experts
- Medium: Hindi or English
The interview board looks for:
- Balanced opinions
- Logical reasoning
- Awareness of surroundings
- Administrative temperament
- Honesty and confidence
There are no right or wrong answers, but there are well-thought and poorly-thought answers.
Key Areas of BPSC Interview Preparation
BPSC interview questions broadly revolve around five major areas. Every candidate must prepare each area in an integrated manner.
1. Bio-Data Based Questions (Most Important Area)
Your bio-data is the backbone of the BPSC interview. Most questions originate from it.
Important Bio-Data Components
- Name and its meaning
- Date of birth (related events, personalities, laws, or movements)
- Birthplace, hometown, and home district
- Educational background (school, college, university)
- Parents’ profession
- Current place of residence
How to Prepare Bio-Data
- Know your district in detail: history, geography, economy, culture, administration
- Be ready to answer problem–solution based questions related to your area
- Prepare factual details like population, literacy, agriculture, industries, and administration
- Avoid exaggeration or false claims
The interview board checks authenticity and awareness, not memorisation.
2. Bihar-Specific Issues (Core of BPSC Interview)
Since BPSC is a state service examination, Bihar-related questions are unavoidable.
Major Areas to Cover
- Floods, droughts, disaster management
- Agriculture and allied sectors
- Food processing and agro-based industries
- Employment and migration
- Women empowerment and social sector schemes
- Jal Jeevan Hariyali Mission
- Seven Nischay Yojana 1, 2 and 3
- Tourism potential of Bihar
- Inland waterways (Ganga)
- Industrialisation and infrastructure
Preparation Approach
- Focus on current status + challenges + solutions
- Give administrative and practical answers, not political slogans
- Relate issues to governance and policy implementation
3. Current Affairs (National, International, and Bihar)
Current affairs form a major portion of interview questions.
What to Prepare
- Last 3–6 months of current affairs
- National policies and government initiatives
- International relations affecting India
- Global institutions and reforms
- Major economic, health, and security issues
Suggested Approach
- Read one national newspaper and one Bihar-based newspaper daily
- Avoid multiple sources
- Develop opinions on issues, not just facts
The board tests:
- Awareness
- Analytical ability
- Balanced viewpoints
4. Hobbies (High-Risk, High-Reward Area)
Hobbies are often used by the interview board to test honesty and depth.
Key Guidelines
- Mention only real hobbies, not artificial ones
- Do not choose hobbies after Mains result
- Be prepared to answer experience-based questions
For example:
- If you say “reading”, be ready with books, authors, themes
- If you say “sports”, know rules, recent developments, and personal experience
The board can easily detect fabricated hobbies.
5. Opinion-Based and Situational Questions
These questions assess administrative suitability.
Examples:
- How will you handle local conflicts as an officer?
- What reforms are needed in administration?
- How can governance be improved at the grassroots level?
- Stay calm and structured
- Avoid extreme views
- Show empathy, legality, and practicality
- Focus on constitutional values and public welfare
6. Optional Subject & Graduation Subject in BPSC Interview
Do Not Panic About Optional or Graduation Subject. A common myth among candidates is that the interview board will deeply grill them on optional or graduation subjects. In reality:
- Interview is not a test of subject expertise
- Questions are usually basic, conceptual, and application-oriented
- In some cases, the board may not ask even a single question from optional or graduation subject.
If Optional and Graduation Subjects Are Different
The board may ask:
- Why did you choose a different optional subject?
- How does the optional help you in administration?
You must prepare a clear, logical, and honest explanation for the divergence. Avoid defensive or confused answers.
How Much to Prepare Optional Subject?
- No need to prepare it as intensively as Mains
- Focus on:
- Core concepts
- Current issues related to the subject
- Administrative applications
- Avoid memorising definitions and data
Example: Optional Subject – Geography (Based on Interview Experience)
Questions asked in previous BPSC interviews included.
- What is your optional subject?
- What is geography?
- Explain the definition of geography
- States and countries bordering Bihar
- Use of geography in administration
- River system of Bihar
- Difference between soil of North and South Bihar
- What is the International Date Line?
- Why is it not a straight line?
These questions show that the board tests conceptual clarity and practical relevance, not academic depth.
Do’s and Don’ts for BPSC Interview
Do’s
- Be honest and composed
- Listen carefully before answering
- Maintain eye contact and body language
- Admit politely if you don’t know an answer
Don’ts
- Do not bluff or argue
- Do not give political or ideological extremes
- Do not memorise answers mechanically
- Do not show arrogance or overconfidence
Role of Mock Interviews
Mock interviews help in:
- Improving confidence
- Identifying weak areas
- Refining body language and communication
- Practising structured answers
However, mock interviews should guide, not standardise your personality.
Final Preparation Strategy
- Revise your bio-data daily
- Prepare Bihar topics in a problem–solution format
- Stay updated with current affairs till interview day
- Practise speaking answers aloud
- Sleep well and stay mentally calm
Conclusion
The BPSC interview is not an exam of memory but a test of personality, awareness, and administrative aptitude. With 120 marks at stake, it has the power to redefine your rank and career. A well-prepared candidate with clarity, honesty, and balanced thinking can score exceptionally well.
If approached systematically—covering bio-data, Bihar-specific issues, current affairs, hobbies, and situational judgment—the BPSC interview can become an opportunity rather than a challenge.
About the Author
Shahid Eqwal is a BPSC-qualified candidate (Rank 39, 63rd BPSC) and (Rank 207, 60-62nd BPSC) with experience in BPSC Prelims, Mains, and Interview guidance. He shares exam-oriented, experience-based strategies to help aspirants avoid common mistakes and prepare smartly. Read full author profile
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