Optional Subject Preparation Strategy for BPSC Interview
(Based on Real Interview Experience)
Introduction
In the BPSC Interview (Personality Test), questions related to a candidate’s optional subject are commonly asked. Since the optional subject reflects a candidate’s academic interest and intellectual orientation, the interview board often uses it as a tool to assess conceptual clarity, honesty, confidence, and administrative aptitude.
Based on real interview guidance programs and personal interview experience, it is important to understand that the BPSC interview is not a test of optional subject knowledge, but a test of personality. This article explains how aspirants should prepare their optional subject specifically for the BPSC interview, without unnecessary fear or over-preparation.
Understanding the Board’s Approach to Optional Subject Questions
A common misconception among aspirants is that the interview board will deeply grill them on optional subjects like a Mains examination. This belief creates unnecessary panic.
In reality:
- The board may ask a few basic questions from the optional subject.
- Sometimes, the board may not ask even a single question from optional or graduation subject.
- The purpose is not to test depth, but clarity and application.
Hence, aspirants must approach optional subject preparation with balance and maturity.
Optional Subject and Graduation Subject: Important Clarification
When Optional and Graduation Subjects Are the Same
If a candidate’s optional subject and graduation subject are the same:
- The board usually does not see it as an issue
- Questions remain basic and conceptual
When Optional and Graduation Subjects Are Different
If the optional subject is different from the graduation subject, the board is very likely to ask: “Why did you choose this optional subject instead of your graduation subject?”
How to Handle This Question
- Keep a clear, logical, and honest explanation ready
- Avoid defensive or emotional answers
- Emphasise:
- Interest
- Overlap with administration
- Comfort level with the subject
A confident explanation reflects self-awareness and decision-making ability.
How Much to Prepare Optional Subject for BPSC Interview?
One of the most important insights from interview experience is this: Optional subject for interview does not need to be prepared as intensively as for the Mains exam.
Correct Level of Preparation
Aspirants should:
- Revise core concepts
- Prepare current-affairs linked topics
- Focus on application-based questions
- Avoid memorising excessive facts and data
The board is not interested in:
- Definitions by heart
- Technical depth
- Lengthy theoretical explanations
Key Preparation Areas for Optional Subject (Interview-Oriented)
Based on interview guidance experience, aspirants must focus on:
1. Conceptual Understanding
- What is your optional subject?
- Basic definition and scope
- Why is it relevant today?
2. Application-Based Questions
- Use of optional subject in administration
- Policy relevance
- Problem-solving approach
3. Current Affairs Linkage
- Recent developments related to optional subject
- National or Bihar-specific relevance
This approach reflects administrative thinking, not academic memory.
My Personal Interview Experience: Geography Optional
The following questions were asked from Geography optional in different BPSC interviews, which clearly show the nature and depth of optional subject questions.
Questions Asked in 60–62 BPSC Interview
- What is your optional subject?
- What was your subject in graduation?
- What is Geography?
- Please elaborate the definition of Geography
- Name the states and countries touching the boundary of Bihar
Questions Asked in 63rd BPSC Interview
- What is your optional subject?
- What do you know about the river system of Bihar?
- Use of Geography in administration?
- Difference between soil of North Bihar and South Bihar?
- What is the International Date Line?
- Is the International Date Line a straight line?
- Why is the International Date Line not straight?
These questions clearly indicate that:
- The board focuses on basic concepts
- Questions are linked with Bihar and administration
- Depth is conceptual, not technical
Common Mistakes Aspirants Make
- Preparing optional subject like Mains
- Mugging up facts unnecessarily
- Panicking due to optional subject questions
- Giving bookish answers without application
Such mistakes reduce confidence and affect interview performance.
How to Answer Optional Subject Questions in Interview
Follow this simple framework:
- Brief conceptual explanation
- Practical or administrative relevance
- Keep answers short and clear
Avoid:
- Over-explanation
- Technical jargon
- Data-heavy responses
Conclusion
Preparation of optional subject for BPSC interview requires a shift in mindset. The board is not interested in testing how deeply you studied the optional subject for Mains, but how clearly, honestly, and practically you understand it.
A calm, concept-based, and application-oriented approach towards optional subject preparation not only removes fear but also helps aspirants perform confidently in the 120-mark BPSC interview. Optional subject questions are an opportunity, not a threat—if prepared in the right way.
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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