BPSC Mains Examination 2025 – Syllabus, Pattern & Detailed Analysis
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The BPSC Mains Examination is the second stage of the recruitment process and plays a critical role in selecting candidates for prestigious administrative posts in the state of Bihar.
📘 Structure of BPSC Mains Examination
The BPSC Mains Examination carries a total of 900 marks and is descriptive in nature. Unlike the Prelims which is objective, the Mains tests the depth of your understanding, writing skills, and conceptual clarity. The BPSC Mains Examination consists of five papers:
- Hindi (Descriptive) – 100 marks
- General Studies Paper I – 300 marks
- General Studies Paper II – 300 marks
- Essay Paper – 300 marks
- Optional Subject – 100 marks (Objective)
Each paper plays a significant role in the overall assessment. However, there are important distinctions regarding their contribution to the final merit list.
The Hindi paper is qualifying in nature and its marks are not added to the final merit. The Optional paper, which was earlier a descriptive and merit-determining component, has been revised in the new pattern. It has now been made objective and is included as a compulsory paper in the Mains examination. However, for the Combined Competitive Examination, marks obtained in the Optional Objective Paper are not included in the final merit.
Only the scores from General Studies Paper I (300), General Studies Paper II (300), Essay Paper (300), and the Interview (120) are counted towards the final merit, totaling 1020 marks (300 + 300 + 300 + 120).
For recruitment to special posts, the pattern changes. In such cases, the Optional paper is descriptive and carries 300 marks, and its marks are included in the merit. In contrast, the Essay paper is excluded from the merit for special posts. Thus, even in this scenario, the total merit remains 1020 marks (GS1 + GS2 + Optional + Interview).
It is important to note that if a candidate qualifies in the Preliminary Examination for both the Combined Exam and the Special Exam, they are required to appear for the descriptive Optional paper and the Essay paper in the Mains. However, they do not need to appear for the objective Optional paper, which is only applicable to those who qualified exclusively for the Combined Exam through Prelims.
✍️ Paper-wise Syllabus Breakdown (Total 900 Marks)
Let us now explore each paper in detail as per the official BPSC syllabus:
This paper is divided into three sections (खंड):
🔸 खंड-I: भारत का आधुनिक इतिहास और भारतीय संस्कृति (Modern History of India and Indian Culture)
- History of India from mid-18th century to 1947
- Freedom struggle and major revolts (1857, tribal uprisings, peasant movements, Swadeshi Movement, Champaran Satyagraha, Non-cooperation movement, Individual Satyagraha, Quit India Movement)
- Role of important leaders and reformers like Gandhi, Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Sahajanand Saraswati, Jayaprakash Narayan, Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Ambedkar and Karpoori Thakur.
- Socio-religious reform movements
- Development of education, press, and national consciousness
- Contributions of Bihar in the freedom struggle
- Indian (Bihar) culture – art forms, architecture, languages, festivals, and philosophical traditions
This section evaluates a candidate’s understanding of India’s socio-political transformation and cultural heritage.
Time Management in Examination Hall (GS-1 Section-I)
| सामान्य अध्ययन (General Studies) – 1 (Section – I) / खंड – I | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| प्रश्न संख्या | प्रश्नों के प्रकार | गणनात्मक समय | व्यवहारिक समय | |
| 1. (a) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 51⁄4 मिनट | 6 मिनट | |
| 1. (b) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 51⁄4 मिनट | 6 मिनट | |
| 1. (c) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 51⁄4 मिनट | 6 मिनट | |
| 1. (d) | 7 अंकीय प्रश्न | 41⁄2 मिनट | 5 मिनट | |
| 1. (e) | 7 अंकीय प्रश्न | 41⁄2 मिनट | 5 मिनट | |
| 2. | 38 अंकीय प्रश्न | 231⁄8 मिनट | 20 मिनट | |
| 3. | 38 अंकीय प्रश्न | 231⁄8 मिनट | 20 मिनट | |
| + 3 मिनट (प्रश्न पढ़ने में)…… | ||||
| इस एक खंड को लिखने में कुल समय (Total Time) = 71 मिनट ही लगना चाहिए | ||||
🔸 खंड-II: राष्ट्रीय तथा अंतर्राष्ट्रीय महत्त्व का वर्तमान घटनाक्रम (Current Affairs of National and International Importance)
- Major national news and developments (past 1 year)
- International affairs, treaties, organizations (UN, UNDP, HDI, SDGs, World Banks, IMF, SCO, BRICS, G-20, QUAD, SAARC, BIMSTEC, Globle South, ASEAN, WTO, RCEP, etc.)
- Government schemes, policies, and reforms
- Economic updates, environmental reports, and scientific achievements
- Bihar-specific current events
This section aims to test the awareness and analytical ability of the candidate regarding ongoing issues.
Time Management in Examination Hall (GS-1 Section-II)
| सामान्य अध्ययन (General Studies) – 1 (Section – II) / खंड – II | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| प्रश्न संख्या | प्रश्नों के प्रकार | गणनात्मक समय | व्यवहारिक समय | |
| 4. (a) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 51⁄4 मिनट | 6 मिनट | |
| 4. (b) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 51⁄4 मिनट | 6 मिनट | |
| 4. (c) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 51⁄4 मिनट | 6 मिनट | |
| 4. (d) | 7 अंकीय प्रश्न | 41⁄2 मिनट | 5 मिनट | |
| 4. (e) | 7 अंकीय प्रश्न | 41⁄2 मिनट | 5 मिनट | |
| 5. | 38 अंकीय प्रश्न | 231⁄8 मिनट | 20 मिनट | |
| 6. | 38 अंकीय प्रश्न | 231⁄8 मिनट | 20 मिनट | |
| + 3 मिनट (प्रश्न पढ़ने में)…… | ||||
| इस एक खंड को लिखने में कुल समय (Total Time) = 71 मिनट ही लगना चाहिए | ||||
🔸 खंड-III: सांख्यिकी विश्लेषण, आरेखन और चित्रण (Statistical Analysis, Graphs, and Illustration)
(Statistical Analysis, Graphs, and Illustration)
- Interpretation of data using tables, bar graphs, pie charts, histograms, and line charts
- Questions requiring comparison, trend analysis, and conclusion drawing
- Basic understanding of percentages, averages, ratios, and indices
This section evaluates a candidate’s quantitative aptitude and presentation skills.
Time Management in Examination Hall (GS-1 Section-III)
| सामान्य अध्ययन (General Studies) – 1 (Section – III) / खंड – III (DI) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| प्रश्न संख्या | प्रश्नों के प्रकार | गणनात्मक समय | व्यवहारिक समय | |
| 7. | 36 अंकीय प्रश्न | 19 मिनट | 15 मिनट | |
| 8. | 36 अंकीय प्रश्न | 19 मिनट | 15 मिनट | |
| + 4 + 4 = 8 मिनट (प्रश्न पढ़ने में)… | ||||
| इस एक खंड को लिखने में कुल समय (Total Time) = 38 मिनट ही लगना चाहिए | ||||
This paper also consists of three sections and covers governance, geography, economy, and environment.
🔸 खंड-I: भारतीय राजव्यवस्था (Indian Polity and Constitutional Provisions)
- Constitution of India – features, amendments, Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
- Union and State Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary
- Local self-government – Panchayati Raj, Municipalities
- Governance issues – corruption, transparency, civil society
- Role of Election Commission, CAG, UPSC, etc.
This section checks your grasp on political structure and democratic institutions in India.
Time Management in Examination Hall (GS-2 Section-I)
| सामान्य अध्ययन (General Studies) – 2 (Section – I) / खंड – I | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| प्रश्न संख्या | प्रश्नों के प्रकार | गणनात्मक समय | व्यवहारिक समय | |
| 1. (a) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 43⁄4 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 1. (b) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 43⁄4 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 1. (c) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 43⁄4 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 1. (d) | 7 अंकीय प्रश्न | 41⁄8 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 1. (e) | 7 अंकीय प्रश्न | 41⁄8 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 2. | 38 अंकीय प्रश्न | 221⁄2 मिनट | 21 मिनट | |
| 3. | 38 अंकीय प्रश्न | 221⁄2 मिनट | 21 मिनट | |
| + 3 मिनट (प्रश्न पढ़ने में)…… | ||||
| इस एक खंड को लिखने में कुल समय (Total Time) = 671⁄2 मिनट ही लगना चाहिए | ||||
🔸 खंड-II: भारत एवं बिहार का भूगोल तथा अर्थव्यवस्था (Geography and Economy of India and Bihar)
Geography Topics:
- Physical geography – landforms, climate, rivers, soils
- Human geography – population, migration, urbanization
- Resources – minerals, agriculture, forest, water
- Bihar-specific geography – rivers (Ganga, Kosi), agriculture zones, flood-prone areas
Economy Topics:
- Indian economy – growth trends, GDP, planning
- Five-Year Plans, NITI Aayog
- Employment, inflation, taxation, banking system
- Bihar’s economy – agriculture, industries, infrastructure
- Poverty alleviation, rural development schemes
This section tests the candidate’s geographical awareness and economic knowledge, with a special focus on Bihar.
Time Management in Examination Hall (GS-2 Section-II)
| सामान्य अध्ययन (General Studies) – 2 (Section – II) / खंड – II | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| प्रश्न संख्या | प्रश्नों के प्रकार | गणनात्मक समय | व्यवहारिक समय | |
| 4. (a) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 43⁄4 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 4. (b) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 43⁄4 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 4. (c) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 43⁄4 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 4. (d) | 7 अंकीय प्रश्न | 41⁄8 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 4. (e) | 7 अंकीय प्रश्न | 41⁄8 मिनट | 41⁄2 मिनट | |
| 5. | 38 अंकीय प्रश्न | 221⁄2 मिनट | 21 मिनट | |
| 6. | 38 अंकीय प्रश्न | 221⁄2 मिनट | 21 मिनट | |
| + 3 मिनट (प्रश्न पढ़ने में)…… | ||||
| इस एक खंड को लिखने में कुल समय (Total Time) = 671⁄2 मिनट ही लगना चाहिए | ||||
🔸 खंड-III: भारत के विकास में विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी की भूमिका और प्रभाव एवं पर्यावरण पारिस्थितिकी
(Role and Impact of Science and Technology in the Development of India and Environmental-Ecological Issues)
- Scientific advancements – space, atomic energy, IT, biotech
- Role of science in health, agriculture, communication
- Recent innovations and research initiatives (ISRO, DRDO)
- Digital India, Make in India, Start-up India, Contemporary issues and Schemes
- Environmental concerns – climate change, global warming, pollution, deforestation
- Environmental protection acts and international agreements (Paris Agreement, COP summits)
- Conservation strategies and role of local communities
This section examines the candidate’s understanding of how science and technology influence development and sustainability.
Time Management in Examination Hall (GS-2 Section-III)
| सामान्य अध्ययन (General Studies) – 2 (Section – III) / खंड – III | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| प्रश्न संख्या | प्रश्नों के प्रकार | गणनात्मक समय | व्यवहारिक समय | |
| 7. (a) | 6 अंकीय प्रश्न | 33⁄4 मिनट | 4 मिनट | |
| 7. (b) | 6 अंकीय प्रश्न | 33⁄4 मिनट | 4 मिनट | |
| 7. (c) | 8 अंकीय प्रश्न | 33⁄4 मिनट | 4 मिनट | |
| 7. (d) | 6 अंकीय प्रश्न | 33⁄4 मिनट | 4 मिनट | |
| 7. (e) | 6 अंकीय प्रश्न | 33⁄4 मिनट | 4 मिनट | |
| 7. (f) | 6 अंकीय प्रश्न | 33⁄4 मिनट | 4 मिनट | |
| 8. | 36 अंकीय प्रश्न | 221⁄2 मिनट | 18 मिनट | |
| + 3 मिनट (प्रश्न पढ़ने में)… | ||||
| इस एक खंड को लिखने में कुल समय (Total Time) = 45 मिनट ही लगना चाहिए | ||||
- Personal experiences vary from person to person. The time management directions detailed here are primarily intended to help you stick to these limits. (व्यक्तिगत अनुभव हर व्यक्ति के लिए अलग-अलग होते हैं। यहाँ दिए गए समय प्रबंधन निर्देश मुख्य रूप से आपको इन सीमाओं का पालन करने में मदद करने के लिए हैं।)
The Essay paper is a test of your language, expression, and thought clarity. You are required to write three essays, each from different sections, with 700–800 words per essay.
Format:
Write three essays, choosing one topic each from the following sections:
🔸 खंड-I: दार्शनिक निबंध (Philosophical Essays)
- Topics that challenge your abstract thinking
- Ethical and philosophical ideas like truth, justice, compassion, happiness, duty, freedom, etc.
Example:
- “सच्चाई की ताकत” (The Power of Truth)
- “मानवता का मूल्य” (Value of Humanity)
🔸 खंड-II: समसामयिक मुद्दे (Essays on Contemporary Issues)
- Social, political, economic, or environmental issues
- Government schemes, democracy, gender equality, technology, media, etc.
Example:
- “डिजिटल इंडिया और ग्रामीण विकास”
- “महिलाओं की सुरक्षा : नीतियाँ और हकीकत”
🔸 खंड-III: बिहार की संस्कृति में प्रचलित कहावत पर निबंध (Essay Based on Proverbs Popular in Bihar Culture)
- Interpretation of local sayings and their relevance in today’s context
- Blend of culture, history, and life lessons from Bihar
Example:
- “नहिं माया नहिं राम, तब कैसे बने काम”
- “खाली बर्तन ज्यादा आवाज करता है”
🔍 Key Points to Remember for BPSC Mains
- Language Medium: You can choose either Hindi or English as the medium of writing.
- Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points wherever required in GS answers.
- Essay paper is very scoring if presented well with structure and clarity.
- Focus on Bihar-specific issues for added advantage.
- Back answers with facts, reports, and examples where possible.
- Time management and neat handwriting are key to success.
🏁 Final Words
The BPSC Mains Examination demands a combination of knowledge, expression, and relevance. A well-prepared candidate must balance factual accuracy with analytical depth in General Studies papers and showcase writing skills and originality in the Essay paper. With a total of 900 marks, BPSC Mains is the most decisive stage in the selection process.
Prepare smartly with the syllabus in mind, revise regularly, and practice answer writing for each paper. Stay updated with Bihar’s current affairs, and refine your conceptual clarity on core subjects.
