State PSC & State Govt · Bihar · Updated October 2026
BPSC CCE ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
BPSC Combined Competitive Examination
Conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission, the Integrated CCE recruits officers for the Bihar Administrative Service (SDM), Bihar Police Service (DSP), Bihar Financial Service, and allied state cadres. It features a 150-mark single-paper Preliminary screening test, a descriptive Mains comprising General Studies and Essay papers, and a Personality Test.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- State · Bihar
- Conducting body
- Bihar PSC
Start for free with BPSC CCE syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
BPSC CCE exam overview and highlights
About BPSC CCE
The Bihar Public Service Commission Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (BPSC CCE) is the premier state civil services examination of Bihar, conducted from Patna to recruit officers for the Bihar Administrative Service (SDM/Deputy Collector), Bihar Police Service (DSP), Bihar Financial Service, and over twenty allied gazetted cadres. In recent cycles, BPSC consolidated multiple allied exams into an Integrated CCE and reformed the Mains pattern by making the Optional Subject an objective qualifying paper while introducing a high-weightage 300-mark Essay paper (including a dedicated section on Bihar-specific topics and proverbs in Bhojpuri/Maithili/Magahi). The selection process spans an OMR-based Preliminary screening test, a descriptive Main Examination, and an oral Personality Test. Successful candidates serve as Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Block Development Officers, and Revenue Officers across Bihar's 38 districts.
The examination process for BPSC CCE comprises 3 stages: Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT), followed by Main Examination, followed by Personality Test (Interview). The official syllabus tests candidates across 6 core areas — History and Art & Culture of Bihar and India (Prelims & GS I), Geography and Economy of Bihar and India (Prelims & GS II), Indian Polity and Governance in Bihar (Prelims & GS II), General Science and Applied Science & Technology (Prelims & GS II), Statistical Analysis, Graphs and Diagrams (Mains GS I), Current Affairs & Essay (including Bihar Proverbs) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims (150 marks) is a screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains in a 1:10 ratio. In Mains, General Hindi and the MCQ Optional paper are qualifying only; final merit is calculated from General Studies Paper I (300), General Studies Paper II (300), Essay (300), and the Interview (120), totaling 1,020 marks.
Key subjects
- History and Art & Culture of Bihar and India (Prelims & GS I)
- Geography and Economy of Bihar and India (Prelims & GS II)
- Indian Polity and Governance in Bihar (Prelims & GS II)
- General Science and Applied Science & Technology (Prelims & GS II)
- Statistical Analysis, Graphs and Diagrams (Mains GS I)
- Current Affairs & Essay (including Bihar Proverbs)
What clearing BPSC CCE leads to
- Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) / Senior Deputy Collector (Bihar Administrative Service)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP, Bihar Police Service)
- State Tax Assistant Commissioner (Bihar Finance Service)
- Block Development Officer (BDO, Bihar Rural Development Service)
- Revenue Officer (RO, Bihar Revenue Service) & Sub-Registrar
- District Minority Welfare Officer, District Audit Officer & Assistant Director (Social Security)
Quick facts
- Full name
- BPSC Combined Competitive Examination
- Conducting body
- Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year (held annually on a fixed calendar, usually with Prelims on September 30)
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims and Qualifying Optional; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains
- Languages
- Hindi, English, and Urdu
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (7 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third (1/3) mark deducted per wrong answer in Prelims (four-option MCQ pattern); none in descriptive Mains
- Official website
- bpsc.bih.nic.in
BPSC CCE — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of BPSC CCE conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | BPSC CCE — BPSC Combined Competitive Examination |
| Conducting Body | Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) |
| Exam Category | State PSC & State Govt |
| Exam Level | State level (Bihar) |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year (held annually on a fixed calendar, usually with Prelims on September 30) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification in July or August; Prelims on September 30; Mains in January or April; Interviews in July or August |
| Mode of Application | Online through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal at onlinebpsc.bihar.gov.in / bpsc.bih.nic.in |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims and Qualifying Optional; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains |
| Medium / Exam Languages | Hindi, English, and Urdu |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (7 Papers Total): Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT) → Main Examination → Personality Test (Interview) |
| Negative Marking | One-third (1/3) mark deducted per wrong answer in Prelims (four-option MCQ pattern); none in descriptive Mains |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims (150 marks) is a screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains in a 1:10 ratio. In Mains, General Hindi and the MCQ Optional paper are qualifying only; final merit is calculated from General Studies Paper I (300), General Studies Paper II (300), Essay (300), and the Interview (120), totaling 1,020 marks. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university (for specialized posts like Financial Administrative Officer or Child Development Project Officer, specific degree groups in Commerce/Economics/Statistics/Maths or Home Science/Psychology/Sociology apply). |
| Age Limit | Minimum 20, 21, or 22 years (post-dependent, with 20 years for DSP) up to 37 years for Unreserved Male; 40 years for Unreserved Female, BC, and EBC; and 42 years for SC and ST candidates. |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 9 (Grade Pay INR 5,400) for SDM, DSP, District Minority Welfare Officer, and Bihar Finance Service; Pay Level 7 (Grade Pay INR 4,600) for Revenue Officer, BDO, and Supply Inspector |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 4 to 6 lakh applicants competing for 400 to 2,000 integrated vacancies annually |
| Official Website | bpsc.bih.nic.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
BPSC CCE exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for BPSC CCE. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Bihar PSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| BPSC CCE Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notification in July or August; Prelims on September 30; Mains in January or April; Interviews in July or August | Once a year (held annually on a fixed calendar, usually with Prelims on September 30) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) |
| BPSC CCE — Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT) | Notification in July or August; Prelims on September 30; Mains in January or April; Interviews in July or August | Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims and Qualifying Optional; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains |
| BPSC CCE — Main Examination | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Around 4 to 6 lakh applicants competing for 400 to 2,000 integrated vacancies annually. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official BPSC CCE recruitment advertisement published by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard Banking & Insurance application fee slabs apply: typically ₹750 to ₹850 (inclusive of GST) for General/OBC/EWS candidates, and ₹125 to ₹175 (intimation charges only) for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates via online payment.
How to apply online for BPSC CCE
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit bpsc.bih.nic.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal at onlinebpsc.bihar.gov.in / bpsc.bih.nic.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the BPSC CCE application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (Hindi, English, and Urdu), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final BPSC CCE Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
BPSC CCE eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for BPSC CCE must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Bihar PSC.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university (for specialized posts like Financial Administrative Officer or Child Development Project Officer, specific degree groups in Commerce/Economics/Statistics/Maths or Home Science/Psychology/Sociology apply).
Age limit & relaxations
Minimum 20, 21, or 22 years (post-dependent, with 20 years for DSP) up to 37 years for Unreserved Male; 40 years for Unreserved Female, BC, and EBC; and 42 years for SC and ST candidates.
Number of attempts
No restriction on the number of attempts for general candidates within the upper age limit (state government employees have specific relaxations).
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates from outside Bihar are eligible to apply under the Unreserved (General) category. Reservation benefits (EBC, BC, SC, ST, EWS, and 35% horizontal reservation for women) require Bihar domicile where stipulated.
BPSC CCE — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Bihar Domicile) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid Bihar permanent domicile and caste certificate issued by the competent revenue authority. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Bihar Domicile) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
| State Government Employees / Women / Departmental Candidates (Bihar) | Up to +5 Years as per state service recruitment rules | Applicable to regular Bihar state government servants and horizontal reservation categories notified in the advertisement. |
BPSC CCE selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third (1/3) mark deducted per wrong answer in Prelims (four-option MCQ pattern); none in descriptive Mains. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims (150 marks) is a screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains in a 1:10 ratio. In Mains, General Hindi and the MCQ Optional paper are qualifying only; final merit is calculated from General Studies Paper I (300), General Studies Paper II (300), Essay (300), and the Interview (120), totaling 1,020 marks.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT)
Offline (OMR sheet) • 1 Paper (General Studies (Single Integrated Paper)) • 150 Questions • 150 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • A single two-hour OMR objective paper of 150 questions covering General Studies, General Science, Bihar Special GK, and 10 questions on Mental Ability.
A single two-hour OMR objective paper of 150 questions covering General Studies, General Science, Bihar Special GK, and 10 questions on Mental Ability. Marks are used strictly for screening into Mains.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration General Studies (Single Integrated Paper)Four options per question with 1/3 negative marking; determines Mains shortlisting 150 150 2 hours Stage 2: Main Examination
Descriptive pen and paper (except Optional Subject which is OMR MCQ) • 5 Papers (Qualifying Paper 1: General Hindi, Paper I: General Studies I (Modern History of India & Bihar, Indian Culture, Current National/International Events, and Statistical Analysis/DI), Paper II: General Studies II (Indian Polity, Indian & Bihar Economy, Geography of India & Bihar, and Role of Science & Technology) + 2 more) • Questions: Descriptive (Essay, Grammar, Syntax, Summarization) • 1100 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours • Consists of five papers: two qualifying papers (General Hindi and an MCQ-based Optional Subject) and three merit-counting descriptive papers of 300 marks each (GS Paper I, GS Paper II, and Essay).
Consists of five papers: two qualifying papers (General Hindi and an MCQ-based Optional Subject) and three merit-counting descriptive papers of 300 marks each (GS Paper I, GS Paper II, and Essay).
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Qualifying Paper 1: General HindiQualifying only; minimum 30% (30 marks) required Descriptive (Essay, Grammar, Syntax, Summarization) 100 3 hours Paper I: General Studies I (Modern History of India & Bihar, Indian Culture, Current National/International Events, and Statistical Analysis/DI)Counted for final merit (includes 72 marks of Statistics/DI) Descriptive & Statistical Data Interpretation 300 3 hours Paper II: General Studies II (Indian Polity, Indian & Bihar Economy, Geography of India & Bihar, and Role of Science & Technology)Counted for final merit Descriptive 300 3 hours Paper III: EssayCounted for final merit 3 Essays (100 marks each across 3 sections, including Bihar-specific culture & local proverbs) 300 3 hours Qualifying Paper 2: Optional Subject (MCQ format)Qualifying only (40% for General, 36.5% for BC, 34% for EBC, 32% for SC/ST/Women/PwBD) 100 MCQs 100 2 hours Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
In-person interview • 1 Paper (Personality Test / Viva-Voce) • 120 Total Marks • Candidates shortlisted in roughly a 1:2.5 ratio from the Main Examination face an interview board in Patna assessing administrative suitability, knowledge of Bihar's governance challenges, and situational decision-making.
Candidates shortlisted in roughly a 1:2.5 ratio from the Main Examination face an interview board in Patna assessing administrative suitability, knowledge of Bihar's governance challenges, and situational decision-making.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Personality Test / Viva-VoceAdded to 900 Mains merit marks for a final merit list out of 1,020 marks Varies 120 Varies Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
BPSC CCE subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
History and Art & Culture of Bihar and India (Prelims & GS I) — Part I (Ancient Bihar)
- Ancient Bihar: Magadha Empire, Mauryas, Guptas, Pala art and architecture, Nalanda and Vikramshila universities, Buddhism and Jainism
- Medieval Bihar: Sher Shah Suri's administration, Sufi movements (Maner Sharif), and Mughal subahdars in Bihar
- Revolt of 1857 in Bihar (Babu Kunwar Singh and Pir Ali), Santhal Hul (1855-56), and Birsa Munda Ulgulan (1899-1900)
History and Art & Culture of Bihar and India (Prelims & GS I) — Part II (Champaran Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience)
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India Movement (Azad Dasta of Jayaprakash Narayan), and peasant movements (Swami Sahajanand Saraswati)
- Distinctive art forms of Bihar: Patna Qalam painting, Madhubani (Mithila) painting, Manjusha art, Sujni embroidery, and Sikki craft
- Western and technical education in Bihar, press development, and socio-political thinkers (Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore)
Geography and Economy of Bihar and India (Prelims & GS II) — Part I (Physiographic divisions of Bihar)
- Physiographic divisions of Bihar: Someshwar Range, North Bihar Gangetic Plain, and South Bihar Plain & Chotanagpur fringe
- River systems of Bihar (Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, Son, Falgu, Punpun) and recurrent flood/drought dynamics
- Agro-climatic zones of Bihar, soil types, Bihar Agriculture Roadmaps (I to IV), and GI-tagged agricultural products (Makhana, Shahi Litchi, Jardalu Mango, Magahi Paan)
Geography and Economy of Bihar and India (Prelims & GS II) — Part II (Bihar Economic Survey and State Budget)
- Bihar Economic Survey and State Budget: GSDP growth, per capita income disparities, fiscal management, and Saat Nishchay Part-2 schemes
- Demographic dividends, migration challenges, poverty indicators, industrial promotion policy, ethanol production, and food processing in Bihar
- Indian physical & economic geography, monsoon mechanism, national planning, NITI Aayog, and economic reforms
Indian Polity and Governance in Bihar (Prelims & GS II)
- Indian Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Parliamentary system, and Constitutional Amendments
- Centre-State relations, Role of the Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, and Bicameral Legislature in Bihar
- Panchayati Raj in Bihar (Bihar Panchayati Raj Act 2006, 50% reservation for women in local bodies, Gram Katchahry)
- Electoral politics, caste dynamics, coalition politics, pressure groups, and judicial activism
- Public service delivery in Bihar: Right to Public Services Act (RTPS), Bihar Public Grievance Redressal Act, Jeevika (BRLPS), and e-Governance
General Science and Applied Science & Technology (Prelims & GS II)
- Everyday Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (NCERT Class 9-12 core concepts, human physiology, diseases, nutrition, optics, and chemical compounds)
- Role and impact of Science & Technology in the development of India and Bihar
- Space technology (ISRO missions), nuclear energy, defense technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and AI applications
- Science & tech solutions for Bihar's chronic problems: flood forecasting, arsenic/fluoride water contamination, waste management, and renewable energy (Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali)
- Cybersecurity, telemedicine, digital infrastructure, and eco-friendly agricultural technologies
Statistical Analysis, Graphs and Diagrams (Mains GS I)
- Data representation through tabular data, pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, and cumulative frequency curves
- Calculation of percentages, ratios, averages, growth rates, and multi-variable comparisons
- Drawing logical inferences and identifying anomalies or policy conclusions from statistical datasets (72 marks in GS Paper I)
Current Affairs & Essay (including Bihar Proverbs)
- Current Events of National and International Importance, bilateral relations, summits (G20, BRICS, BIMSTEC, QUAD), and global indices
- Bihar current affairs: state cabinet decisions, new policies, caste-based survey findings, tourism circuits, and sports achievements
- Philosophical, socio-economic, and technological essays (Sections I & II of the Essay Paper)
- Bihar-specific cultural essays and folk proverbs/locutions in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi (written in Devanagari script) in Section III of the Essay Paper
BPSC CCE salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 9 (Grade Pay INR 5,400) for SDM, DSP, District Minority Welfare Officer, and Bihar Finance Service; Pay Level 7 (Grade Pay INR 4,600) for Revenue Officer, BDO, and Supply Inspector. Appointments under Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 9 (Grade Pay INR 5,400) for SDM, DSP, District Minority Welfare Officer, and Bihar Finance Service; Pay Level 7 (Grade Pay INR 4,600) for Revenue Officer, BDO, and Supply Inspector.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) (Bihar State Government Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (by city classification), Medical Allowance, TA, and Bihar NPS / Pension benefits.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
BPSC CCE cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise BPSC CCE cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
BPSC CCE — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because BPSC CCE is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third (1/3) mark deducted per wrong answer in Prelims (four-option MCQ pattern); none in descriptive Mains, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining BPSC CCE Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across Bihar cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the BPSC CCE cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
BPSC CCE admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
BPSC CCE Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official BPSC CCE Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on bpsc.bih.nic.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the BPSC CCE e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
BPSC CCE Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on bpsc.bih.nic.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
BPSC CCE Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) declares the BPSC CCE result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on bpsc.bih.nic.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official BPSC CCE Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
BPSC CCE mock tests
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BPSC CCE Full Mock Test 1
Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT) · 150 questions · 2 hours
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Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT) · 150 questions · 2 hours
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Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT) · 150 questions · 2 hours
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BPSC CCE Full Mock Test 4
Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT) · 150 questions · 2 hours
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BPSC CCE Full Mock Test 5
Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT) · 150 questions · 2 hours
BPSC CCE previous year papers
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Recent BPSC CCE question papers
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Complete 10-year BPSC CCE paper archive
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Predicted questions for BPSC CCE
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for BPSC CCE
- Master General Science (30 questions), Bihar Special (25-30 questions), Modern History (30 questions), and Current Affairs (30 questions), as these four pillars account for nearly 80% of the 150 Prelims questions.
- Practice the 72-mark Statistics / Data Interpretation section of Mains GS Paper I daily; scoring 65+ out of 72 in DI is the single biggest rank-booster in BPSC Mains.
- Prepare a dedicated notebook of 100+ Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi proverbs (Kahawatein) with their deeper philosophical and socio-cultural meanings for Section III of the 300-mark Essay paper.
- Substantiate every Mains GS Paper II answer with exact figures from the latest Bihar Economic Survey and Saat Nishchay-2 progress reports.
- Pay close attention to the short-answer compulsory question #1 in each section of GS I and GS II, which tests breadth across the entire syllabus.
- Read the official BPSC CCE notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
BPSC CCE FAQs
Does the Optional Subject still count toward the final merit list in BPSC CCE?
No. From the 68th BPSC onwards, the Optional Subject is a 100-mark MCQ paper that is strictly qualifying in nature, and its marks are not added to the final merit list.
What is the Third Section of the BPSC Mains Essay paper?
Section III of the 300-mark Essay paper (100 marks) focuses exclusively on Bihar-specific topics, including colloquial proverbs and sayings from Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi written in Devanagari script.
Did BPSC remove the 5-option (Option E) pattern from Prelims?
Yes, starting from the 69th Integrated BPSC Prelims, the Commission shifted to a 4-option MCQ format with a one-third (1/3) negative marking penalty for wrong answers.
Are candidates from other states allowed to appear in BPSC CCE?
Yes, any Indian citizen can apply and compete under the Unreserved (General) category, which is open to all-India candidates.
Can calculators be used in the BPSC Mains GS Paper I examination?
Simple non-programmable calculators are permitted in GS Paper I specifically for solving the 72-mark Statistical Analysis and Data Interpretation section.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for BPSC CCE?
BPSC CCE is conducted by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) across 3 stages: Preliminary Examination (Integrated PT) → Main Examination → Personality Test (Interview). Prelims (150 marks) is a screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains in a 1:10 ratio. In Mains, General Hindi and the MCQ Optional paper are qualifying only; final merit is calculated from General Studies Paper I (300), General Studies Paper II (300), Essay (300), and the Interview (120), totaling 1,020 marks.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for BPSC CCE?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university (for specialized posts like Financial Administrative Officer or Child Development Project Officer, specific degree groups in Commerce/Economics/Statistics/Maths or Home Science/Psychology/Sociology apply). Age Limit: Minimum 20, 21, or 22 years (post-dependent, with 20 years for DSP) up to 37 years for Unreserved Male; 40 years for Unreserved Female, BC, and EBC; and 42 years for SC and ST candidates.
Is there negative marking in the BPSC CCE exam?
Yes — One-third (1/3) mark deducted per wrong answer in Prelims (four-option MCQ pattern); none in descriptive Mains. Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing BPSC CCE?
Pay Level 9 (Grade Pay INR 5,400) for SDM, DSP, District Minority Welfare Officer, and Bihar Finance Service; Pay Level 7 (Grade Pay INR 4,600) for Revenue Officer, BDO, and Supply Inspector.
When is the BPSC CCE notification released and how can I apply online?
BPSC CCE is held once a year (held annually on a fixed calendar, usually with Prelims on September 30) (Notification in July or August; Prelims on September 30; Mains in January or April; Interviews in July or August). Online through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal at onlinebpsc.bihar.gov.in / bpsc.bih.nic.in.
How can I prepare for BPSC CCE on SmartRank?
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