BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026: Download GS Paper Syllabus PDF
The BPSC Preliminary Exam 2026 is the first stage for those who want to become a part of the civil services of Bihar. The examination will take place on 26th July 2026 and will include 1,189 posts. There will be one General Studies paper which will carry 150 marks and will be of 2 hours duration. The syllabus includes topics related to History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Current Affairs. Download the BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 pdf from this page.
Key Points
- BPSC notified 72nd CCE 2026; Prelims exam on July 26, 2026, with 1,189 vacancies.
- Prelims are objective (MCQ) with negative marking; General Studies syllabus includes current affairs.
- Download the BPSC 72nd Prelims Syllabus 2026 PDF for detailed subject-wise topics.
BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026: The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has notified the dates for its 72nd Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2026. This is one of the most prestigious examinations that students take if they dream of becoming officials of Bihar’s state government service. Thousands of candidates register and give this examination every year. The prelims test is the first step towards success in this examination. One needs to qualify in the prelims exam in order to sit for the Mains test. Having knowledge about the complete syllabus is crucial to prepare in the right direction.
BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Bihar Public Service Commission officially published the 72nd BPSC Notification 2026 on May 5th, 2026. The Prelims examination will take place on Sunday, 26th July 2026. The total number of vacancies announced by BPSC for the posts of Sub-Divisional Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and others is 1,189. The type of examination for the Prelims is objective (based on MCQs). It is a qualifying test; therefore, there will be no marks in the merit list. There is negative marking in the exam, one third of marks deducted for each incorrect answer. It includes General Studies (current affairs).
BPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The BPSC 72nd Prelims examination contains objective-type MCQs on General Studies. The total time duration for this exam is 2 hours with a total mark of 150. There are five options given against each question as A, B, C, D, and E. If the aspirant does not want to attempt the particular question, they should choose option number E. Choosing none of the above options results in negative marking. One-third negative marking is awarded for each incorrect answer. Prelims are considered to be a qualifying round only and their marks do not count in the merit list.
BPSC Prelims Subject-wise Syllabus 2026
In the BPSC 72nd Prelims Exam, there will be a single test which includes a General Studies paper. This will include questions on various subjects ranging from current affairs in India and Internationally. The list is given below:
1. History and Indian National Movement
Questions related to the topics of history, politics, economy, and Indian National Movement will form a part of this section. Candidates should prepare well because the questions are of high quality.
2. Geography
Geography includes Indian and world geography, which can be further divided into physical, social, and economic geography. Geography related to Bihar should be prepared by the candidates in detail along with other geographic facts about the world.
3. Indian Polity & Governance
This section consists of questions on the Constitution of India, Parliament, state legislatures, rights and duties of the citizens, and the process of elections. Often, questions relating to Bihar’s governance are also included.
4. Indian Economy
These questions will focus on Indian economics as well as Bihar specific topics. The candidates should focus on subjects like planning, budgets, banking, poverty, agriculture, and infrastructure development of Bihar.
5. General Science
General Science is a subject that requires secondary school-level knowledge. Subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are included. For Physics, the topics to prepare for include motion, light, electricity, and magnetism. Chemistry has areas like elements, compounds, acids, and bases. In Biology, preparation for topics like cellular structure, human body, diseases, and nutrition is necessary.
6. Current Affairs
The area of Current Affairs has information about current national and international affairs. These are matters like government initiatives/policies, sports news, awards and honors, appointments, summits/meetings, and current affairs of India.
BPSC Prelims Syllabus 2026 PDF
Candidates can download the BPSC 72nd Prelims Syllabus 2026 PDF through the direct link given below and are advised to read it properly before applying for the BPSC. Download the official syllabus using the link given below.
Download Bihar 72nd Prelims Syllabus 2026 PDF
Books to Prepare for BPSC Prelims 2026
The candidates who are planning to appear for the BPSC 72nd Prelims exam must know the standard books that are recommended by most toppers to start the preparation journey, These books are listed below:
| Subject | Key Topics | Recommended Books |
| History | Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, Freedom Struggle, Bihar’s Role |
|
| Geography | Indian & World Geography, Bihar Geography, Rivers, Climate | Class 6-12 NCERTs; Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong for physical concepts |
| Polity | Constitution, Parliament, Fundamental Rights, Bihar Administration | Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth. |
| Economy | Planning, Budget, Ranking, Poverty, Bihar Economy | NCERTs and Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh. |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 10 Level) | Lucent's General Science or Class 6-10 NCERTs |
| Current Affairs |
|
|
| Environment | Ecology, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Environmental Issues | Environment & Ecology by Majid Husain |
BPSC 72nd Prelims 2026: Highlights
Interested candidates can check the highlights table given below for a detailed understanding of the BPSC 72nd Prelims Syllabus 2026.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSE) |
| Exam Name | 72nd Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,189 |
| Application Date | May 7 - 31, 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | July 26, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-Based) |
| Subject | General Studies |
| Paper Type | Objective (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ Marks per wrong answer |
| Language | English & Hindi |
| Official Website | bpsc.bihar.gov.in |
Upasna is an education journalist and subject matter expert with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape. Currently contributing to the Exam Prep Section of Jagran Josh, Upasna specializes in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations. Her academic expertise, coupled with her own firsthand experience preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, helps her provide strategic preparation insights and a comprehensive perspective to aspirants. She holds a Master's degree in Forensic Chemical Sciences. Apart from delivering valuable exam resources, Upasna is a passionate communications professional who also enjoys reading and writing.