Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
BPSC CCE is conducted annually for executive state civil services appointments in the Government of Bihar. The modernized pattern incorporates 1/3rd negative marking in Prelims, an Essay paper in Mains, and an objective qualifying Optional paper.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 1020 Marks (Mains 900 + Interview 120)| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims: General Studies | 150 Questions (History, Bihar Special, Current Affairs, Science) | 150 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Mains: General Hindi (Qualifying) | Descriptive Essay, Grammar, Translation | 100 Marks (Need 30% to pass) | 3 Hours |
| Mains: GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2 & Essay | GS 1 (300 M) + GS 2 (300 M) + Essay (300 M) | 900 Marks | 3 Hours per paper |
| Mains: Optional Subject (Qualifying MCQ) | 100 Objective Questions | 100 Marks (Qualifying only) | 2 Hours |
| Personality Test (Interview) | Board Interview | 120 Marks | 30 Minutes |
Prelims: +1 mark for correct, -1/3 mark for incorrect answer. Mains: 900 marks determine merit + 120 interview marks. Total 1020 Marks.
Negative Marking Rule: One-third (-1/3) mark penalty on Prelims
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Prelims general male cutoff typically ranges between 88 and 92 marks out of 150.
Recruited Posts, Services & Cadres
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the optional subject marks counted in BPSC final merit?
No, in the revised BPSC pattern, the Optional Subject is an objective MCQ paper and is purely qualifying in nature. Final merit is decided on GS-1, GS-2, Essay, and Interview.
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