📝 BPSC Mains – An Overview
- Exam Stage: Second stage after Prelims
- Mode: Offline (Pen-paper based)
- Total Number of Papers: 5
- Total Marks: 1100
- Type: Descriptive (except Optional which is objective)
Note: General Hindi and Optional Subject are qualifying in nature, while marks of GS Papers and Essay count towards merit.
📚 BPSC Mains Paper-Wise Structure
| Paper | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hindi | 100 | 3 hours | Qualifying |
| General Studies Paper I | 300 | 3 hours | Merit |
| General Studies Paper II | 300 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Essay | 300 | 3 hours | Merit |
| Optional Subject | 100 | 3 hours | Qualifying (Objective) |
🖋️ Essay Paper in BPSC Mains
The newly added Essay paper has become a critical scoring area. It requires candidates to write two essays from the given choices. Topics span across social, political, economic, philosophical, and environmental themes — many rooted in Bihar’s development issues as well.
Essay Paper Details:
- Total Marks: 300
- Number of Questions: 3 choices in each section, attempt one from each
- Sections: 2
- Words per Essay: ~1000–1200
- Topics include current affairs, ethics, governance, and Bihar-specific challenges
This change reflects the emphasis on evaluating analytical and writing skills along with awareness of socio-political issues. Essay writing practice has now become a non-negotiable part of BPSC Mains preparation.
📖 General Hindi – Qualifying Paper
Though not included in the merit list, the Hindi paper must be cleared with a minimum of 30% marks. This paper tests the following:
- Essay (30 marks)
- Grammar (30 marks)
- Sentence correction (20 marks)
- Précis writing (20 marks)
Aspirants must practice these components and ensure legibility, correctness, and format while writing in Hindi.
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📘 General Studies Paper I
This paper covers:
- Modern Indian History and National Movement
- Bihar’s Contribution to Indian Freedom Struggle
- Geography – India and Bihar
- Indian Culture and Heritage
Answers should be structured, fact-based with relevant examples, and whenever possible include Bihar-specific illustrations.
📗 General Studies Paper II
This paper includes topics such as:
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Governance and Social Justice
- Economic Development (India and Bihar)
- Science and Technology
- Environment and Climate Change
- Current Affairs
The answers should showcase analytical thinking, clarity of concepts, and relevance to Bihar’s economic and governance landscape.
🎯 Optional Subject (Qualifying)
The optional paper, once a merit-deciding factor, has been made objective and qualifying with a threshold percentage to clear. It still holds importance because not qualifying it will disqualify a candidate, irrespective of GS and Essay scores.
Popular Optional Subjects:
- Geography
- Public Administration
- History
- Political Science & IR
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Law
- Philosophy
📊 Marking Scheme and Merit Calculation
- GS Paper I: 300 Marks
- GS Paper II: 300 Marks
- Essay: 300 Marks
- Interview: 120 Marks
- Total for Merit: 1020 Marks
- BPSC syllabus
The General Hindi and Optional Subject papers are qualifying in nature and not counted in the final merit list.
✍️ Answer Writing Strategy for BPSC Mains
- Daily answer writing is key — target at least 2 answers/day.
- Focus on clarity, structure (intro-body-conclusion), and use of subheadings.
- Support answers with data, Bihar-specific examples, and recent schemes.
- Incorporate flowcharts, diagrams, and keywords.
- Time-bound writing practice is essential before the exam.
🧠 Essay Writing Tips
- Begin with brainstorming and outline formation.
- Follow a narrative, logical structure with thematic clarity.
- Write impactful introductions and balanced conclusions.
- Stay updated with editorials and contemporary examples.
- Use simple language and avoid unnecessary jargon.
📌 Final Thoughts
The BPSC Mains Exam Pattern has become more holistic and rigorous with the addition of the Essay Paper. It now tests not just subject knowledge but also clarity of thought, articulation, and regional awareness.
Aspirants must adopt an integrated preparation strategy that includes content mastery, answer writing skills, and consistent revision. The optional paper, though qualifying, should not be neglected, and the Essay paper should be practiced weekly.
Success in the BPSC Mains depends on how well you balance preparation across all components — GS, Essay, Optional, and Hindi. Stay disciplined, stay consistent, and keep practicing. All the best!
About the Author: Tushar Kumar
An MBA Post graduate. In teaching industry since 9 years and has worked with google in advertising and Publishing. Worked with Airtel in sales. TaTa in Hospitality