Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)
Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)
Complete Exam Pattern & Selection Process
Introduction
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) for the recruitment of candidates into various Group A and Group B services in the Bihar state administration.
Key Posts Recruited through BPSC CCE:
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
- Bihar Administrative Service
- District Commander
- Prison and Correctional Services Inspector
- Block Development Officer (BDO)
- Revenue Officer (RO)
- Assistant Director
- Supply Inspector
- Labour Enforcement Officer
- District Planning Officer
These examinations are held at intervals of one to two years, depending on vacancies, and are not conducted annually.
Exam Process — Overview
Stage | Type | Duration | Total Marks |
Prelims | Objective | 2 Hours | 150 Marks |
Mains | Descriptive / Objective Optional Paper (Qualifying) | 3 Hrs (Descriptive) + 2 Hrs (Optional) | 1000 Marks |
Interview | Personality Test | Not Defined | 120 Marks |
Preliminary Examination
Process
- Notification is released first; online application begins thereafter.
- Preliminary exam is held 3 to 4 months after the application process.
- Conducted in a single shift on the same day across various state centers.
- Question paper is available in Hindi and English; English version prevails in dispute.
- Qualifying in nature — marks not added to mains or interview.
- Candidates selected for Mains: 10 times the total notified vacancies.
Exam Structure
Aspect | Details |
Nature | Objective type — 4 options per question |
Total Questions | 150 Questions |
Maximum Marks | 150 Marks |
Duration | 2 Hours |
Passing Criteria | Generally 60–70% (varies with difficulty) |
Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
Wrong Answer | -1/3 Mark (negative marking) |
Multiple Answers | Treated as incorrect |
Mains Examination
Candidates who qualify Prelims appear for Mains at centers in Patna. Total merit marks = 900 (excluding qualifying General Hindi and Optional papers).
Paper Structure
Subject | Nature | Marks | Duration | Remarks |
General Hindi | Descriptive (Qualifying) | 100 | 3 Hrs | Min 30% required; not in merit list |
General Studies I | Descriptive | 300 | 3 Hrs | Included in merit list |
General Studies II | Descriptive | 300 | 3 Hrs | Included in merit list |
Essay | Descriptive | 300 | 3 Hrs | Included in merit list |
Optional Subject | MCQ-based (Qualifying) | 100 | 2 Hrs | Not in merit list; min qualifying marks apply |
Optional Subject — Key Points
- Candidates select one optional subject from the BPSC-provided list.
- Standard: equivalent to 3-year Honours level of Patna University.
- Once selected, the optional subject cannot be changed.
- Paper is MCQ-based and qualifying in nature.
Qualifying Marks — Optional Subject
Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
General | 40% |
Backward Classes (BC) | 36.5% |
Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) | 34% |
SC / ST / Women / Disabled | 32% |
Merit List & Examination Rules
Category | Details |
Merit List | Based on combined marks of GS I, GS II & Essay papers |
Language | Hindi (Devanagari), English, or Urdu. English technical terms permitted. |
Answer Writing | In own handwriting. No assistance allowed. |
Answer Quality | Credit for organised, concise, and effectively expressed answers. |
Calculator | Allowed in GS-I Mains (statistical work only). Strictly prohibited in Prelims. |
Rechecking | Rs. 5 per subject via IPO. Request within 60 days of result. |
Interview / Personality Test
- Conducted approximately one month after the Mains result.
- Number of candidates invited: 2.5 times the available seats.
- Total weightage: 120 marks.
- Assessed through oral questions by commission members.
- Duration may extend over several days depending on candidate count.
- Final merit list = Mains marks + Interview marks.
- Final selected candidate list released within one week of interview completion.
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