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Competitive exams like the UPSC Exam and BPSC Exam remain some of India’s toughest public service recruitment processes. Many candidates often find themselves aiming for both, either by choice or due to overlapping syllabi and career prospects. This article provides a clear, factual, and structured guide on how to prepare for UPSC and BPSC simultaneously while also addressing their key similarities, differences, syllabus overlaps, exam structures, and strategies for different aspirant categories.

Also Read: UPSC Exam Syllabus

Also Read: BPSC Full Form

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: Understanding the UPSC and BPSC Exams

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts India’s central civil services examination to recruit officers for various prestigious All India Services and Central Services. Similarly, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is the constitutional body responsible for recruiting civil servants for the Bihar state government.

Though both are administrative exams, their jurisdiction, pattern, and depth differ. Aspirants often seek clarity on whether UPSC or BPSC is the bigger job, and if both can be prepared for together effectively.

Also Read: UPSC Prelims Syllabus

Also Read: BPSC Prelims

Which Job is Bigger: UPSC or BPSC?

The question of which job is bigger, UPSC or BPSC, depends on the scope of responsibility and authority associated with each.

• UPSC recruits officers like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS who work at the national or all-India level.
• BPSC recruits for state administrative posts like SDM, Deputy SP, and Tehsildar within Bihar.

In terms of administrative hierarchy, UPSC recruits are higher in scale and policy impact. However, BPSC officers hold significant power within the state, often operating independently in district and divisional roles.

Also Read: UPSC Prelims PYQs

Also Read: BPSC Prelims Syllabus

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: Similarities between UPSC and BPSC Exams

Aspirants often choose to prepare for both exams because of several overlapping features:

These similarities between UPSC and BPSC Exams make it practical to pursue them together, provided one understands their nuances.

Also Read: UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Also Read: BPSC Mains Answer Writing

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: Differences between UPSC and BPSC Exams

Despite overlaps, there are distinct UPSC and BPSC Exam differences aspirants should note:

Recognizing these UPSC and BPSC Exam differences ensures candidates modify their approach where needed.

Also Read: Books for UPSC Mains

Also Read: BPSC Mains Strategy

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: UPSC and BPSC Syllabus Similarities

Both exams cover broadly similar subjects in their Prelims and Mains stages:

The UPSC and BPSC syllabus similarities allow candidates to follow a common core syllabus with minor adaptations.

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: UPSC and BPSC Syllabus Differences

While the core subjects overlap, UPSC and BPSC syllabus differences emerge primarily in:

• BPSC includes Bihar-specific topics like state history, economy, culture, geography, administrative setup, and current affairs.
• UPSC covers international affairs and deeper conceptual topics like world history, internal security, and disaster management in greater detail.
• The UPSC essay paper demands more abstract, philosophical topics, while BPSC essays remain India or Bihar-centric.

Being aware of these ensures efficient UPSC and BPSC strategy customization.

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: UPSC and BPSC Exam Difficulty Level

When comparing the UPSC and BPSC Exam difficulty level, one must consider scope, competition, and question complexity:

UPSC remains objectively tougher due to its scale, conceptual questions, and broader policy implications.

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: Can UPSC and BPSC Be Prepared Within 1 Year?

Yes, it is possible to prepare for both UPSC and BPSC within one year, provided the study plan is focused and disciplined. Here’s how:

• Prioritize Common Subjects
  Start by completing overlapping topics like Indian history, polity, economy, geography, and environment. This builds a shared foundation for both exams.
• Follow a Structured Timeline
  Divide the year into phases — initial six months for covering NCERTs and standard reference books, followed by three months for solving previous years’ papers and the final three months for revision and BPSC-specific topics.
• Integrate Daily Current Affairs
  Regularly read newspapers and monthly compilations. Make concise notes covering national, international, and Bihar-specific issues relevant to both exams.
• Practice Both UPSC and BPSC Papers
  Solve prelims and mains papers from past years for both commissions. This will help identify differences in question patterns and difficulty levels.
• Dedicate Focused Time to State-Specific Topics
  In the last three months, focus on BPSC-specific areas like Bihar history, culture, geography, and state government schemes.
• Maintain Consistent Revision
  Allocate regular time for revising both conceptual topics for UPSC and factual areas for BPSC. Use short notes and test series to track progress.
• Balance Optional Subject Selection
  Choose an optional subject available in both exams if possible. This reduces preparation load and increases scoring potential in mains.
• Manage Time Effectively
  Plan a realistic daily and weekly study routine. Working professionals should aim for 3 hours on weekdays and longer sessions on weekends.

By following this structured, point-wise approach, aspirants can realistically prepare for both UPSC and BPSC within one year.

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: UPSC and BPSC Strategy

A unified UPSC and BPSC strategy should balance core commonalities with distinct differences:

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: UPSC and BPSC Strategy for Working Professionals

For aspirants managing jobs:

• Dedicate 3–4 hours on weekdays, 7–8 hours on weekends.
• Use audio lectures and podcasts for current affairs during the commute.
• Attempt BPSC Prelims soon after UPSC Prelims for continuity.
• Focus on BPSC-specific current affairs in the final month.

Smart time management and strategic prioritization make simultaneous preparation feasible for working professionals.

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously: UPSC and BPSC Booklist

A common UPSC and BPSC booklist helps optimize effort:

This integrated list supports both UPSC and BPSC simultaneously.

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Are you preparing for BPSC Mains 2025? Join IAShub’s BPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!

Attempting UPSC and BPSC together is a pragmatic, achievable goal for serious aspirants. The overlapping syllabus, exam structures, and preparation resources make it possible to develop a consolidated strategy while adjusting for each exam’s unique demands. A clear understanding of UPSC and BPSC similarities and differences ensures candidates use their time and resources efficiently.

How to Prepare for UPSC and BPSC Simultaneously FAQs

How to prepare for UPSC and BPSC simultaneously?

Focus on their shared syllabus first, covering history, polity, economy, and environment together. Add Bihar-specific topics for BPSC. Use common resources, test series, and revise regularly.

Which job is bigger: UPSC or BPSC?

 UPSC posts like IAS and IPS are higher in authority and policy scope than BPSC roles. BPSC officers serve within Bihar and hold important district-level responsibilities.

What are the similarities between UPSC and BPSC exams?

Both have Prelims, Mains, and Interviews with common subjects like history, polity, and economy. Eligibility, essay papers, and Ethics syllabus are also similar for both exams.

What are the key differences between UPSC and BPSC exams?

The UPSC is national-level, BPSC is state-specific. UPSC covers international affairs and deeper concepts, while BPSC includes Bihar topics. Competition and vacancies also differ.

Can UPSC and BPSC be prepared within two months?

For beginners, two months is too short. Candidates with prior preparation can revise both syllabi, focusing on BPSC-specific areas after UPSC Mains for better chances.

Should I drop BPSC for UPSC?

Only if targeting IAS or IPS exclusively. Most aspirants attempt both as their syllabi overlap and BPSC offers a secure career within Bihar’s administrative services.

What is the UPSC and BPSC exam difficulty level?

UPSC is tougher due to broader coverage, deeper questions, and higher competition. BPSC is moderately difficult, focusing on factual, state-centric content with fewer vacancies.