Name *

Email Address *

Phone *

Select *ExamUPSCUPPCSBPSC

Select *MediumEnglishHindi

Submit

Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) to recruit candidates for administrative, financial, police, and other state services. One of the most important aspects of exam preparation is knowing the BPSC Subject List for Prelims and Mains.

The updated BPSC Syllabus 2025 has introduced new changes, including a separate Essay Paper in Mains. Aspirants must carefully understand the compulsory and optional subject lists to plan their preparation effectively.

This article provides the complete BPSC Subject List for Prelims, Mains, and Optional Papers along with their marks distribution.

Also Read: BPSC ASO Prelims Result 2025

BPSC Exam Pattern 2025 Overview

BPSC exam is conducted in three stages:

1. Prelims – Qualifying in nature, objective type (MCQs).
2. Mains – Written descriptive exam with compulsory and optional papers.
3. Interview – Personality test based on knowledge, confidence, and suitability for administration.

Also Read: BPSC AEDO Syllabus

BPSC Subject List for Prelims 2025

BPSC subject list for Prelims exam consists of one paper on General Studies (GS). It is an objective-type paper with 150 questions carrying 1 mark each.

Note: The Prelims syllabus is common for all candidates and acts as a screening test for the Mains exam.

BPSC Subject List 2025 for Mains (Compulsory Papers)

BPSC subject list  Mains exam is descriptive and consists of four compulsory papers:

Note: General Hindi is the only qualifying in BPSC subject list. Candidates must secure 30% marks, but its score is not added to the final merit list. The newly added Essay Paper (300 marks) in BPSC subject list plays a crucial role in the final merit ranking.

BPSC Subject List for Mains 2025 (General Studies Papers)

BPSC Subject List for Mains has General Studies (GS) Papers I and II, which cover the following subjects:

General Studies Paper I

• Indian Culture (with emphasis on Bihar)
• Modern History of India (19th century onwards)
• History of Bihar (Role in the Independence movement)
• Current Events of National and International Importance
• Statistical Analysis, Graphs, and Diagrams

General Studies Paper II

• Indian Polity (including Bihar’s administrative system)
• Indian Economy and Bihar Economy
• Science and Technology Developments
• Geography of India and Bihar
• Role of Bihar in the Green Revolution and Agriculture

Also Read: BPSC ASO Cut off

BPSC Optional Subject List 2025

One of the most important aspects of the Mains is the BPSC subject list Optional Paper (300 marks). Candidates must choose one optional subject from the list provided by BPSC.

Here’s the complete list of BPSC subject list, optional subjects:

NOTE: Candidates should choose an optional subject based on their background, interest, and availability of study materials from the given BPSC subject list.

Also Read: BPSC Exam Calendar 2025

BPSC Subject-Wise Marks Distribution

Here’s a quick look at the subject distribution in the BPSC Mains exam:

NOTE: Including the Interview (120 marks), the total = 1320 marks.

Also Read: How to Prepare BPSC Exam

Prelims vs Mains BPSC subject list

Here’s a visual bar chart comparing the BPSC subject list distribution in BPSC Prelims and Mains 2025.

Importance of BPSC Subject List 2025

1. Guides Preparation Strategy – Knowing the subjects helps in prioritizing study plans.
2. Optional Subject Choice – Plays a deciding role in merit ranking due to its 300 marks weightage.
3. Balance Between GS & Optional – Candidates must prepare both GS papers and optional subjects with equal seriousness.
4. Essay Paper’s New Role – With the introduction of the essay paper, aspirants must practice structured writing.

Also Read: BPSC AEDO Recruitment 2025

Tips to Choose the Right Optional Subject for BPSC

Here is the details for opting for the optional from BPSC subject list:

1. Background Knowledge – Pick a subject related to your graduation for a better understanding.
2. Availability of Resources – Ensure books, notes, and coaching support are easily available.
3. Scoring Pattern – Check the previous year’s trend of scoring in that optional subject.
4. Interest and Comfort – Choose a subject you enjoy studying, as it requires deep preparation.

Are you preparing for UPSC and BPSC? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enrol now!

Conclusion

The BPSC Subject List 2025 provides clarity on what to study for Prelims and Mains. While Prelims has a single General Studies paper, the Mains consists of four compulsory papers and one optional subject. With the recent addition of a 300-mark essay paper, the preparation strategy needs to adapt BPSC subject list accordingly.

Aspirants should carefully analyze the BPSC subject list, marks distribution, and optional choices to maximize their chances of success. With smart planning and consistent preparation, cracking the 71st BPSC CCE 2025 becomes achievable.

BPSC Subject List FAQs

Q1. How many subjects are there in BPSC Prelims according to BPSC subject list?

The BPSC Prelims consists of only one paper, General Studies (GS), which covers six areas: General Science, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Mental Ability.

Q2. What are the compulsory subjects in the BPSC subject list?

The compulsory papers in BPSC Mains are General Hindi (100 marks, qualifying only), General Studies I (300 marks), General Studies II (300 marks), and a newly introduced Essay Paper (300 marks).

Q3. How many optional subjects can I choose in BPSC Mains 2025 from BPSC subject list?

Candidates must choose one optional subject from a list of 30+ subjects, such as History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, and Literature subjects.

Q4. Is the General Hindi paper included in the BPSC subject list?

No, the General Hindi paper is only qualifying. Candidates must score a minimum of 30 marks; however, these marks are not included in the final merit ranking.

Q5. Which optional subject is best for BPSC mains 2025?

There is no fixed “best” subject, but History, Geography, Political Science, and Sociology are popular choices due to the availability of study material, overlap with GS papers, and past scoring trends.