BPSC Process of Preliminary Examination

This competitive exam conducted by BPSC generally consists of three levels sequentially-

1. Preliminary Examination – Objective Nature
2. Main Exam – Objective & Descriptive Nature
3. Interview – Oral

Process of Preliminary Examination

• First of all, the release related to the examination is issued by the commission, after that the process of filling the online application form starts. The detailed information related to the process of filling the form is given under the heading ‘How to apply online?’
• A detailed description of various aspects related to the said examination is given in the release. Therefore, it is beneficial to study it before filling the form.
• After the completion of the form filling process, the preliminary examination is usually conducted after 3 to 4 months.
• The preliminary examination is conducted on the same day at different centers of the state as decided by the commission.
• The preliminary examination conducted by the commission is objective in nature, in which one has to choose one correct option out of four given options for each question – (A, B, C and D).
• The selected option related to the question has to be filled with black or blue ballpoint pen at the appropriate place in the respective circle in front of it in the OMR sheet given by the commission.
• At present, in this preliminary examination of the commission, unlike other states, only one question paper is asked from General Studies (objective), in which the total number of questions is 150 and maximum marks are 150. Candidates have to answer this within the time limit of two hours prescribed by the commission.
• Generally 60-70% marks are required to pass in this exam, but sometimes this percentage can be less depending on the difficulty level of the questions.
• There is a provision for negative marking. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark and 0.33 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
• If a candidate gives more than one answer to a question, that answer will be treated as wrong.
• The question papers are given in two languages (Hindi and English). In case of any dispute regarding the language of the question, preference will be given to the questions printed in English language.
• The preliminary examination is qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in this are not added with the marks of the main exam or interview.

What is the change in the Preliminary Exam?

• Now on the basis of this examination, the number of candidates to be selected for the Main Examination will be ten times the total notified vacancies (earlier this number was about 10% of the total number of candidates appeared in the Preliminary Examination).
• There is no change in the syllabus, question paper, question number, distribution of marks etc. of the preliminary examination. For detailed description of the syllabus, read the course title.