📌 BPSC 72nd CCE Prelims 2026 – Quick Snapshot

Based on official notification by BPSC (Advertisement 72nd CCE). Verified: May 2026.

Expert note: The preliminary exam is only screening. Candidates must also qualify General Hindi paper (30% marks) in mains, though it is not counted for merit.

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📅 Important Dates

📊 Vacancy & Category Analysis

Insight: As per previous BPSC CCE cycles, the highest number of seats are usually in general administration and police services. PwD candidates (benchmark disability ≥40%) get 4% horizontal reservation provided they are original Bihar residents. Women candidates get 35% horizontal reservation across all categories. Keep checking BPSC website for final increase in vacancy numbers.

💰 Salary & In‑Hand Calculation

Breakdown estimates: DA (currently ~50% of basic), HRA (class B cities 16-20%), NPS deduction (~10% basic). Final in‑hand after standard deductions may be ₹42,000 – ₹48,000. Confirm from official BPSC notice after pay scales are released.

💸 Application Fee

Payment mode: online (net banking, credit/debit card, UPI). Fee is non‑refundable. Do not pay more than the listed amount – BPSC never asks for extra charges via third parties.

🎂 Age Limit (as on 01‑08‑2026)

*Minimum age depends on service: 20 yrs for Child Dev Officer, 21 yrs for most CCE posts, 22 yrs for others. Example: A general category male candidate born on 02‑08‑1989 will be 37 years exactly on 01‑08‑2026 (eligible). OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation so up to 40 years.

🎓 Educational Qualification (Post‑wise)

Final year students can apply only if they complete graduation by 31‑05‑2026. Equivalent degrees from UGC recognised universities are accepted. No prior experience required for any of these posts.

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⚙️ Selection Process

Preliminary Examination (Objective)

150 marks, 2 hours duration, multiple choice with 5 options (A,B,C,D,E). Negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer. Special rule: If a candidate does not select any option (including E), 1/3 mark will still be deducted. Answering E (no answer) is mandatory to avoid penalty.

Mains (Written) Examination

General Hindi (qualifying, 100 marks, 30% mandatory), General Studies Paper I & II (300 marks each), and one optional subject (300 marks) relevant to the post. General Hindi marks not counted for merit.

Interview (Personality Test)

120 marks. Candidates clearing mains will be called for interview (2.5 times vacancies). Final merit list based on mains + interview (total 1020 marks).

Your first 7 days after applying: 1) Download Prelims syllabus PDF from BPSC site. 2) Practice negative marking mock tests (5‑option pattern). 3) Gather caste/residence certificates for OTR upload. 4) Check your category relaxation eligibility (PwD, EWS, etc.). 5) Start focusing on Bihar specific history and geography section.

📖 Exam Syllabus (Preliminary)

Subjects as per BPSC notification:

• General Science
• Current events of national & international importance
• History of India and main features of Bihar history
• General Geography, major geographical divisions of Bihar & important rivers
• Indian polity and economy
• Major changes in Bihar economy after independence
• Indian national movement and contribution of Bihar
• General Mental ability / reasoning

No detailed chapter‑wise topics mentioned. Candidates should use standard BPSC prelims guides and previous years’ papers.

🖥️ How to Apply Online (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Visit BPSC official website – https://bpsconline.bihar.gov.in
2. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) – New user registration; get OTP on email/mobile.
3. Fill profile: Personal details, address, category, disability (if any), educational qualification, experience (if any).
4. Upload scanned photo via webcam (white background) and signatures (English & Hindi) in JPG/PDF format.
5. Lock profile and then go to “New Application” tab to select the advertisement for 72nd CCE / CDPO / FAO / Protection Officer.
6. Pay application fee (₹100 per exam) + ₹200 extra biometric fee if Aadhaar not provided.
7. Re‑verify all details, submit, and download the final application PDF and receipt.
8. Keep a hard copy of filled application and all uploaded certificates until final result.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the approximate in‑hand salary of BPSC 72nd CCE officer?

Official pay scale not yet released. For similar state civil services posts (e.g., Bihar Administrative Service), gross monthly approx. ₹50,000 – ₹55,000 before deductions. After NPS, tax, etc., in‑hand may be ₹42,000 – ₹48,000.

What is the last date to apply for BPSC 72nd CCE Prelims 2026?

31 May 2026. The application window is very short (25 days). Complete OTR and document upload before 30 May.

How many total vacancies are there?

Final vacancy numbers will be updated on BPSC website after department requisitions. Currently no specific total published.

What is the minimum educational qualification for FAO post?

Graduation in Commerce, Economics, Mathematics or Statistics from a recognised university.

What is age relaxation for OBC candidates?

OBC/BC and EBC candidates get maximum age limit 40 years (instead of 37 for UR male). No additional relaxation beyond that except for PwD (+10 years) and government servants (+5 years).

What is the application fee for UR candidate?

₹100 per exam (if applying for 72nd CCE, separate ₹100 for CDPO, separate ₹100 for FAO, separate ₹100 for Protection Officer). No fee exemption for any category.

Can final year graduation students apply?

Yes, provided they complete graduation degree by the last date of application (31‑05‑2026) and produce documentary proof later.

Is there negative marking in prelims?

Yes. 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer. Even if you leave a question completely unmarked (no option selected), 1/3 mark will be deducted. Always select ‘E’ if you want to skip.