Preliminary Examination Guidelines and Important Dates

NOTIFICATIONAdded: 27 Sep 2025

Examination Fee (Preliminary Examination)

  • Fee: Rs. 100/-
  • Additional Charges: Processing Charge and Service Tax will be borne by the candidate.
  • Payment Method: Online (Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking).
  • Payment Dates: From 2025-10-15 to 2025-11-25.
  • Important Note: Mere registration and fee payment do not imply a complete online application. The examination fee is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.

Nature of Examination: Objective

  • A preliminary examination will be conducted if more than 40,000 applications are received.
  • If a large number of applications are received, the preliminary examination may be conducted in multiple stages. In such cases, the examination results will be prepared using a normalization process.
  • The preliminary examination will be objective in nature.
  • Candidates equal to 05 (five) times the number of available vacancies, category-wise, will be selected for the main examination.
  • A separate advertisement will be published for the main examination, and preferences for posts will be obtained from the candidates.
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: In case of equal marks, candidates older by birth date will be placed higher in the merit list. If both marks and birth date are same, candidates will be ranked alphabetically (A to Z) by name in the merit list.

Preliminary Examination Structure

  • The preliminary examination will consist of one General Knowledge paper, covering the following subjects:
    • (a) General Studies
    • (b) General Science and Mathematics
    • (c) Mental Ability Test (Comprehension/Logic/Reasoning/Mental Ability)
  • Question Type: Objective and multiple-choice questions.
  • Total Questions: 150.
  • Marking Scheme: 4 marks for each correct answer. 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
  • Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes.
  • Language: Hindi/English. In case of any discrepancy between the Hindi and English questions, the English version shall be deemed valid.
  • Allowed Materials (Open Book Exam): As per clause-12 of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission Examination Conduct Rules-2010, candidates are allowed to bring three books (one for each section) into the examination hall:
    • (i) General Studies section
    • (ii) Mathematics section
    • (iii) General Science section
  • Only Text Books from NCERT/B.S.E.B/I.C.S.E. and other boards are permitted. Guides, photocopies of books, handwritten papers, notes, electronic devices, etc., are NOT allowed in the examination hall.
  • Candidates must write their name and roll number on the books they bring. Exchanging books during the examination is strictly prohibited. If anything else is found written on the books or if other materials are brought, the candidature will be cancelled, and appropriate legal action will be taken.

Preliminary Examination Syllabus

  • Section (a) General Studies: Questions will aim to assess the candidate's general awareness of their surroundings, their application in society, and a scientific outlook on current events and everyday observations. Questions related to Bihar, India, and its neighboring countries may be specifically asked.
    • (i) Contemporary Topics: Scientific progress, national/international awards, Indian languages, books, script, capital, currency, sports, important events.
    • (ii) India and its Neighboring Countries: History of neighboring countries, history of India, culture, geography, economic scenario, freedom movement, major features of Indian agriculture and natural resources, Indian Constitution and political system, Panchayati Raj, community development, five-year plans, and Bihar's contribution to national movements.
  • Section (b) General Science & Mathematics: Questions will generally be of Matriculation level.
    • (i) General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography.
    • (ii) Mathematics: Questions related to number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions, relationships between numbers, fundamental arithmetic operations, percentage, ratio and proportion, average, interest, and profit and loss.
  • Section (c) Mental Ability Test: Both verbal and non-verbal questions may be asked. Topics include analogy, similarity and differences, space visualization, problem-solving, analysis, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, arithmetical number series, coding and decoding.

Qualifying Marks

As per Resolution No. 2374, dated 2007-07-16, issued by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department (General Administration Department), candidates must obtain the following minimum qualifying marks in the written examination:

  • General Category: 40%
  • Backward Class: 36.5%
  • Extremely Backward Class: 34%
  • SC/ST: 32%
  • Women (All Categories): 32%
  • Disabled (All Categories): 32%

Important Dates and Instructions for Filling Online Application Form

  • Online Application Start Date: 2025-10-15
  • Last Date for Fee Submission: 2025-11-25
  • Last Date for Online Application Submission: 2025-11-27

Documents/Certificates Required for Online Application

Candidates must have the following documents/certificates (mark sheets and original certificates) ready:

  • a) Matric mark sheet and original certificate.
  • b) Intermediate/equivalent mark sheet and original certificate.
  • c) Typing/Computer knowledge mark sheet and original certificate.
  • d) Permanent residence/domicile certificate.
  • e) Caste certificate/Non-Creamy Layer certificate/EWS certificate.
  • f) Certificate for grandchildren of freedom fighters.
  • g) Disability certificate.
  • h) Experience certificate for contractual employment in the prescribed format.
  • i) Age relaxation certificate.
  • j) No Objection Certificate (NOC).
  • Government employees/Ex-servicemen seeking age relaxation must ensure they fill the relevant information in the prescribed column.

General Instructions

  • I. Eligibility for participation in the examination will be determined by the Commission, and its decision will be final. Issuance of an Admit Card alone does not confirm the candidate's eligibility.
  • II. Any attempt to influence the selection process through canvassing, providing false or incomplete information, or adopting unfair means will lead to the cancellation of the candidate's application.
  • III. Candidates must scan and upload their Hindi and English signatures during the online application process.
  • IV. The Commission will not be responsible for internet or banking interruptions. Candidates are advised to complete all procedures well before the deadline. No additional time will be granted for incorrect payments or failed transactions.
  • V. Candidates should review their application using the "Preview" option before clicking "Submit". If any corrections are needed, use the "Edit" option to make changes before final submission.
  • VI. Only one online application per candidate is allowed. If a candidate submits more than one application (even from different addresses), all their applications will be rejected, and their candidature will be cancelled.
  • VII. A valid and active mobile number and email ID are mandatory for future communication. Entering incorrect or invalid contact information may lead to difficulties in receiving important updates.

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