The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is conducting its 71st Preliminary Examination today. This crucial test will take place across 37 districts of Bihar. More than 4.7 lakh candidates had initially registered for the exam. The Commission has established 912 centers across the state to accommodate the massive number of applicants.

The BPSC has emphasized transparent and fair conduct. Strict measures have been adopted to prevent malpractice. Candidates have also been provided with detailed guidelines to ensure a smooth process. The examination is a gateway to several prestigious posts in Bihar’s administrative services.

Candidate Count Drops Before Examination Day

Although over 4.7 lakh aspirants applied for the BPSC 71st Preliminary Examination, only 3.45 lakh downloaded their admit cards by Friday evening. This indicates that around 1.25 lakh candidates had already withdrawn from the process before the exam.

This trend is not new. Last year, during the 70th BPSC examination, more than 40,000 candidates did not appear despite collecting their admit cards. Considering the pattern, the final attendance in this year’s examination may remain significantly lower than the total registration.

Examination Centers Across 37 Districts

The BPSC 71st Preliminary Examination is scheduled in 912 centers spread across 37 districts of Bihar. The examination will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Candidate entry at the centers begins at 9:30 AM and will close strictly at 11:00 AM. Those arriving late will not be allowed to enter under any circumstances.

The Commission has banned all electronic gadgets inside the examination halls. Candidates will undergo a three-tier checking system before entering the center. The examination is being conducted to fill 1,298 government posts. District administrations have been given special instructions to maintain discipline and order at every center. Magistrates have been deployed at all centers to ensure security and transparency.

Strict Measures for a Fair Examination

The BPSC has introduced extensive arrangements to ensure a fair examination. Every examination center is equipped with CCTV surveillance and mobile jammers. Biometric attendance of candidates will be recorded to prevent impersonation.

The entire examination process will be monitored online. The Commission has warned that any candidate caught indulging in malpractice will face strict consequences. Such candidates will not only be barred from this examination but will also be disqualified from appearing in any BPSC examination for the next five years.

Spreading rumors or misinformation related to the examination will also attract penalties. Those found guilty of circulating false information may face a ban of up to three years from BPSC examinations.

Instructions for Candidates

Candidates have been advised to strictly follow all examination rules and guidelines. Entry after the scheduled time will not be permitted. Any violation of examination norms will result in severe consequences. The Commission has also highlighted the importance of carrying only essential documents such as admit cards and valid photo identification.

Candidates must avoid carrying prohibited items like calculators, smartwatches, and mobile phones. They should reach their centers well in advance to complete the security checks smoothly. The BPSC has stressed that cooperation from candidates is crucial in maintaining a fair examination environment.

Provision for Objections and Complaints

In a new initiative, the BPSC has introduced a formal process for raising objections. If candidates find discrepancies in the question paper or examination process, they can file a written complaint within 48 hours. The complaint must be supported by an affidavit notarized by a public notary.

This step has been taken to enhance transparency and address candidate concerns in a structured manner. The Commission has appealed to all candidates to refrain from sharing unverified information. Only official communication from the BPSC should be trusted regarding examination matters.

Security Measures and Local Administration Role

The district administrations have been instructed to maintain law and order throughout the examination period. Police deployment has been increased near centers to avoid any disruptions. Special squads have been formed to check unauthorized gatherings or suspicious activity near the centers.

Magistrates and senior officers will be present to supervise the examination process directly. This multi-layered security setup is expected to prevent malpractice and ensure a peaceful examination environment.

Importance of the BPSC 71st Examination

The BPSC Preliminary Examination is a vital step for candidates aspiring to join Bihar’s administrative services. Thousands of candidates see it as the gateway to stable and prestigious careers. The 71st edition of this examination is particularly significant, as it offers 1,298 vacancies across various government departments.

Success in the preliminary exam will allow candidates to appear for the mains examination, followed by an interview process. The final selection opens doors to roles that directly contribute to governance and development in Bihar.

Challenges Faced by Candidates

Despite the excitement and preparation, many candidates face challenges on the day of the examination. Travel to centers located in remote areas is often difficult, especially when centers are allocated far from home districts. Candidates also need to manage exam stress and ensure they reach the venue on time.

The strict entry timings mean that even minor delays can disqualify candidates from appearing. Therefore, aspirants have been advised to plan their travel in advance and reach centers well before time.

Candidate Experiences From Previous Examinations

In earlier BPSC examinations, candidates reported strict checking procedures but appreciated the fairness in conduct. The use of CCTV and biometric systems had already been implemented in previous editions. These measures helped reduce incidents of cheating and improved overall confidence in the examination process.

However, absenteeism has remained a concern. Many candidates apply but do not appear, leading to a lower turnout compared to the number of registrations. This year’s early dropout figures suggest that attendance might again be significantly lower than the initial applicant pool.

Expected Turnout and Future of the Examination Process

With more than 1.25 lakh candidates not downloading admit cards, the expected turnout is around 3.45 lakh. Though the number is lower than total applicants, it still makes the BPSC 71st Preliminary Examination one of the largest competitive exams in Bihar.

The Commission continues to refine its processes, focusing on fair conduct, transparency, and technology-driven monitoring. Future examinations may see even stricter measures and digital integration. Candidates who succeed in the prelims will move closer to securing government positions that hold immense responsibility and prestige.

The BPSC 71st Preliminary Examination marks another milestone in Bihar’s long tradition of competitive examinations. With more than 3.45 lakh candidates expected to sit for the test today, the scale of the event highlights its importance in the state’s administrative framework.

Stringent measures, technological monitoring, and multi-tier security reflect the Commission’s commitment to a transparent process. While absenteeism continues to be a concern, the turnout remains massive by national standards.

For aspirants, the examination is not just a test of knowledge but also of patience, discipline, and dedication. The results will pave the way for Bihar’s next generation of administrators, shaping governance in the state for years to come.