The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is set to conduct the 71st Preliminary Examination on 13 September 2025. The examination will be held in a single shift, beginning at 12 noon and ending at 2 pm. The Commission has advised candidates to arrive at the examination center well in advance to avoid last-minute difficulties. Entry at the examination venue will open at 9:30 am, but no candidate will be allowed to enter after 11 am.

This crucial examination will be conducted across 912 centers in 37 districts of Bihar. Nearly 4.7 lakh candidates are expected to participate, competing for 1298 vacancies in various administrative and government positions. The Commission has also issued detailed guidelines regarding exam rules, entry protocols, required documents, and restrictions on banned items. Candidates must carefully follow these rules to avoid disqualification.

BPSC 71st Prelims Exam Schedule and Timing

The BPSC 71st Prelims Exam 2025 is scheduled for 13 September 2025. The examination will be conducted in a single shift from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The Commission has advised candidates to reach their centers at least two and a half hours before the scheduled start of the test.

Entry to the centers will begin at 9:30 am. However, the gates will be closed strictly at 11 am. Any candidate reaching after this time will not be permitted inside. Officials have clarified that even a delay of two minutes will not be entertained this time. Thus, aspirants must plan their travel and arrival accordingly.

Scale of the Examination and Vacancies

The 71st Preliminary Exam is being held to fill 1298 posts in the Bihar state administrative system. Among these vacancies, 100 posts are for Senior Deputy Collectors, 14 for Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 79 for Financial Administrative Officers (FAOs), and 502 for Block Cooperative Officers.

A total of 4,70,528 candidates are expected to appear for the exam. With such a large number of aspirants, the competition is expected to be intense. For this reason, strict examination rules have been laid down to ensure fair conduct.

Entry Restrictions and Gate Closing Rule

One of the most significant rules for the BPSC 71st Prelims Exam 2025 is the gate closing policy. The Commission has clearly stated that examination gates will close at 11 am sharp, which is one hour before the exam begins. No candidate will be allowed entry after this deadline, regardless of the circumstances.

The examination controller has emphasized that candidates must not rely on leniency. In previous exams, some candidates requested entry even a few minutes after the cut-off time. However, this year, strict adherence will be followed. Candidates are strongly advised to arrive at the centers well before time to avoid last-minute issues.

Documents Required on Exam Day

The BPSC has made it mandatory for candidates to carry specific documents on the day of the examination. First, candidates must carry a printed copy of their e-admit card. Along with this, one additional copy of the admit card must be carried, as it has to be signed in front of the invigilator and submitted.

In addition, the same photo identity card mentioned in the admit card must also be carried. This could be an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license. Candidates must check their admit card carefully to ensure that the barcode and roll number are clearly visible.

Restrictions on Banned Items

The Commission has issued a strict ban on carrying electronic devices and other materials inside the exam hall. Items such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi gadgets, pagers, electronic pens, and smartwatches are prohibited. Carrying any of these inside the examination hall will be considered misconduct.

Even simple stationery items like markers, white fluids, erasers, and blades are not allowed. If any banned material is found with a candidate, it will lead to cancellation of their candidature and possible disqualification from future examinations.

Negative Marking in BPSC 71st Prelims Exam

The Prelims examination will consist of a single paper of General Studies with a maximum of 150 marks. Importantly, there will be negative marking. For every incorrect answer, one-third of the allotted marks will be deducted.

If a candidate tries to alter an answer using white fluid, erasers, or markers, it will be treated as multiple answers. This will also be considered wrong, and negative marks will be applied. Candidates are therefore advised to answer carefully and avoid guesswork.

Objection Filing After the Examination

Candidates who find irregularities in the question paper or exam process will be allowed to file objections. The Commission has clarified that objections can be submitted within 48 hours of the exam. Candidates must upload an affidavit to support their complaint.

Once objections are filed, the Commission has promised to investigate them within 72 hours. This ensures transparency and gives candidates an opportunity to raise valid concerns regarding the examination.

Candidates with Unclear Photos and Signatures

The Commission has also issued special instructions for candidates whose photographs or signatures on the application form are unclear or unreadable. Such candidates must submit certain documents on the day of the examination.

They will need to carry a declaration form available on the official website of the Commission. This form must be filled completely and signed in both English and Hindi. It must also have a colored photograph attested by a gazetted officer.

Two additional passport-size colored photographs must also be brought. One photograph should be pasted on the admit card, while the other will be submitted to the exam supervisor. Along with this, candidates must carry a valid ID such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license for verification. Only after proper verification will they be allowed to sit in the examination.

Misconduct and Penalties

The BPSC has adopted a strict stance against malpractice. If any candidate is caught indulging in unfair practices, they will face serious consequences. Carrying electronic devices inside the examination hall will be considered misconduct.

Candidates found guilty of malpractice will be banned from appearing in the Commission’s exams for five years. In addition, spreading rumors or false information related to the exam may lead to a three-year ban. The Commission has clarified that action will be taken under the Bihar Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Rules After Completion of the Exam

Once the examination ends, candidates will not be allowed to leave the hall or premises immediately. They must wait until they are officially permitted by the invigilators. This rule is meant to ensure orderly conduct and prevent any disruption.

Candidates must follow all instructions given by the invigilators during and after the exam. Non-compliance may also lead to disciplinary action.

Examination Pattern of BPSC 71st Prelims

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the BPSC recruitment process. It consists of a single paper in General Studies carrying 150 marks. The questions will be objective in nature.

Only those candidates who qualify in this stage will be allowed to appear in the Mains Examination. The Mains will be descriptive, and after that, candidates will face a personal interview. The final merit list will be prepared based on performance in all three stages.

Importance of Following Guidelines

The BPSC has repeatedly advised candidates to follow the instructions carefully. With over four lakh candidates appearing for the exam, any violation of rules can create confusion and disrupt the smooth conduct of the test.

Candidates must ensure they have all necessary documents, reach on time, and avoid carrying banned items. They should also avoid guesswork because of the negative marking system. Proper preparation, along with strict adherence to the rules, will increase their chances of success.

The BPSC 71st Prelims Exam 2025 is a significant opportunity for aspirants seeking government jobs in Bihar. With more than four lakh candidates competing for 1298 posts, discipline and careful planning are essential. The Commission has made it clear that there will be no leniency in entry timings or rules this year.

Candidates must treat the guidelines as strict instructions rather than suggestions. Reaching the exam center on time, carrying all required documents, and avoiding banned materials are crucial. Equally important is attempting the paper wisely, keeping the negative marking system in mind.

The Preliminary stage is only the beginning. After clearing this hurdle, candidates will have to prepare for the Mains and the interview. Success in this examination demands both knowledge and discipline. The candidates who combine these two qualities will stand the best chance of achieving their dream of serving the state through prestigious administrative roles.