The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will conduct the 71st Preliminary Examination on 13 September 2025. The test is scheduled in a single shift from 12 noon to 2 pm at multiple centres across Bihar. To ensure a transparent and fair process, the Commission has issued detailed instructions for all candidates. These rules cover reporting time, documents required, prohibited items, penalties for malpractice, and exam structure. Candidates must carefully follow the guidelines, as even minor violations can lead to disqualification.
Reporting Time and Gate Closure
Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre two and a half hours before the exam begins. Entry into the centres will start at 9:30 am. The gates will close precisely at 11 am, one hour before the scheduled start. After 11 am, no candidate will be allowed entry under any condition.
BPSC has clarified that even if a candidate arrives a few minutes late, for example at 11:02 am, entry will still be denied. Candidates must take their allotted seats at least 50 minutes before the start of the exam to ensure a smooth conduct of proceedings such as opening sealed papers and verifying attendance.
Documents Required at the Exam Centre
Candidates must bring their e-admit card along with one extra copy. During the examination, one signed copy of the admit card has to be submitted to the invigilator. Along with this, the valid photo ID mentioned on the admit card—such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license—must be carried for identification.
It is also important to verify that the admit card clearly shows the roll number and barcode. If these details are missing or unclear, candidates may face difficulties during entry and verification.
Prohibited Items Inside the Exam Hall
The Commission has banned all forms of electronic devices. Items such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi gadgets, pagers, electronic pens, and both smart and regular watches are not allowed inside. Any candidate found carrying such devices will be booked for malpractice.
Other items like markers, whitener fluid, blades, and erasers are also not permitted. Candidates must carry only blue or black ballpoint pens to mark answers on the OMR sheet.
Negative Marking System
The BPSC Prelims exam follows a negative marking system. For every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks assigned will be deducted. If a candidate tries to change an answer using markers, white fluid, or erasers, it will be treated as multiple responses and marked incorrect. In such cases, negative marking will also apply.
Candidates are advised to answer only those questions where they are confident. Blind guessing can significantly reduce overall marks due to the penalty.
Objection Process After the Exam
Candidates who notice errors in the question paper or exam procedure can raise objections. Such complaints must be submitted within 48 hours of the exam. An affidavit must also be uploaded while registering the complaint. BPSC has assured that all valid objections will be investigated within 72 hours.
This complaint system ensures fairness and builds transparency in the evaluation process.
Instructions for Candidates with Unclear Photos or Signatures
Some applicants submitted unclear photos or signatures during the online form. These candidates must bring additional documents on the exam day. They need to download and fill a declaration form from the official BPSC website, attach a colour photograph attested by a gazetted officer, and sign in both Hindi and English.
They must also carry two attested colour photos. One photo has to be pasted on the admit card and the other on the office copy at the exam centre. Additionally, the same photo ID mentioned in the online application must be presented. Only after the supervisor verifies all these documents will such candidates be allowed to sit for the exam.
Question Booklets After the Exam
Candidates will be allowed to take their question booklets after the test ends. However, they must remain seated until the exam is officially over and can leave the hall only after permission from the invigilators. Attendance sheets must be signed in both Hindi and English, and all details must be filled carefully.
On the OMR sheet, only the answers should be marked using a blue ballpoint pen. No additional marks or signs should be made.
Strict Penalties for Malpractice
BPSC has warned that strict action will be taken against malpractice. Any candidate caught cheating or carrying banned items will be barred from this exam and from all BPSC exams for the next five years.
Spreading false rumours about the examination can also lead to a three-year ban. In addition, candidates found guilty of malpractice will face action under the Bihar Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Security Arrangements and Videography
To maintain transparency, BPSC has introduced strict security measures. Videography will be conducted at all centres, covering the opening of sealed materials, the conduct of the exam, and the packing of answer sheets. The faces of candidates will also be recorded during the examination.
These measures are intended to eliminate unfair practices and reassure candidates that the process is unbiased.
Structure of the Preliminary Exam
The 71st BPSC Prelims is an objective-type test. It will consist of a single paper on General Studies worth 150 marks. Candidates who qualify will move on to the main examination and then to the interview stage. Final selection will depend on combined performance across all three stages.
The Prelims serve as a screening stage, ensuring only the most qualified candidates proceed to the next levels.
The BPSC 71st Prelims Exam 2025 is one of the most significant recruitment examinations in Bihar, attracting lakhs of aspirants. To ensure a smooth and fair process, BPSC has put in place strict guidelines regarding reporting time, required documents, banned items, and penalties for misconduct.
Candidates must arrive early, carry valid documents, and carefully follow all rules. They should avoid banned items, be aware of negative marking, and adhere to discipline throughout the examination. Those with unclear photographs or signatures must follow special instructions to avoid rejection.
By respecting these guidelines, candidates can focus on their preparation and performance without unnecessary stress. This exam is not only a test of knowledge but also a test of discipline, punctuality, and adherence to rules—qualities essential for public service.
