The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam is one of the most prestigious state-level exams in India. It opens gates to various lucrative opportunities in the public sector, like Deputy Collector, DSP, Revenue Officer, and other key government posts in Bihar. But the question many aspirants ask is, "Is BPSC really difficult to crack?" The answer depends on your preparation strategy, consistency, and understanding of the exam pattern. Let’s explore this in detail.
State competitive exams like BPSC require a blend of strategy, dedication, and proper resources. If you are also one of those aspirants thinking, "Maybe I can or can’t," we will help you identify your shortcomings and help you strengthen your preparation. So, make sure to stay tuned till the end.
WHY DO ASPIRANTS FIND BPSC DIFFICULT?
1. High competition
There is no doubt that BPSC is extremely competitive. Thousands of aspirants apply for limited vacancies every year.
2. Vast syllabus
The vast syllabus includes geography, polity, general awareness, economy, science, all topics related to Bihar, and good practice of logical and analytical thinking.
3. The mains exam is challenging
BPSC Mains is descriptive, and you will have to learn how to present your answers effectively. Every year many candidates fail because they don’t follow the structures of answer writing.
4. Nature of questions
Since BPSC is so competitive, most of its questions demand conceptual clarity and practice.
5. Challenging stages
BPSC consists of stages, including Prelims, Mains, and an interview. All these require different approaches to prepare.
6. Time-consuming process
Clearing an exam like BPSC requires not only time but also the aspirant’s efforts, dedication, patience, and perseverance, which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
HOW CAN YOU STRATEGICALLY PREPARE FOR BPSC EFFECTIVELY?
1. Repeated question paper structure
If you go through BPSC previous year papers, you can learn to predict the question paper pattern. Its syllabus remains relatively the same, making the exam preparation a little easier.
2. Moderate difficulty level
Unlike the UPSC exam, its difficulty level is not high. Even if you are an average student who follows a structured approach, you can clear the exam.
3. State-centric focus
Unlike the national-level exams, BPSC is a state-centric exam, which means a lot less of a syllabus.
4. Availability of resources
Start with the NCERTs and move on to advanced BPSC books. You can also refer to online resources and discussion forums to clear your doubts.
HOW TO MAKE BPSC EASIER?
1. Start with NCERTs (Class 6–12): Build strong fundamentals in history, geography, and science.
2. Study Bihar-Specific Books: Focus on Bihar’s history, culture, economy, and current events.
3. Practice PYQs: Analyze question trends from previous years to understand the pattern.
4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers and Bihar state magazines.
5. Practice Answer Writing: Especially for mains, work on structuring and presenting answers effectively.
BPSC EXAM PATTERN OVERVIEW
Stage |
Type |
Subjects/Details |
Marks |
---|---|---|---|
Prelims |
Objective |
General Studies (150 Questions) |
150 |
Mains |
Descriptive |
GS Paper I & II, Optional Subject, Hindi |
900 |
Interview |
Oral Assessment |
Personality Test |
120 |
Total |
— |
— |
1120 |
Time Investment & Expected Outcome
Here’s how your daily study time affects success probability
Daily Study Time |
Preparation Duration |
Expected Outcome |
---|---|---|
2–3 hours |
1–1.5 years |
Slow progress, basic coverage |
4–6 hours |
8–12 months |
Good coverage, moderate success |
7–8+ hours |
6–8 months |
High chances of success with revision & tests |
This shows that consistency matters more than just putting in long hours occasionally.
CONCLUSION: IS BPSC REALLY DIFFICULT?
Well, there is no doubt that the BPSC exam is challenging, but with consistent preparation, conceptual clarity, and effective time management, aspirants from diverse academic backgrounds can easily clear the exam.
It’s less about “difficulty” and more about:
· Smart study plan
· Regular revision
· Answer-writing practice
· Patience to go through the lengthy selection process
If you’re determined and disciplined, BPSC is crackable. All you have to do is stay resilient and dedicated.
Read More: Last 30 Days Strategy for BPSC 2025: What to Focus On
FAQs on BPSC Difficulty
Q1. Is BPSC harder than UPSC?
No. BPSC has a smaller syllabus and is more state-focused; difficulty is moderate compared to UPSC.
Q2. How many hours should I study daily for BPSC?
4–6 hours of focused study for 8–12 months is generally sufficient.
Q3. Is coaching necessary for BPSC?
Not mandatory. With NCERTs, Bihar-specific books, and PYQs, self-study can work.
Q4. Which subject is most important for BPSC?
General Studies and Bihar-related topics carry the most weight. For mains, optional subjects matter too.
Q5. What is the success rate of BPSC?
Very competitive; a small percentage clears. Consistent preparation and revision increase your chances significantly.
Q6. Should I refer to any specific study materials?
There are various BPSC books that you can study from. It contains all the necessary topics and short notes along with the practice questions.
Q7. How to analyze the level of your preparation?
Start solving mock tests at least 3 months before the exam to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
Q8. Should I also prepare for another exam side by side?
Yes, you can. Most of the competitive exams have similar syllabi, so you can study one subject for other exams as well. It will help you to utilize your time effectively.
Q9. When is the right time to start preparing for the BPSC?
You must start preparing as soon as you get the clarity that you want to crack the BPSC exam. We all know the lucrative professional opportunities it comes with. So, earlier is better.
Q10. Are all the topics important?
No. Not every topic holds equal weightage in the BPSC exam. So, make sure to mark the topics with higher marks distribution and focus on them better.
Q11. Is BPSC for Bihar residents only?
Not necessarily. BPSC is open for aspirants all over India. Aspirants who clear the exam will be posted within the state only. Also, during preparation, they must follow a Bihar-centric study approach in subjects like history, economics, polity, and current affairs.