WBCS Syllabus 2024
Are you preparing for the WBCS exam? Then, you must know about the WBCS syllabus. The West Bengal Public Service Commission sets it every year. So, you must check it out before appearing for the exam
The WBCS (West Bengal Civil Service) 2025 syllabus has undergone significant changes compared to previous years. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new structure:
Prelims:
- Two Papers:
- GS Paper 1 (General Studies): This will cover a wide range of subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, and General Knowledge.
- GS Paper 2: Newly introduced, this paper will likely assess topics such as Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Comprehension, and possibly other skill-based sections.
Both papers are objective in nature and aim to screen candidates for the Mains.
Mains:
The new format is more descriptive than before. Key changes include:
- Descriptive Answer Writing: Candidates will now have to write detailed answers across multiple subjects. This shift emphasizes a deeper understanding of topics and the ability to express ideas clearly.
- The number of optional subjects may remain the same, but the approach to answering will now demand better articulation and presentation of arguments.
WBCS Exam Syllabus 2024
The WBCS notification 2024 outlines the WBCS syllabus 2025 details, released on March ,2024. The exam will take place in December 2024 tentatively. It will be under the administration of the West Bengal Public Service Commission.
All necessary information is available on our website for upcoming updates and events. You will also get the option to download the WBCS syllabus PDF. We have sketched further details on the WBCS 2025 syllabus below:
There are three tiers in the WBCS examination:
- Preliminary
- Mains
- Interview
We will also help you understand the WBCS 2025 syllabus and the exam pattern of both prelims and mains. You must know all the details related to the West Bengal Civil Service syllabus to pass the exam. You can take this exam in English and Bengali.
WBCS Prelims Syllabus in Detail
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
1. The Preliminary Examination will consist of two papers: viz. “General Studies Paper- I” and “General Studies Paper- II”. The Papers will be objective type consisting of 200 multiple choice questions. The papers will carry 200 marks each and each will be of 2 hours duration. The General Studies Paper will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33 %. It is mandatory for the candidates to appear in both the papers for the purpose of evaluation. A candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers. The standard of papers will be of the level of knowledge as expected of a Graduate of any faculty of a recognized University.
2. The Preliminary Examination is meant to serve as a screening test only for the purpose of selection of candidates for the Main Examination. The Marks obtained in this Preliminary Examination by the candidates will not be counted for merit list rather will be qualifying in nature, only those candidates who will be declared qualified at the Preliminary Examination in a year shall be eligible for appearing at the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) etc. (Main) Examination of that year.
The WBCS prelims exam takes place at various centres. It is held in Kolkata and a few other districts of West Bengal. Darjeeling can be chosen only by the Scheduled Tribes of the district. This includes candidates from three hill divisions:
- Darjeeling Sadar
- Mirik
- Kurseong
The WBCS Prelims syllabus includes eight subjects. It will have 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each topic of the paper is assigned 25 marks. The duration of this WBCS exam is 2.5 hours.
WBCS prelims is only a screening test. So, its total marks are not considered for final selection. The commission has stated in its notification that the prelims test the level of knowledge of graduates. They may belong to any faculty from a recognized university.
Take a look at the table below to know the subjects related to the WBCS new syllabus for prelims.
WBCS Mains Syllabus in Detail
MAINS EXAMINATION
1. The Main Examination shall consist of a Written Examination and Personality Test.
2. The Written Examination shall consist of Ten Papers of conventional type out of which two papers viz, Bengali/Nepali as paper ‘A’ and English Paper ‘B’ carrying 300 marks each shall be of qualifying in nature.
3. Marks obtained in all the compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper – VIII) and marks obtained in the Personality Test shall be counted for final merit List.
4. Each compulsory and Optional Paper shall carry 250 marks and shall be of 3 hours duration.
5. Candidates opting for Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ Services and Posts need not to appear at the Paper VII and Paper VIII.
6. The Written Examination shall consist of the following Papers:
Papers to be counted for merit:
Note:
- The question paper will be of conventional type.
- Each Paper will be of three hours’ duration.
- Answers in all papers whether compulsory or optional, may be written either in English or in Bengali.
| WBCS Prelims Syllabus Subjects | SubTopics |
|---|---|
| English Composition | Synonyms and Antonyms |
| Idioms and Phrases | |
| Vocabulary Test | |
| Phrasal Verbs | |
| Homophones | |
| Fill in the Qualifying Words | |
| General Science | General Appreciation |
| Understanding of Science | |
| Matters of Everyday Observation | |
| Experience as Expected from an Educated Person | |
| Current Events of National and International Importance | Events Affecting India’s Relations with the World |
| History of India | Ancient |
| Medieval | |
| Modern | |
| Geography of India and West Bengal | Physical Geography |
| Social Geography | |
| Economic Geography | |
| Indian Polity and Economy | Indian Constitution |
| Panchayati Raj | |
| Constitutional Bodies | |
| Indian National Movement | Nature and Character of Nineteenth Century Resurgence |
| Growth of Nationalism | |
| Attainment of Independence | |
| General Mental Ability | Logical Reasoning |
| Common Aptitude |
The West Bengal Public Service Commission has mentioned the WBCS mains syllabus in its official notification. The shortlisted candidates have to appear for the main exam after the preliminary stage. The WBCS main exam has six compulsory papers and one optional subject that includes two papers.
Candidates who appear for Group A and Group B exams have to take the optional subject too. Candidates in Group C and Group D categories have to take only the six compulsory papers.
These six compulsory papers and two papers on the optional subject will be of 200 marks each. The Commission also provides a list of these subjects as a part of the WBCS mains syllabus PDF. You can also get the WBCS syllabus PDF in Bengali. The duration for all the papers will be 3 hours.
Candidates can check the six compulsory subjects of the WBCS mains syllabus below:
Latest UPSC Notifications
UMA HARATHI N (RANK: 3)
UMA HARATHI N (RANK: 3)
UMA HARATHI N (RANK: 3)
UMA HARATHI N (RANK: 3)
| WBCS Mains Exam | Subjects | Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali: Letter writing Précis Writing Composition and Translation from English to Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Paper II | English: Letter writing Précis Writing Composition and Translation from Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali to English | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Paper III | General StudiesI: Indian History with emphasis on the National Movement Geography of India with reference to West Bengal | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Paper IV | General Studies II: Science and Scientific & Technological advancement Environment General Knowledge Current Affairs | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Paper V | The Constitution of India The Indian Economy Functions of the Reserve Bank of India | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Paper VI | Arithmetic & Test of Reasoning | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
Miscellaneous
Candidates can appear for the interview after passing the WBCS mains exam. The WBCS exam syllabus can help them prepare for the questions.
They get to meet the board during the interview. The board members have all information about the careers and interests of the person. They assess how well the person fits into the state services.
You can connect with APTI PLUS to learn more about the WBCS syllabus. We have a broad strategy to cover all subjects for the prelims and mains exams too. Get in touch with us today to score well by knowing the WBCS syllabus 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the syllabus of the WBCS exam?
The West Bengal Public Service Commission has already released the WBCS syllabus PDF for everyone which you can check on the official website. Moreover, the WBCS exam is going to be held in December 2024.
Is WBCS Mains MCQ Based?
No, WBCS Mains is not an MCQ-based exam. Instead, you get to answer MCQs only during the prelims. You can appear for the exam in English or Bengali.
Is WBCS and UPSC Syllabus same?
The WBCS and UPSC syllabus are not the same. However, there may be some similarities in both curriculums.
Can I download the WBCS Syllabus PDF?
Yes, you can download the WBCS syllabus PDF from the official website of the West Bengal Public Service Commision. This particular exam has three main tiers. These include the prelims, mains, and the interview process. You will learn about these stages in the WBCS new syllabus.
How to Crack WBCS in the first attempt?
You must prepare yourself by following the WBCS syllabus 2024. You can also download the WBCS syllabus PDF from the West Bengal Public Service Commission website. You can also connect with APTI PLUS for the WBCS mains syllabus PDF.
