West Bengal Public Service Commission Civil Service (Executive) Exam Syllabus
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) conducts the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Exam, commonly known as WBCS, to recruit candidates for various posts in the West Bengal Civil Services. The WBCS Exam consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Personality Test
1. WBCS Preliminary Examination Syllabus
The Preliminary Examination is a screening test consisting of a single paper on “General Studies” that carries 200 marks. The duration of the exam is 2.5 hours. It is an objective-type test that serves as a qualifying exam for the Main Examination.
The syllabus for the Preliminary Examination includes the following topics:
- English Composition: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, Vocabulary Test, Phrasal Verbs, Homophones, Fill in the blanks, Error correction.
- General Science: General appreciation and understanding of science, including everyday observations and experiences.
- Current Events of National and International Importance: Recent events of both national and international significance.
- History of India: Indian history with special emphasis on the Indian National Movement.
- Geography of India with special reference to West Bengal: Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and West Bengal.
- Indian Polity and Economy: Knowledge of the country’s Political System, Panchayati Raj, Community Development, Planning in India, and other socio-economic issues.
- Indian National Movement: Nature and character of the Nineteenth Century Resurgence, Growth of Nationalism, and attainment of Independence.
- General Mental Ability: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, and Data Interpretation.
2. WBCS Main Examination Syllabus
The Main Examination consists of six compulsory papers and one optional subject (only for candidates applying for Group A and Group B services). Each paper carries 200 marks and is of 3 hours duration.
Compulsory Papers (For All Groups – A, B, C & D)
Paper I – Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali Composition and Translation
- Essay Writing
- Translation from English to Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali
- Report Drafting
- Summary Writing
- Comprehension of given passages
Paper II – English Composition and Translation
- Essay Writing
- Translation from Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali to English
- Report Drafting
- Summary Writing
- Comprehension of given passages
Paper III – General Studies I
Indian History with special emphasis on the National Movement
- Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History
- Growth of Nationalism, Indian Freedom Struggle
Geography of India with special reference to West Bengal
- Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and West Bengal
Paper IV – General Studies II
Science and Scientific & Technological Advancement, Environment, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs
- General Science
- Environmental Science
- Recent advancements in Science and Technology
- Current events of national and international importance
Paper V – The Constitution of India and Indian Economy
The Constitution of India
- Features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Political System, etc.
Indian Economy
- Economic Planning, Planning in India, Physical and Social Infrastructure, Indian Economy and Budgeting, Fiscal Policy, etc.
Paper VI – Arithmetic and Test of Reasoning
Arithmetic:
- Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Data Interpretation, etc.
Reasoning:
- Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Puzzle Test, etc.
Optional Subjects (For Group A and B Only)
Candidates who opt for Group A and B services must choose one optional subject from the list provided by WBPSC. Each optional subject will have two papers, each of 200 marks, making a total of 400 marks for the optional subject.
List of Optional Subjects:
- Political Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce and Accountancy
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Law
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Zoology
- Anthropology
- Statistics
The syllabus for each optional subject is generally at the Honours/Master’s Degree level and includes in-depth knowledge of the subject.
3. WBCS Personality Test (Interview)
The Personality Test is conducted for candidates who qualify in the Main Examination. The marks allotted for the Personality Test are:
- Group A and B: 200 marks
- Group C: 150 marks
- Group D: 100 marks
The Personality Test assesses the candidate’s general awareness, communication skills, leadership qualities, decision-making capabilities, and overall personality. It aims to evaluate the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service.
Conclusion
The WBPSC Civil Service (Executive) Exam syllabus covers a wide range of topics, from general studies to specific subjects depending on the candidate’s choice of optional subjects. The examination is structured to test the candidate’s comprehensive knowledge, analytical skills, and understanding of various subjects relevant to public administration and governance.
