West Bengal Public Service Commission WB Civil Service (Executive) Exam Syllabus
The West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Exam (WBCS), conducted by the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC), is held to recruit candidates for various posts in the West Bengal Civil Services. The 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 objective-type paper on “General Studies.” The exam carries 200 marks and lasts for 2.5 hours. The syllabus for the Preliminary Examination includes the following topics:
English Composition (25 Marks)
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Vocabulary Test
- Phrasal Verbs
- Homophones
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Correction (Grammar and Sentence Structure)
General Science (25 Marks)
- General appreciation and understanding of science
- Everyday observations and experience in scientific aspects
Current Events of National and International Importance (25 Marks)
- Recent events of both national and international significance
History of India (25 Marks)
- Significant events and movements in Indian history
- Focus on the Indian Freedom Movement
Geography of India with Special Reference to West Bengal (25 Marks)
- Physical Geography
- Social and Economic Geography
- Geography of West Bengal
Indian Polity and Economy (25 Marks)
- Political System, Panchayati Raj, Community Development, Planning in India, etc.
Indian National Movement (25 Marks)
- Nature and character of the nineteenth-century resurgence
- Growth of nationalism and attainment of Independence
General Mental Ability (25 Marks)
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
2. WBCS Main Examination Syllabus
The Main Examination consists of six compulsory papers and one optional subject (for candidates applying for Group A and Group B services). Each paper is of 200 marks and has a duration of 3 hours.
Compulsory Papers (For All Groups – A, B, C, and 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 applying 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.
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.
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 to evaluate their suitability for a career in public service.
Conclusion
The WBCS (Executive) Exam syllabus covers a broad spectrum of topics, requiring a comprehensive understanding of various subjects relevant to public administration and governance. Preparing thoroughly for each stage of the exam is crucial for success.
