Subtotal ₹0.00
WBCS Syllabus
Are you gearing up for the WBCS exam? At BCS Academy, we understand the importance of knowing the WBCS syllabus inside out. The West Bengal Public Service Commission sets the syllabus each year, and for 2024, it remains consistent with previous years.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) sets the syllabus for the West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) Exam. Aspiring candidates should thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern before starting their preparation.
The WBCS Exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. This article provides a detailed explanation of the WBCS syllabus and exam pattern for both the prelims and mains.
Note: The WBCS Exam 2021 notification was released on 18th December 2020, and the recruitment process is ongoing. Similarly, the WBCS 2020 recruitment process is also in progress. The syllabus for WBCS 2024 remains unchanged.
Prelims: The WBCS Preliminary Exam consists of a single paper on General Studies. Unlike other states’ Public Service Commission exams, there is no separate Aptitude Test.
Mains: The WBCS Mains Exam includes six compulsory papers and one optional subject comprising two papers. The optional subject is required only for candidates applying for Group A and Group B services.
Compulsory Papers: Four out of the six compulsory papers are Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) based:
General Studies – I
General Studies – II
The Constitution of India and Indian Economy, including the role and functions of the Reserve Bank of India
Arithmetic and Test of Reasoning
Language Requirement: The Mains Exam (Conventional/Essay) must be written in either Bengali or English.
Identity Disclosure Penalty: A 10% deduction from the total marks will be applied if a candidate discloses their identity by writing their roll number or name on the answer sheet.
| WBCS Exam Pattern | ||||
| Tier | Name of the exam | Type of the exam | Number of question papers | Marks |
| I | Preliminary Exam | Objective | General Studies | 200 |
| II | Mains | Objective + Conventional | Eight Subjects; Paper-I (Conventional Type) Paper-II (Conventional) Paper-III (Objective) Paper-IV (Objective) Paper-V (Objective) Paper-VI (Objective) Paper-VII & VIII (Optional Subject chosen by the candidate) | 200 for Paper-I to Paper-VI 200 each for Paper-VII and Paper-VIII |
| III | Personality Test | Interview | --- | 200 |
The WBCS Preliminary Exam is conducted across various centers in Kolkata and other districts of West Bengal. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes in Darjeeling and those from the hill divisions (Darjeeling Sadar, Mirik, Kurseong) can select Darjeeling as their exam center.
The WBCS Prelims Syllabus covers eight subjects/topics, and the exam consists of 200 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). Each topic carries 25 marks, and the exam duration is 2.5 hours. The Prelims is a screening test, and its total marks (200) do not contribute to the final selection. The exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge at a graduate level.
English Composition:
General Science:
Current Events of National and International Importance:
History of India:
Geography of India with Special Reference to West Bengal:
Indian Polity and Economy:
Indian National Movement:
General Mental Ability:
After clearing the Preliminary Stage, shortlisted candidates proceed to the WBCS (Exe.) etc. (Main) Exam. The Mains exam consists of six compulsory papers and one optional subject, which includes two papers. Only candidates applying for Group A and Group B services need to take exams for the Optional Subject. Candidates applying for Group C and Group D services are required to take only the six compulsory papers.
Each of the six compulsory papers and the two papers of the Optional Subject (from the list provided by the commission) carry 200 marks. The duration for each paper is 3 hours.
Optional Papers (Paper VII & VIII) can be chosen from the following list.
| Subject | Code |
|---|---|
| Bengali | 01 |
| Hindi | 02 |
| Sanskrit | 03 |
| English | 04 |
| Pali | 05 |
| Arabic | 06 |
| Persian | 07 |
| French | 08 |
| Urdu | 09 |
| Santali | 10 |
| Comparative Literature | 11 |
| Agriculture | 12 |
| Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | 13 |
| Anthropology | 14 |
| Botany | 15 |
| Chemistry | 16 |
| Civil Engineering | 17 |
| Commerce and Accountancy | 18 |
| Computer Science | 19 |
| Economics | 20 |
| Electrical Engineering | 21 |
| Geography | 22 |
| Geology | 23 |
| History | 24 |
| Law | 25 |
| Mathematics | 26 |
| Management | 27 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 28 |
| Medical Science | 29 |
| Philosophy | 30 |
| Physiology | 31 |
| Physics | 32 |
| Political Science | 33 |
| Psychology | 34 |
| Sociology | 35 |
| Statistics | 36 |
| Zoology | 37 |
** Each subject consist of two papers. So you’ve to choose one subject as Optional Paper.
This comprehensive overview of the WBCS Exam Syllabus 2024 is designed to assist candidates in effectively preparing for the examination. Stay dedicated and consistent in your preparation to succeed in the WBCS Exam.
| WBCS Main Exam | Subject | Marks | |||||
| 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 Studies-I: Indian History with special emphasis on National Movement Geography of India with special 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 | General Studies-III: The Constitution of India and Indian Economy including role and functions of Reserve Bank of India | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | ||
| Paper-VI | General Studies-IV: Arithmetic & Test of Reasoning | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | ||
| Paper VII & VIII | Optional Paper (Optional Subject chosen by the Candidate) | 400 | 400 | - | - | ||
This overlap can be beneficial for candidates preparing for both exams, as studying one can help with the other.
Marks for the Personality Test:
Note: No separate Personality Test will be held for different groups viz. Group-‘A’, Group-‘B’, Group-‘C’ and Group-‘D’ in respect of a candidate. Marks will be awarded according to different services against allotted full marks for Personality Test.
In all the answer papers under examination, due credit will be given for proper economy of words combined with clarity, precision and effectiveness of expression and originality of approach.
Students FEEDBACK
Enrolling in BCS Academy was the turning point in my WBCS preparation. The comprehensive online classes and expertly designed study materials made it easy for me to grasp difficult concepts. The instructors are incredibly supportive, and their insights were invaluable. If you're serious about WBCS, BCS Academy is undoubtedly the best online coaching you can choose!
WBCS Aspirant
BCS Academy offers the best online WBCS coaching, hands down! The structured curriculum, coupled with regular online mock tests, helped me build the confidence I needed to succeed. The faculty’s guidance was exceptional, and they were always available to help with doubts. I highly recommend BCS Academy to anyone aiming for WBCS.
WBCS Aspirant
The online coaching experience at BCS Academy was nothing short of amazing. The platform is user-friendly, and the lessons are incredibly detailed. The instructors provided personalized feedback that was crucial for my preparation. I truly believe BCS Academy offers the best online WBCS coaching available.
WBCS Aspirant
Choosing BCS Academy for my WBCS preparation was the best decision I made. Their online coaching is exceptionally well-organized, and the faculty’s expertise is evident in every session. The regular assessments and mock interviews gave me the edge I needed. For anyone looking for the best online WBCS coaching, BCS Academy is the way to go!Choosing BCS Academy for my WBCS preparation was the best decision I made. Their online coaching is exceptionally well-organized, and the faculty’s expertise is evident in every session. The regular assessments and mock interviews gave me the edge I needed. For anyone looking for the best online WBCS coaching, BCS Academy is the way to go!
WBCS Aspirant
