West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Master the WBCS exam with our comprehensive guide to the latest syllabus, marking scheme, and preparation strategy. Updated for the 2024-25 cycle.
- WBCS Exam Pattern Overview
The West Bengal Civil Service(Exe) Exam is conducted in three successive stages. The Preliminary Examination, The Main Examination and The Personality Test. Candidates must clear each stage to progress to the next.
Prelims
200 Marks | MCQs
Mains
1600 Marks | MCQs
Interview
100-200 Marks | Verbal
- Priiminary Exam Syllabus
SUBJECT/TOPIC
MARKS
English Composition
25
General Science
25
Current Events of National & International Importance
25
History of India
25
Geography of India With Special Reference to West Bengal
25
Indian Polity & Economy
25
Indian National Movement
25
General Mental Ability
25
Grand Total
200
- Main Examination Details
The Main Exam Consists of 6 Compulsory Papers and 1 Optional Subjects (only for candidates applying for Group A & B services). Each Paper Carries 200 Marks
Paper I: Language Paper
Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali – Letter writing (within 150 words) / Drafting of Report (within 200 words),
Précis Writing, Composition and Translation from English to Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali
Paper II: Language Paper(English)
English – Letter writing (within 150 words) / Drafting of Report (within 200 words), Précis Writing, Composition and Translation from Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali to English
Paper III: General Studies-I
(i) Indian History with special emphasis on National Movement and (ii) Geography of India with special reference to West Bengal.
Paper IV: General Studies-II
Science and Scientific & Technological advancement, Environment, General Knowledge and Current Affairs.
Paper V: Indian Polity & Economy
The Constitution of India and Indian Economy including role and functions of the Reserve Bank of India.
Paper VI: Arithmetic & Reasoning
Arithmetic and Test of Reasoning.
- Personality Test
A number of candidates selected in order of merit on the results of the Main Examination for all the
services and posts included in Groups A, B, C and D shall have to appear at a Personality Test. Each candidate will be asked
questions on matters of general interest. The object of the test will be to assess the candidate’s personal qualities e.g., alertness of
mind, power of clear and logical exposition, intellectual and moral integrity, leadership and also the candidate’s range of interests.
Candidates for Group ‘B’ Service (West Bengal Police Service) will be specially tested at the interviews with regard to their suitability for the service.
Marks for the Personality Test
(i) Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ 200 Marks
(ii) Group ‘C’ 150 Marks
(iii) Group ‘D’ 100 Marks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any negative marking in WBCS Prelims?
Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. For each incorrect response, 1-3 of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
What is the educational qualification for WBCS?
You must be a graduate from any recognised university to appear in this exam.
How many optional subjects should I choose?
You have to choose only 1 optional subject from the list of optional subjects which will have two papers.
