WBCS Syllabus 2025 for the Prelims and Mains Exam is available here. Aspirants who are planning or have applied to the WBCS Examination need this valuable information. Hence, through this page we share the complete West Bengal Civil Service Exam Syllabus for the aspirants. Thus, go through the section shared below to get the useful information and prepare for the upcoming test.
Update: The details of WBCS Prelims & Mains Exam Syllabus is discussed here. This post will help all candidates to get an idea of the syllabus of WBCS Exam. So read this article very carefully.
WB Civil Service Exam Syllabus 2025 Overview
| Recruitment Authority | West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC). |
| Advertisement No | 08/2024 |
| Exam Name | WBCS 2024 |
| Start Date of Application | Update Soon |
| Last Date of Application | Update Soon |
| Job Type | State Govt Jobs |
| Place of Posting | West Bengal |
| Page Category | Syllabus |
| Website | psc.wb.gov.in |
West Bengal Civil Service Exam Syllabus 2025
The toughest of the exam in West Bengal is the WBCS Exam. Thus, the applicants shall leave no stone un-turned to crack this highly competitive exam. To crack this highly competitive exam, a candidate needs a continuous practice and precise study plan. Thus, in this direction this page will provide the required information.
Selection Stages in WBCS Examination
WBCS Examination consists of three stages as per Official Notification. West Bengal PSC shortlists the candidates in this prestigious examination through the following stages –
- Prelims Examination
- Mains Examination &
- Interview or a Personality Test.
The Prelims Examination is a screening test for the Mains Exam. The WBCS Mains Exam is conventional in nature and the shortlisted candidates in this stage shall qualify for the Interview Stage. Finally, West Bengal PSC allots the candidates to different Services or Groups based on the combined score of Mains and Interview.
WB Civil Service Examination Pattern Overview
Check the WBCS Exam Pattern shared here to prepare for both the Prelims and Mains Exam. The Exam Pattern here shares the Exam Topics, Marks Distribution, test duration and also the negative marking scheme. Thus, refer to these to prepare and score high mark in the exam
WBCS Preliminary Exam Pattern (Revised)
The WBCS Preliminary Examination is a Screening Test only for the purpose of selection of candidates for the Main Examination. The marks obtained in this examination by the candidates will not be considered for final selection. Only those candidates who qualifies at the Preliminary Examination shall be eligible for admission to the WBCS Mains Examination of that year. As per the revised exam scheme below are the changes in the Prelims examination –
- The WBCS Preliminary Examination will now consists of two papers, viz, “General Studies Paper – I” and “General Studies Paper-II” with “General Studies Paper-II” being qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks of 33%.
- Both of the papers will be of objective type consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions.
- The papers will carry 200 marks each and each will be of 2 (two) hours duration.
- It is mandatory for the candidates to appear in both the papers else the candidate will be disqualified.
- The standard of the papers will be of Graduate level of any faculty of a recognized University.
WBCS Prelims General Studies Paper I Overview
The General Studies Paper-I of WBCS Preliminary Examination will include questions covering the following fields of knowledge:-
| Sl No. | Subjects | No of Qs | Marks | Duration |
| i. | English Composition | 20 | 20 | 2 hour |
| ii. | General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| iii. | Current Events of National and International Importance | 20 | 20 | |
| iv. | History of India | 20 | 20 | |
| v. | Geography of India with special reference to West Bengal | 20 | 20 | |
| vi. | Indian Polity and Economy | 20+20 = 40 | 20+20 = 40 | |
| vii. | Indian National Movement | 20 | 20 | |
| viii. | General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-Diversity and Climate Change-that do not require subject specialization | 40 | 40 | |
| TOTAL | 200 | 200 | ||
WB Civil Services Prelims General Studies Paper II Overview
The WB Civil Services Prelims GS Paper II is a qualifying paper with the minimum of 33% marks failing which the aspirants will not be eligible for further level of selection. The General Studies Paper-II of WBCS Preliminary Examination will include questions covering the following fields of knowledge:-
| Sl No. | Topics | No of Qs | Marks | Duration |
| i. | Comprehension | 60 | 60 | 2 hours |
| ii. | Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills | 10 | 10 | |
| iii. | Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability | 35 | 35 | |
| iv. | Decision Making and Problem Solving | 30 | 30 | |
| v. | General Mental Ability | 30 | 30 | |
| vi. | Basic Numeracy (Numbers and their relations, Orders of Magnitude, etc.), Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data Sufficiency) – Class X Level | 35 | 35 | |
| TOTAL | 200 | 200 | ||
WBCS Mains Examination Pattern (Revised)
Starting in 2025, the WBCS Mains Examination Scheme has been revised, so the mains examination will be different. Actually, in the revised scheme of examination the WBCS Main Examination shall consist of a Written Examination and Personality Test.
The Mains Written Examination shall consist of 10 (Ten) papers of conventional type out of which 02 (two) papers viz., Bengali/Nepali as Paper‘ A and English as Paper ‘B’ carrying 300 marks each shall be of qualifying in nature. The features of the WBCS Revised Mains Examination scheme are as follows –
- Marks obtained in all the Compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VIIII) and marks obtained in Personality Test shall be counted for final merit list.
- Each compulsory and Optional Paper shall carry 250 marks and shall be of 3 (Three) hours duration.
- Candidates opting for Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ Services & Posts need not appear for Paper VII and Paper VIII.
| SI No | Subjects | Duration | Marks | Group of Services |
| Paper A | Bengali/Nepali | 3 Hours | 300 | For A, B, C & D |
| Paper B | English | 3 Hours | 300 | For A, B, C & D |
| Paper I | English Essay | 3 Hours | 250 | For A, B, C & D |
| Paper II | Tradition and Culture of Bengal | 3 Hours | 250 | For A, B, C & D |
| Paper III | General Studies I | 3 Hours | 250 | For A, B, C & D |
| Paper IV | General Studies II | 3 Hours | 250 | For A, B, C & D |
| Paper V | General Studies III | 3 Hours | 250 | For A, B, C & D |
| Paper VI | General Studies IV | 3 Hours | 250 | For A, B, C & D |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper 1 | 3 Hours | 250 | Only for Group A and / or B |
| Paper VIII | Optional Subject Paper 2 | 3 Hours | 250 | Only for group A and / or B |
- Paper A & Paper B is qualifying in nature with a qualifying mark of 30% in each.
- The marks obtained in Paper A & Paper B shall not be considered for Merit List.
- Paper-I to Paper–VIII of only those candidates will be evaluated who would secure the qualifying marks of 30% or more in each of the Paper-A and Paper-B.
- The question paper will be of conventional type.
- Each paper will be of 03 (three) hours’ duration
- Answers in all papers whether compulsory or optional, may be written either in English or in Bengali unless otherwise directed in the Question Paper.
- Questions in the papers will be of graduate level except the optional subjects.
- For Optional Subjects Papers, the questions will be approximately that of an Honours Degree Examination of any University.
WBCS Syllabus 2025 for Prelims Exam (GS Paper 1 & 2)
The WBCS Syllabus for the Preliminary or Prelims Examination is a test having MCQ on various topics. Students can cover the following topics listed below and also the latest newspaper, magazines etc to prepare for the prelims exam.
| Mathematics | Number systems, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern. |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc |
| General Awareness | Knowledge of Current affairs, Indian geography with special reference to West Bengal, Culture and history of India including freedom struggle, Indian Polity and constitution, Indian Economy, Environmental issues concerning India and the World, Sports, General Scientific and technological developments etc |
| English Language | Composition Error recognition, Fill in the blanks (using verbs, preposition, articles etc), Vocabulary, Spellings, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Completion, Phrases and Idiomatic use of Words, etc |
WBCS Syllabus 2025 for Mains Exam
WBCS Mains Examination is a combination of common papers and also of optional papers. Candidates based on the preference during the online application shall have to appear for compulsory papers and the optional subjects papers during the mains examination. The WBCS Syllabus for the Mains Examination according to the papers are as follows –
English Essay – Paper 1 Syllabus
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. Credit will be given for proper economy of words combined with clarity, precision and effectiveness of expression and originality of approach.
Tradition & Culture of Bengal – Paper 2 Syllabus
| a) | Cultural Aspects of Bengal | 60 Marks |
| i) Bengal School of Art – Art & Nationalism, ii) Paintings & Sculpture – Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, Ramkinkar Baij, Sunil Das etc. iii) Jatra iv) Theatre – Personalities like Lebedev, Girish Ghosh, Dinabandhu Mitra, Nati Binodini, Sisir Bhaduri, Utpal Dutta, Sambhu Mitra, Tripti Mitra, Badal Sarkar, Rudraprasad Sengupta, Soumitra Chattopadhyay. Star Theatre, Rangna Theatre, Minerva Theatre etc., Group Theatre. v) Cinema – Silent Era to Colour Film through Talkies – Personalities like Hiralal Sen, Promothesh Barua, Debaki Bose, Kanan Devi, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Ritwik Ghatak, Tapan Sinha, Chhabi Biswas, Uttam Kumar, Soumitra Chattopadhyay, Suchitra Sen, Aparna Sen – Laurels earned by them. vi) Gangasagar Mela, Poush Mela, Basanta Utsab, Gajaner Mela, Kenduli Mela, Rather Mela and Rash Mela. | ||
| b) | Art Forms including Folk Art & Music of Bengal | 60 Marks |
| Classical Music of Bishunupur Gharana, Toppa Folk Music like Baul, Bhawaiya, Bhatiali, Kabi Gan, Jari Gaan, Sari Gaan, Murshidi, Alkap, Patua, Agamoni, Bonbibir Pala, Jhumur; Spiritual Songs like Kirtan, Shyama Sangeet & Ramprasadi; Patriotic Songs, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Dwijendra Geeti, Atul Prasadi, Kanta Geeti, Gana Sangeet (IPTA) & Adhunik( Swarna Juger Gaan); Dance Forms like Chhau, Bhadu, Tusu, Gambhira, Gaudiya or Gouriyo Nritya, Khemta & Rabindra Nritya; Musical Instruments like Ektara, Dotara, Khol, Kartal, Dhamsa, Madol, Dhak & Dhol | ||
| c) | Literature of Bengal | 70 Marks |
| i) Styles in Bengali Language: Sadhubhasa (sophisticated type) and Chalitbhasa (colloquial type). ii) Dialects in Bengali Language: RARHI, Bangali, Varendri, Jharkhandi and Rajbanshi. iii) Bengali Literature: Old (950 – 1350), Middle (1350 – 1800 referred to as Pre-Chaitanya and Post Chaitanya), Modern (1800 – till date). Ram Mohan Roy, Vidyasagar, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Madhusudan Dutta, Rabindranath Tagore, Kaji Nazrul Islam, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury, Bibhuti Bhusan Bandyopadhyay, Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay, Manik Bandyopadhyay, Sukumar Roy, Sukanta Bhattacharya, Ashapurna Devi, Lila Mazumder, Mahasweta Devi, Subhash Mukhopadhyay & Bishnu Dey | ||
| d) | Architectural Heritage of Bengal | 60 Marks |
| Bishnupur – Burnt-Clay Architectural Structure (Terrakota) like Pancharatna Temple, Rashmancha, Jor Bunglow Temple, Terrakota Temples of Kalna etc. Buddhist Architecture like Chandraketu Garh, Mogalmari; Islamic Architecture like Adina Mosque, Chhoto Sona Masjid, Boro Sona Masjid, Eklakhi Masjid etc.; British Architecture like Hazar Duari, Victoria Memorial etc.; Madan Mohan Temple of Cooch Behar, Hangseshwari Temple of Bansberia, Pottery of Ghurni in Krishnanagar. |
Paper 3 ( History & Geography) General Studies – I Syllabus
| Group A | i) Indian history from about the middle of the 18th century until the present significant events, personalities, issues ii) The freedom struggle – its various stages and important contributors / contributions from different parts of the country especially from Undivided Bengal. iii) Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. iv) History of the world – events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society. | 125 marks |
| Group B | i) Physical geography of India with special reference to West Bengal ii) Salient features of world’s physical geography iii) Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent) ; factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world including India. iv) Important geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps)and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. v) Major crops- cropping pattern in various part of the country specially in West Bengal, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems. vi) Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, ozone layers and related issues. vii) Disaster and disaster management. | 125 marks |
WBCS Mains Paper 4 ( Indian Polity, India & the World, Indian Economy) General Studies-II Syllabus
| Group A | i) Indian Constitution – historical foundation, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. ii) Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. iii) Separation of powers between various organs ,dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. iv) Parliament and State legislatures- structure, functioning, conduct business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. v) Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary vi) Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. vii) Appointments to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. viii) Statutory, regulatory and various quasi- judicial bodies. ix) India and its neighbourhood relations. x) Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/ or affecting India’s interests. xi) Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. xii) Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure and mandate. xiii) Role of external state and non- state actors in creating challenges to internal security. xiv) Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organised crime with terrorism. | 125 marks |
| Group B | i) Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Role of RBI and other Regulatory Bodies. ii) Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. iii) Government Budgeting. iv) Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support price; Public distribution system- objective, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions, economics of animal- rearing. v) Food processing and related industries in India and West Bengal – scope and significance. Location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. vi) Land reforms in India with special reference to West Bengal. vii) Effects of liberalisation on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effect on industrial growth. viii) Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. ix) Investment models. x) Issues relating to poverty, hunger and unemployment. xi) Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/ Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources and Human Development Index. xii) Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. xiii) Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. | 125 marks |
WBCS Mains Paper 5 ( General Studies- III) Indian Society, Developments in Science and Technology in India Syllabus
| Group A | i) Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. ii) Women empowerment, role of women and women’s organization, population and as sociated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. iii) Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism iv) Effects of globalisation on Indian society v) Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders in development process. vi) Linkages between development and spread of extremism. vii) Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basis of cyber security; money- laundering and its prevention. | 150 marks |
| Group B | i) Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. ii) Achievements of Indians in science and technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. iii) Awareness in the fields of IT, space, computers, robotics, artificial intelligence, nano- technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. | 100 marks |
WBCS Mains Paper 6 (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) Syllabus
| Group A | i) Role of civil services in a democracy. ii) Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in – human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values. iii) Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. iv) Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker- sections. v) Emotional intelligence concept, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. vi) Contribution of moral thinkers, philosophers, social reformers from India and World. vii) Public/ Civil service values and ethics in Public administration: status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. viii) Probity in governance: concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to information, code of ethics, code of conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. ix) E-governance – applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential. | 150 marks |
| Group B | Case studies on above issues. | 100 marks |
WBCS Mains Syllabus for Paper 7 & 8 (Optional Papers)
The WBCS Mains Paper 7 & 8 is the optional paper of the examination. The List of optional paper subjects in the WBCS Mains Examination are as follows –
| Optional Subjects | |
| Bengali | Computer Science |
| Hindi | Economics |
| Sanskrit | Electrical Engineering |
| English | Geography |
| Pali | Geology |
| Arabic | History |
| Persian | Law |
| French | Mathematics |
| Urdu | Management |
| Santali | Mechanical Engineering |
| Comparative Literature | Medical Science |
| Agriculture | Philosophy |
| Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | Physiology |
| Anthropology | Physics |
| Botany | Political Science |
| Chemistry | Psychology |
| Civil Engineering | Sociology |
| Commerce and Accountancy | Statistics |
| Zoology | – |
With regard to the WBCS Mains Optional Syllabus 2025, the Public Service Commission has already defined the Syllabus and according to that the aspirants should prepare. Since, this is the only authentic source of WBCS Syllabus for Mains Exam, we have shared the pdf version for the aspirants. Thus, the intenders can follow the link below and download the WB Civil Service Exam Syllabus PDF.
- Download WBCS Mains Compulsory Papers Syllabus PDF
- Download WBCS Optional Subjects Syllabus PDF
WBCS Exam Preparation Tips
WBCS Exam Preparation Tricks 2025 are disclosed here. With the help of WBCS Exam Preparation Steps, get to know easy ways of exam preparation. Find detailed West Bengal Civil Services Exam Preparation Tips and prepare for the test. Preparation plan gives the best time management.
- Refer WBCS Syllabus 2025 & Exam Pattern at first.
- Make an effective preparation scheme for all the topics.
- As per the schedule, intenders should prepare for the exam.
- After preparing for the test, do revise the subjects carefully.
- Practice Previous Question papers thoroughly.
Thus, we hope the information here on WBCS Syllabus and Exam Pattern is useful. Thus, we suggest the aspirants to prepare according to the WBPSC prescribed Syllabus and score higher mark.
Good Luck
FAQs
200 is the total mark of WBCS Prelims Exam.
2 hrs and 30 minutes is the duration of WBCS Prelims exam.
