BPSC 72nd CCE 2026 Notification Out: 1186 Vacancies, Eligibility, New Exam Pattern and Apply Online Before May 31
Last Updated: May 21, 2026
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) officially released the 72nd Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2026 Notification on May 5, 2026. With 1186 vacancies for Group A and Group B administrative posts across various Bihar government departments, this is one of the most significant state civil services opportunities of the year.
Critically, the online application window closes on May 31, 2026. Aspirants have just days left to apply at the official BPSC portal.
BPSC 72nd CCE 2026: Key Highlights at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | May 5, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1186 posts (revised from 1230) |
| Application Start Date | May 7, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | May 31, 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | July 26, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Post Type | Group A and Group B Gazetted |
| Official Website | bpsc.bihar.gov.in |
BPSC 72nd CCE: Posts and Vacancy Distribution
The 72nd CCE recruits candidates for several prestigious Group A and Group B posts including Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Block Development Officer, Sub-Divisional Officer, Revenue Officer, District Commandant (Home Guard), and various other gazetted positions in the Bihar government. Note that 44 vacancies were reduced from the originally announced 1230, bringing the revised total to 1186.
Eligibility Criteria for BPSC 72nd CCE 2026
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final year students awaiting results may be eligible for certain posts — refer to the official notification for post-specific details.
Age Limit (Calculated as on August 1, 2026)
- General (Male): 20 to 37 years
- General (Female): 20 to 40 years
- OBC/BC candidates: Upper age relaxation of 2 to 3 years applicable
- SC/ST candidates: Upper age relaxation of 5 years
- PwBD candidates: As per Bihar government norms
Domicile of Bihar is mandatory for most posts under this examination.
New Exam Pattern for BPSC 72nd CCE 2026
The BPSC 72nd CCE follows a three-stage selection process.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (July 26, 2026)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Objective (MCQ) — General Studies
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer (a significant change)
- The mandatory Option E rule continues
Stage 2: Mains Examination
- 4 papers — General Hindi plus three General Studies papers
- Each paper carries 300 marks
- Descriptive (written) format
Stage 3: Interview and Personality Test
- 120 marks
- Conducted at BPSC headquarters, Patna
Important strategic note: The 0.25 negative marking in Prelims means candidates should attempt only those questions where they are at least 70 to 80 percent confident. Guessing randomly will lower your score.
BPSC 72nd Prelims 2026: Syllabus Overview
The General Studies paper covers: General Science, Bihar History and Culture, Indian History (especially the freedom movement), Indian and Bihar Geography (physical, economic, and social), Indian Polity and Constitution, Indian Economy and Bihar’s economic development post-independence, General Mathematics and Mental Ability, and National and International Current Events. Bihar-specific content typically carries significant weightage — candidates who underestimate this section consistently score lower.
How to Apply Online for BPSC 72nd CCE 2026
- Visit bpsc.bihar.gov.in
- Click on the “72nd CCE Online Application” link
- Register with a valid mobile number and email ID
- Fill in personal, educational, and post-preference details
- Upload photograph and signature as per BPSC specifications
- Pay the application fee: General category — Rs 600; SC and ST of Bihar and Female candidates of Bihar — Rs 150
- Submit and download the confirmation receipt
Deadline: May 31, 2026. Do not wait until the last day — server congestion is common near deadlines.
Preparation Strategy for BPSC 72nd Prelims 2026
With approximately 65 days between now and the Prelims on July 26, here is a practical approach. Dedicate two hours daily to Bihar-specific topics — this is where most aspirants lose marks and where preparation effort has the highest return. Allocate two hours to General Studies (Indian Polity, Economy, History, Geography). Spend one hour on current affairs from May to July 2026. Reserve one hour for solving previous year BPSC question papers, targeting at least 10 years of past papers before the exam.
Resources for BPSC 72nd CCE 2026 Preparation
For expert coaching support in Bihar PCS and UPSC preparation, Plutus IAS — India’s Number 1 IAS and State PCS coaching institute — offers dedicated Bihar PCS batches with Bihar-specific content and experienced mentors. For BPSC-specific books and study materials, Online Khan Market has a curated range of Bihar PCS preparation titles. For daily current affairs summaries relevant for both BPSC and other state PCS exams, The Hindu Zone provides structured editorial analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for BPSC 72nd CCE 2026?
May 31, 2026. Apply by May 30 to avoid last-day server issues.
Is there negative marking in BPSC 72nd Prelims 2026?
Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted per incorrect answer. Attempt questions strategically.
What are the total vacancies in BPSC 72nd CCE 2026?
1186 posts (revised from the originally announced 1230) for Group A and Group B positions.
When is the BPSC 72nd Prelims exam date?
July 26, 2026 (Sunday).
Is Bihar domicile mandatory for BPSC 72nd CCE?
Yes, Bihar domicile is required for most posts. Check the official notification for post-wise domicile requirements.
Conclusion
The BPSC 72nd CCE 2026 offers 1186 vacancies for one of the most respected administrative careers in Bihar. With the application window closing on May 31, aspirants must act immediately. Focus on Bihar-specific preparation, tackle the negative marking strategically, and build a consistent daily study routine for the July 26 Prelims. For expert coaching in Bihar PCS preparation, connect with Plutus IAS — No. 1 IAS and State PCS Coaching in India.
Tell us Your Queries, Suggestions and Feedback