HOW TO CRACK BPSC 71st Prelims in 50 Days

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 71st Preliminary Examination is fast approaching, with the exam date set for September 13th. With approximately 50 days remaining, a strategic and focused approach is crucial to clear the anticipated cut-off of 92-95 marks (around 65%). This comprehensive 50-day plan is designed to guide you through a structured preparation process, ensuring you cover all essential aspects of the syllabus effectively.


Phase 1: Building a Strong Foundation (Days 1-30)

This initial phase is all about establishing a solid understanding of the core subjects. The emphasis should be on in-depth study and creating concise notes that will be invaluable for later revision.

Main Focus Subjects (High Weightage):

1. History (Estimated 30-32 Questions)

  • Modern India (15-18 Questions): This is the most critical area.

    • Key Topics: Tribal Revolts (Munda, Santhal, Bihar-Bengal), Revolt of 1857, Indian Freedom Struggle (Gandhi Era), Bakast Movement, Kisan Sabha Movement.

    • Important Personalities: Rajendra Prasad, Subhash Chandra Bose, Abul Kalam Azad, Shri Krishna Singh, Anugrah Narayan Singh.

    • Crucial Congress Sessions: 1911 Kolkata, 1922 Gaya, 1912 Bankipur Patna, 1934 Bombay, 1940 Ramgarh.

    • Significant Movements: Quit India Movement, Individual Satyagraha.

  • Ancient India (7-8 Questions): Focus on the Mahajanapada Period, Gupta Period, Harappan Civilization, and the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.

  • Medieval India (4-5 Questions): Prioritize the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal History, and occasionally touch upon the Chola Period and Vijayanagara Empire.

2. Current Affairs (Estimated 30-34 Questions)

  • National and International (15-18 Questions): Stay updated on major global and national events.

  • Science & Technology (3-4 Questions): Focus on recent advancements and their applications.

  • Military Exercises, Defence Technology (1-1 Question): Keep track of significant developments in this sector.

  • Sports (Optional): Have a general awareness of major sporting events.

    Strategy: Dedicate time daily to cover the past year's current affairs. Utilize daily news analysis and monthly compilations for effective coverage.

3. Bihar Special (Estimated 20-25 Questions, up to 30)

  • History of Bihar: A significant portion, so ensure thorough coverage.

  • Geography of Bihar (4-5 Questions): Focus on the state's physical and human geography.

  • Economy of Bihar (4-5 Questions): Thoroughly study the Bihar Economic Survey, Bihar Budget, and Bihar Forest Survey.

  • Specific Current Affairs of Bihar: Stay updated on developmental projects and key initiatives within the state.

4. General Science (Estimated 30 Questions, 25-30)

  • Biology: This section carries the highest weightage. Focus on fundamental concepts and their applications.

  • Physics and Chemistry: Emphasize applied questions and a strong understanding of basic principles.

  • Science & Technology (5-6 Questions): Overlap with the Current Affairs section.

  • Key Chemistry Topics: Colloids, Minerals & Ores, Acid-Base-Salt, Alloys, Polymers, Explosives, Food Preservatives, Vaccines, Everyday Chemistry, Pollution. Pay special attention to Alloys and Corrosion.

Other Subjects (Study after covering the main focus areas):

5. Indian Polity (Estimated 10-15 Questions)

  • Utilize one-shot and article-based videos for efficient coverage. Focus on Constitutional Amendments.

  • Important Topics: Local Self-Government, Indian Constitution Features, Schedules, Amendments, Key Provisions, Federal Legislature, Judiciary.

6. Economy (Estimated 12-15 Questions)

  • Currents-based Economy (7-8 Questions): Prioritize the National Budget, National Economic Survey, Bihar Budget, and Bihar Economic Survey.

  • Core Economy: Focus on fundamental economic concepts, though these may have fewer direct questions.

7. Geography (Estimated 12-15 Questions)

  • Thoroughly revise NCERT textbooks.

  • Important Topics:

    • India: General Introduction, Physiographic Divisions, Drainage System, Climate, Minerals, Energy & Industries, Demography, Tribes.

    • World Geography: Universe, Solar System, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Cyclones, Agriculture.

    • Regional & Continental Geography: Have a basic understanding of major geographical features.

8. Math & Reasoning (Estimated 10 Questions)

  • The key here is to solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from the last 10 years to understand the pattern and difficulty level.

Daily and Weekly Strategy (First 30 Days):

  • Daily Study Hours: Aim for 10-12 hours of focused study, divided into 2-3 slots with regular breaks to avoid burnout.

  • Subject Selection: Read 2-3 subjects daily to maintain variety and engagement (e.g., History + Polity + Current Affairs).

  • Notes: Create very concise and well-organized notes or synopses for each topic. These will be crucial for quick revision.

  • Immediate Revision: After every 1-2 hours of study, spend 5-10 minutes recalling and revising the topics you just covered.

  • Weekly Revision: Dedicate a specific time each week to rapidly revise all the topics you studied during that week.

  • PYQ Integration: Immediately after studying a topic, refer to relevant PYQs from both BPSC CCE and other BPSC examinations to understand the type of questions asked and reinforce your learning.

Phase 2: Sharpening Your Edge (Days 31-50)

This phase shifts the focus towards intensive revision and utilizing test series to identify and address your weaknesses, ultimately improving your speed and accuracy.

Days 31-45: Intensive Revision and Test Series

  • Increase Revision Speed: The goal is to repeatedly go through the topics you've already covered. Avoid getting stuck on any single topic for too long.

  • Utilize Short Notes: Your concise notes and highlighted points will be your best friends during this phase.

  • Avoid New Books: Stick to the study materials you have already prepared. Introducing new sources at this stage can lead to confusion and anxiety.

  • Test Series:

    • Frequency: Aim to take a maximum of 2-3 full-length mock tests per week.

    • Purpose: The primary goal of the test series is to evaluate your preparation level and identify areas that need further attention.

    • Analysis is Key: Spend at least 6 hours analyzing each test you take. Don't just look at your score.

    • Identify Mistakes: Pinpoint the exact reasons why you got certain questions wrong (conceptual misunderstanding, silly error, lack of revision).

    • Targeted Revision: After identifying your weak areas, go back and revise those topics thoroughly.

    • Self-Assessment: Understand the gaps in your preparation and track your progress over time.

    • Initial Test Scores: Don't be discouraged by lower initial scores. They are simply indicators of where you need to focus your efforts.

    • Test Necessity: Even if you feel you have only 50% preparation, start taking tests to get familiar with the exam environment and question patterns.

    • Consistency: If possible, prefer taking tests from the same source to maintain consistency in the pattern and difficulty level.

Days 46-50: Final Polish and Mental Fortitude

  • Rapid Revision: Focus on quickly going through critical facts, important concepts, and your identified weak areas one last time.

  • No New Topics: Absolutely avoid starting any new topics during this final stretch. Concentrate on reinforcing what you have already studied.

  • Simulator Tests (Final 3): These are crucial for simulating the actual exam environment. Take these tests under timed conditions and with the same seriousness as the real exam.

  • Stress Management: Stay calm and composed. Manage exam-related pressure through relaxation techniques and by believing in your preparation.

  • Prioritize Sleep and Health: Ensure you get adequate sleep and maintain a healthy diet. Avoid anything that could negatively impact your physical or mental well-being.

  • Maintain a Positive Attitude: Believe in your hard work and your ability to clear the examination. A positive mindset can make a significant difference.

Important Tips for the Exam Hall:

  • Question Paper Analysis: Before attempting any questions, quickly scan the question paper to identify the distribution of questions across different subjects and any recurring themes from PYQs.

  • Effective Elimination Technique: Learn and practice the art of elimination. If you can confidently eliminate one or two options, taking a calculated risk on the remaining options can be beneficial.

  • Special Attention to "More than one of the above" and "None of the above": These options require careful consideration and a thorough understanding of the concepts.

Final Advice:

  • Discipline is Paramount: Stick to your study plan diligently every single day. Consistency is key to success.

  • Avoid Unnecessary Comparison: Focus on your own progress and preparation journey. Comparing yourself to others can lead to unnecessary stress and demotivation.

  • Believe in Yourself: Trust the effort and time you have invested in your preparation. 50 days, when utilized strategically, are indeed sufficient to clear the BPSC 71st Prelims with flying colors.

With a well-defined strategy, consistent effort, and unwavering belief in yourself, you can confidently approach the BPSC 71st Prelims. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and all the best!