What is WBPSC and WBCS?

We know that UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) governs appointments to multiple higher-level posts in various departments and ministries under the central government. Similarly, PSCs (Public Service Commissions) in each state recruit eligible candidates for top-ranking positions under the provincial government. 

The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) is such an institution, recognized by article 315 of the constitution of India, that governs the appointment to various group A, B, C, and D posts under the Government of West Bengal. A combined and fiercely competitive WBCS (West Bengal Civil Services) Examination governs the recruitment process. 

If you are at sea figuring out the intricacies of the WBPSC WBCS, this article is for you. Keep scrolling to find a detailed description of the WBCS exam, including the WBCS syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility, and nature of posts.

 

WBCS Exam 2022

The West Bengal Public Service Commission released WBCS 2022 notification on 26th February 2022. The commission conducted the prelims examination on 19th June 2022. However, they are yet to release the result of WBPSC WBCS Mains.

 

WBPSC WBCS Nature of Posts

WBPSC conducts WBCS for recruiting eligible candidates for the positions under four groups. 

  • Group A: Pay level 16 (56,100 – 1,44,300)
  • West Bengal Civil Service (Executive)
  • West Bengal Integrated Revenue Service
  • West Bengal Cooperative Service
  • West Bengal Labour Service
  • West Bengal Food and Supplies Service
  • West Bengal Employment Service
  • Group B: Pay level 16 (56,100 – 1,44,300)
  • West Bengal Police Service
  • Group C: Pay levels 15 (42,600 – 1,09,800), 14 (39,900 – 1,02,800), and 12 (35,800 – 92,100)
  • Superintendent, District Correctional Home/ Dy. SP, Central Correctional Home
  • Joint BDO
  • Deputy Assistant Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Business Practices
  • West Bengal Junior Social Welfare Service
  • West Bengal Subordinate Land Revenue Service (Gr. I)
  • Assistant Commercial Tax Officer
  • Registrar/ Joint Registrar of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission 
  • Assistant Canal Revenue Officer
  • Chief Controller of Correctional Services
  • Group D: Pay level 10 (32,100 – 82,900)
  • Inspector of Co-operative Societies
  • Panchayat Development Officer
  • Rehabilitation Officer

 

WBCS Exam Eligibility

Age

The age range is different for different groups. 

  • For group A and C positions, the age range for candidates is 21-36. 
  • For group B, it is 20-36. 
  • For group D, it is 21-39.

WBPSC offers a relaxation of 5 years for SC and ST candidates and 3 years for OBC-NCL. The upper age limit for PwD candidates will be 45 years. However, no reservations shall apply to candidates from other states.

Education

Aspiring candidates shall:

  • Possess a university degree
  • Have the ability to read, write, and speak in Bengali. However, WBPSC exempts people with Nepali as their mother tongue from this prerequisite.

Physical Requirements

For group B service, the minimum height required for male candidates is 165 cm, and for female candidates, it is 150 cm. Height relaxations shall apply for candidates belonging to races like Gorkhas, Assamese Tribals, etc.

WBCS Exam Reservations

Reservations shall apply, according to the rules of the Government of West Bengal, for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and PwD. Also, reservations shall apply for meritorious sportspersons (International, National, Inter-University, or National-Level School Education tournaments) aspiring for group-D posts.

WBPSC WBCS Exam and WBCS Syllabus

WBCS examination has three parts:

  • An objective-type written examination (prelims) for screening,
  • Objective and subjective-type written examination (mains), and
  • Personality test

Medium of Examination

Candidates can attempt all papers except the language papers in English or Bengali. Nevertheless, candidates may give the optional papers in Political Science/ Botany in Nepali.

WBCS Syllabus and Exam Pattern- Prelims

WBCS prelims shall have only a 150-minute General Studies (GS) paper with 200 objective-type questions of one mark each, divided into eight sections:

  • English Composition
  • General Science
  • General Awareness
  • Indian History
  • Indian Geography (special reference to West Bengal)
  • Indian Polity and Economy
  • Indian National Movement
  • General Mental Ability

After qualifying for the prelims, the candidate shall be eligible to appear for the mains. The marks scored in the prelims will not govern the final selection.

WBCS Syllabus and Exam Pattern- Mains

WBCS mains will have six compulsory papers and two optional papers (for group A/B aspirants). All papers will be of 180-minutes duration and carry 200 marks. Also, papers III, IV, V, and VI will consist of objective-type questions only.

The compulsory papers are:

  • Paper I: Bengali/ Hindi/ Urdu/ Nepali/ Santali
  • Letter writing
  • Report writing
  • Precis writing
  • Composition and translation
  • Paper II: English
  • Letter writing
  • Report writing
  • Precis writing
  • Composition and translation
  • Paper III: General Studies I
  • Indian History
  • National Movement
  • Indian Geography (special reference to West Bengal)
  • Paper IV: General Studies II
  • Science and Technology
  • Environment
  • General Awareness
  • Paper V: The Constitution of India and the Indian Economy
  • Indian Economy
  • Functioning of the Reserve Bank of India
  • Constitution of India
  • Paper VI: Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning

Papers VII and VIII will be optional papers. It can be one among the following:

  1. Agriculture
  2. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences
  3. Anthropology
  4. Botany
  5. Chemistry
  6. Civil Engineering
  7. Commerce and Accountancy
  8. Comparative Literature
  9. Computer Science
  10. Economics
  11. Electrical Engineering
  12. Geography
  13. Geology
  14. History
  15. Languages- any one among Bengali, Hindi, Sanskrit, English, Pali, Arabic, Persian, French, Urdu, and Santali. 
  16. Law
  17. Management
  18. Mathematics
  19. Mechanical Engineering
  20. Medical Sciences
  21. Philosophy
  22. Physiology
  23. Political Science
  24. Sociology
  25. Statistics
  26. Zoology

WBCS Exam: Personality Test

The personality test will carry 200 marks for Group A and B services, 150 marks for Group C and 100 marks for Group D. 

Conclusion

In this article, we contemplated the technicalities of the WBPSC WBCS exam, including the eligibility criteria, nature of posts and salary prospects, and WBCS syllabus and exam pattern. The competition for these lucrative posts is fierce, reflected in the vastness of the WBCS syllabus. With a streamlined study plan and sky-touching perseverance, you can ace the WBCS exam. So, jump the gun by starting to prepare today!

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