Patna: The Bihar Public Service Commission has issued the notification for the 72nd Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2026, opening recruitment for 1,230 vacancies across several Grade-A state government posts.
The examination will be conducted for prestigious administrative and police service positions, including sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and deputy superintendent of police (DSP).
Application Process Begins May 7
According to the commission, the online application process will begin on May 7 and remain open until May 31. Candidates can apply through the official BPSC website.
Officials said applicants must ensure that all details and supporting documents submitted during the registration process are accurate, warning that discrepancies could lead to cancellation of applications.
Eligibility And Age Criteria
Candidates must possess a graduate degree from a recognised university to be eligible for the examination.
The prescribed age limit is 20 to 37 years for male candidates and 20 to 40 years for female candidates. Age relaxation provisions will apply for reserved category applicants in accordance with government rules.
Three-Stage Selection Process
The recruitment process will consist of three stages: the preliminary examination, the mains examination and an interview.
Only candidates qualifying in the preliminary stage will be eligible to appear for the mains examination, while the final merit list will be prepared after interviews.
New Rule In Preliminary Examination
BPSC has introduced a notable change in the prelims pattern this year.
Candidates wishing to leave a question unanswered will now be required to select “Option E”. Failure to select any option will be treated as an incorrect response, resulting in a deduction of one-third of the marks allotted to that question.
Negative marking will also continue for incorrect answers.
Exam Pattern
The preliminary examination will be objective in nature and based on general studies. The paper will carry 150 marks and candidates will have two hours to complete it.
Officials said aspirants should adapt their preparation strategies in view of the revised marking system.
