Cycle 2025
DRAFT — unverified
Unverified — pending official notification check.
Pattern from commission website and official notifications.
Main Session
| Section | Timing | Questions | Marks / Q | Negative | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition | Not timed separately | 25 | 1 | −0.25 | Scored |
| General Science | Not timed separately | 25 | 1 | −0.25 | Scored |
| History of India | Not timed separately | 25 | 1 | −0.25 | Scored |
| Indian Polity & Economy | Not timed separately | 25 | 1 | −0.25 | Scored |
| Geography of India & WB | Not timed separately | 25 | 1 | −0.25 | Scored |
| Mental Ability & Reasoning | Not timed separately | 25 | 1 | −0.25 | Scored |
| Current Events | Not timed separately | 25 | 1 | −0.25 | Scored |
| Indian National Movement | Not timed separately | 25 | 1 | −0.25 | Scored |
Compulsory + optional papers as per WBCS pattern.
Personality test.
Preliminary Examination · Preliminary Examination · Main Session — qualifying criteria
Merit paper for Mains shortlisting.
Main Examination — note
Compulsory + optional papers as per WBCS pattern.
Interview — note
Personality test.
Source: WBPSC official scheme & syllabus for W.B.C.S. (Exe.) etc. Examination (wbpsc.gov.in); 2025 reform status per WB PAR department statement · official document
General Studies (single paper, 200 MCQs, 200 marks, 2.5 hours)
Paper I: Bengali / Hindi / Urdu / Nepali / Santali (200, descriptive)
Paper II: English (200, descriptive)
Paper III: General Studies I (200, MCQ)
Paper IV: General Studies II (200, MCQ)
Paper V: The Constitution of India and Indian Economy including role and functions of Reserve Bank of India (200, MCQ)
Paper VI: Arithmetic and Test of Reasoning (200, MCQ)
Paper VII & VIII: Optional Subject (200 each, descriptive; Groups A & B only)
The old (2013) pattern below remains in force: the West Bengal PAR department stalled the two 2024 notifications that would have introduced a UPSC-style syllabus from WBCS 2025 (two prelims GS papers; 10-paper fully descriptive mains). If the reform is revived, this file will need updating.
Source: WBPSC official prelims result/cutoff notices for W.B.C.S. (Exe.) etc. examinations (as published on wbpsc.gov.in)
W.B.C.S. (Exe.) etc. (Preliminary) Examination 2023· Prelims
W.B.C.S. (Exe.) etc. (Preliminary) Examination 2022 (Advt. 2/2022; exam 19 Jun 2022, result 10 Aug 2023)· Prelims
W.B.C.S. (Exe.) etc. (Preliminary) Examination 2021 (exam 22 Aug 2021, result 3 Feb 2022)· Prelims
W.B.C.S. (Exe.) etc. (Preliminary) Examination 2020· Prelims
W.B.C.S. (Exe.) etc. (Preliminary) Examination 2019· Prelims
Prelims is out of 200 marks. Cutoffs are as published by WBPSC in the official prelims result notices; EWS cutoff introduced from the 2023 cycle. PH/MSP sub-category cutoffs exist but are not listed here.