Mains Syllabus of the BSSC Exam 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
The Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) conducts the Bihar Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (BSSC CGL) Exam to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in the Bihar government. The exam is conducted in two stages: Preliminary Exam and Mains Exam. This article focuses on the Mains syllabus for the BSSC CGL Exam 2024.
General Studies (Paper-I)
1. History
- Ancient India: Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire, Post-Gupta Period, South Indian Kingdoms, Religious Movements, Art and Architecture.
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Kingdom, Maratha Empire, Socio-economic and cultural developments.
- Modern India: British rule in India, Indian National Movement, Social and religious reforms, Independence and Partition, Post-independence India.
2. Geography
- Physical Geography: Earth’s structure, continents and oceans, climate, vegetation, soil, natural resources.
- Indian Geography: Physiography, climate, vegetation, soil, natural resources, population distribution, major industries, agriculture, transportation.
- World Geography: Major continents and their geographical features, important geographical phenomena, international organizations related to geography.
3. Polity
- Indian Constitution: Features, fundamental rights and duties, directive principles, amendments, important constitutional bodies.
- Union Government: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Parliament, Judiciary.
- State Government: Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature, Judiciary.
- Local Self-Government: Panchayati Raj, Municipal Corporations.
- Political System: Political parties, elections, pressure groups, public opinion.
4. Economics
- Indian Economy: Structure, sectors, economic reforms, poverty, unemployment, inflation, fiscal and monetary policies.
- Basic Economic Concepts: Demand and supply, production, consumption, income, expenditure, money, banking.
- International Economics: Globalization, WTO, IMF, World Bank.
5. General Science
- Physics: Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism.
- Chemistry: Basic concepts of matter, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, acids, bases, salts.
- Biology: Basic concepts of living organisms, cells, tissues, organs, systems, human body, plants, animals.
6. Current Affairs
- National and International events of the past year.
- Important personalities and their contributions.
- Major awards and honors.
- Sports events.
- Science and technology developments.
7. Bihar Specific
- History, culture, geography, economy, and social issues of Bihar.
- Important personalities and their contributions.
- Major schemes and policies of the Bihar government.
8. Reasoning and Mental Ability
- Analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, logical reasoning, data interpretation.
9. General Awareness
- Current affairs, general knowledge, static GK, events of national and international importance.
10. Computer Knowledge
- Basic concepts of computers, hardware, software, operating systems, internet, email, MS Office.
Table 1: General Studies (Paper-I) – Weightage and Number of Questions
| Subject | Weightage (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| History | 15 | 30 |
| Geography | 15 | 30 |
| Polity | 20 | 40 |
| Economics | 15 | 30 |
| General Science | 10 | 20 |
| Current Affairs | 10 | 20 |
| Bihar Specific | 10 | 20 |
| Reasoning and Mental Ability | 5 | 10 |
| General Awareness | 5 | 10 |
| Computer Knowledge | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
General Hindi (Paper-II)
1. Grammar
- Parts of speech, tenses, voice, gender, number, case, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, proverbs.
- Sentence structure, punctuation, composition, letter writing, essay writing.
2. Literature
- History of Hindi literature, major literary movements, prominent writers and their works.
- Modern Hindi literature, contemporary trends, major genres.
3. Comprehension
- Reading comprehension passages, identifying main ideas, drawing inferences, answering questions based on the passage.
4. Translation
- Translation from English to Hindi and vice versa.
5. Vocabulary
- Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, proverbs, one-word substitution.
Table 2: General Hindi (Paper-II) – Weightage and Number of Questions
| Subject | Weightage (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | 40 | 80 |
| Literature | 30 | 60 |
| Comprehension | 15 | 30 |
| Translation | 10 | 20 |
| Vocabulary | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and the weightage of each subject.
- Refer to Relevant Books: Choose reliable and updated study materials from reputed publishers.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Analyze previous year papers to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.
- Time Management: Develop a study plan and allocate sufficient time for each subject.
- Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas of improvement.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs through newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to improve them.
- Revision: Regular revision is crucial to retain what you have learned.
Important Points to Remember
- The exam pattern and syllabus may vary slightly from year to year.
- Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the latest updates.
- The BSSC CGL Exam is highly competitive, so thorough preparation is essential.
- Time management and accuracy are crucial for success in the exam.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the Mains syllabus for the BSSC CGL Exam 2024. By following the preparation strategy and focusing on the key areas, candidates can enhance their chances of success in the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the BSSC CGL Exam 2024 Mains Syllabus:
1. What are the main subjects covered in the BSSC CGL Mains Exam?
The Mains exam consists of two papers: General Studies (Paper-I) and General Hindi (Paper-II). General Studies covers a wide range of subjects including History, Geography, Polity, Economics, General Science, Current Affairs, Bihar Specific topics, Reasoning and Mental Ability, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. General Hindi focuses on Grammar, Literature, Comprehension, Translation, and Vocabulary.
2. What is the weightage of each subject in the Mains exam?
The weightage of each subject varies. For General Studies, each subject has a specific weightage, with History, Geography, Polity, and Economics carrying a higher weightage. In General Hindi, Grammar and Literature hold the highest weightage.
3. How many questions are there in each paper of the Mains exam?
Each paper of the Mains exam consists of 200 questions.
4. What is the duration of the Mains exam?
The duration of each paper is 3 hours.
5. What are the best resources for preparing for the Mains exam?
Refer to standard textbooks, previous year papers, and online resources. Utilize mock tests to assess your preparation level.
6. How can I improve my time management skills for the exam?
Practice mock tests under timed conditions. Analyze your performance and identify areas where you need to improve your speed and accuracy.
7. What are some tips for preparing for the General Studies paper?
Focus on understanding the concepts, practice current affairs, and revise regularly. Pay special attention to Bihar-specific topics.
8. What are some tips for preparing for the General Hindi paper?
Strengthen your grammar fundamentals, read Hindi literature, and practice translation and comprehension exercises.
9. Is there any negative marking in the Mains exam?
Yes, there is negative marking for incorrect answers.
10. What are the eligibility criteria for the BSSC CGL Exam?
Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university. The age limit varies depending on the post.
11. How can I apply for the BSSC CGL Exam?
Applications are usually submitted online through the official website of the BSSC.
12. What is the selection process for the BSSC CGL Exam?
The selection process involves two stages: Preliminary Exam and Mains Exam. Candidates who clear the Mains exam are eligible for the final merit list.
13. When is the BSSC CGL Exam 2024 likely to be held?
The exact dates for the exam are usually announced by the BSSC through official notifications.
14. What are the important dates for the BSSC CGL Exam 2024?
Keep an eye on the official BSSC website for the latest updates on important dates.
15. Where can I find the official notification for the BSSC CGL Exam 2024?
The official notification will be published on the BSSC website.
16. What are the salary and benefits for the posts recruited through the BSSC CGL Exam?
The salary and benefits vary depending on the specific post. Refer to the official notification for details.
17. What are some tips for staying motivated during exam preparation?
Set realistic goals, take breaks, and celebrate small victories. Surround yourself with a supportive network.
18. What are some common mistakes to avoid during exam preparation?
Avoid procrastination, don’t rely solely on shortcuts, and manage your stress levels.
19. What are some tips for managing exam stress?
Practice relaxation techniques, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet.
20. What are some tips for performing well on the exam day?
Arrive at the exam center on time, read the instructions carefully, and manage your time effectively.