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BPSC Mains Exam Preparation in 60 Days: Detailed Guide

Cracking the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Mains exam demands firm planning and the right strategy. Recently the BPSC has made changes in its pattern – now in the main exam General Hindi (100 marks) and elective subjects (100 marks) are only for merit, while the merit will be made up of a total of 900 marks (GS Paper I & II and Essay, 300  marks each).  This means that the main focus of your preparation should be on General Studies Paper I, Paper II and Essay, as well as devote enough time to Hindi and electives to avoid failing. Below   is a phased plan for effective preparedness in 60 days and strategy for each segment.

1. BPSC exam 60-Day Phased Study Plan

   Divide your preparation into phases to complete the comprehensive syllabus of the main exam  in 60 days. Stepwise planning will allow you to track progress step by step and achieve certain goals by the end of each phase.  Setting weekly and daily goals is an important part of this process so that consistency is maintained and time is optimally utilized.

Phased Planning (Example):

• Phase 1 (Days 1–20):  Do most of the syllabus coverage in this preparatory phase  .  Aim to cover static topics  in the first 2-3 weeks. For example, complete important chapters on History and Geography  of GS Paper I  and basic topics related to constitution and administration of GS Paper II  in the first 20 days. Also,  start practicing answer writing  for 1-2 hours every day (from small questions in the beginning) so that the pace of writing starts to build.  Divide 6-8  hours of study into the daily schedule and read one subject in the morning and another in the afternoon, and repeat what you learned early in the evening.
• Phase 2 (Days 21–40): The next 20 days  are for deepening the remaining course coverage and answer writing. Complete the topic or topic that got less time in  Phase 1 now. For example, if there are topics related to art-culture or sociology, then tackle them in this period.  Set weekly goals – such as covering the rest of history by the end of the third week and the rest of the constitution and economy by the fourth week. Start practicing at least one essay per day (on different topics), and  solve 2-3 GS questions per day in the time limit. In this phase  , one can also start giving mock tests (one full-length paper each week) so that the actual exam is practiced.
• Phase 3 (days 41–60):  Focus on the last 20 days of thorough revision and intense practice. This step is meant to firm up your preparation.  In the first 10 days (days 41–50),  revise the entire GS Paper I and II and the major topics of the essay. Practice by writing  at least one complete GS paper  daily and solve previous years’ question papers. Use the last 10 days with a particular strategy – revision only, focus on weak topics, and light exercises (on this we will elaborate further). The daily goal these days should be to revise all the important events, dates, figures, and facts. Also, to increase the speed of answer writing,  write a full-length  paper with a timer of 3  hours.

Weekly/Daily Goal Setting:  At the beginning of each week, decide which topics or topics to finish this week. Divide it  into 6 days and set a daily target and reserve  the 7thday – cover the backward topics on that day or do a brief review. For example,  if you want to finish modern history in week 1, divide the chapters according to the daily (Day 1: 1857 Revolution, Day 2: Congress formation and start of national movement, etc.). Similarly, read a supplementary subject with one main subject daily (e.g. Current Affairs with History or Geography with Politics) to maintain diversity and focus. Divide your daily time   into 2-3 hour blocks, taking short breaks in between so as not to get tired. Follow a regular routine and try to achieve the goals you have set before the day ends.

Note: Have flexibility in your plan. If any days fall behind the plan, don’t panic but adjust it the next day. It’s important to maintain consistency, even if some days 100% of the goals aren’t met.

2. exam BPSC Mains Strategy for each theme

The nature of each paper in the main exam is different, so subject-specific strategies have to be made. The syllabus of BPSC consists of two papers of General Studies  which include aspects like History, Geography, Polity, Administration, Economy, Society etc. There is also a separate essay paper and a general Hindi paper (which is for passing marks only). Below are effective strategies for each:

bpsc GS Paper I (History, Geography, Art & Culture, National & International Issues & D.I.)

Course Coverage: GS-1  mainly covers topics related to History (History of India and Bihar), Geography (Geography of India and Bihar), and Art and Culture. Start the preparation by getting a firm grip on these topics:

• History: Prepare the history of modern India comprehensively, especially the events related to the freedom struggle. Pay special attention to Bihar’s contribution to the freedom movement – such as the Champaran Satyagraha, the Quit India Movement, etc., as the BPSC asks questions on the context of Bihar.

. Along with modern history, the ancient and medieval history of India should also be repeated briefly, but do not go into too much detail. Read the history of Bihar (Magadha Empire, Maurya and Gupta periods, Nalanda University, etc.) thoroughly as specific aspects related to the state are likely to be questioned. Create a timeline to remember history and sort key dates/persons.

• Geography:  Prepare the geographical landscape of Bihar along with Indian geography. This includes the river system of Bihar (Ganga, Kosi flood problem), soil types, agricultural pattern, minerals and natural resources. While studying the geography of India, memorize the location through the map (main river, mountain, landforms) so that it is possible to give the outline of the map in the north. Identify the geographical features, location of cultivation and industries etc. of the districts on the map of Bihar. Apart from this, topics related to environment and ecology (impact of climate change on the state, status of forests) should also be covered. If the data is remembered (e.g. forest cover percentage in Bihar, how much population is engaged in agriculture), their inclusion in the answer adds credibility.
• Art & Culture:  Prepare major aspects of Indian art, architecture and culture (temple architecture, paintings, music, literary tradition), especially those related to Bihar. For example, study Mauryan art (Sanchi Stupa, Pillars of Ashoka) and local art forms such as Madhubani paintings, Patna pen paintings, etc.

. Learn about the folk culture of Bihar, festivals (Chhath Puja), dance (Jat-Jatin, Jhijhiya) and linguistic diversity (Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi) as these topics may come up in the essay. Also look at the current themes in the Culture section  – as if an art from Bihar has recently gained international recognition. To bring interest in the preparation, remember facts related to art and culture as a story and quote them in the answer as per the context.

• Current Affairs & Others: GS-1 also has a part of current affairs, such as national and international important events, conferences, awards, etc. Read current issues especially related to Bihar (e.g. new schemes in the state, development related news). Apart from this, questions of Data Interpretation (Analysis of Chart/Graph) can come, so look at the previous year’s question paper and guess what type of graph or table has to be interpreted.  Do some practice for these questions so that you are ready for the exam.

Answer Writing Tip: Factual accuracy and relevance are very important in the answer to GS-1. When writing the answers,  make maps or diagrams  where possible (especially north of geography, such as simple maps to show the course of a river). Be sure to include the respective dates and names of persons  in the answer to the history, if appropriate. In the question of art and culture, if you are describing any art style, then  give an example of it (e.g. “Madhubani painting – famous folk painting style of Mithila region”). These details will make your answer unique and make a good impression on the examiner.

bpsc General Studies Paper II (Constitution, Administration, Economy, Social issues, Science & Tech.)

Course Coverage: GS-2 mainly covers the Constitution and Indian Polity, Economic Development and Economy of Bihar, Public Administration and Social Issues (Sociology). Current events and policies are of particular importance in this paper. The key points of preparation are as follows:

• Indian Constitution and Polity:  Understand the basic principles of the Constitution (Fundamental Rights/Duties, Directive Principles) and the system of governance.  Prepare an administrative structure specifically with reference to Bihar – such as Panchayati Raj Institutions in Bihar and their structure, schemes and policies of the state government, Bihar’s role in Centre-State relations.   Make notes on the constitutional issues currently going on in the country/state (reservation, citizenship, judicial reforms, etc.).  Quoting articles of the Constitution  while writing answers makes the answer effective – for example,  one can refer to Article 40 (encouragement to panchayats) in a question related to panchayats. Governance answers  should include good governance efforts in Bihar, corruption control measures, public grievance redressal system (such as Lokayukta), etc. Special references to Bihar (e.g. Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement, status of land reforms) should also be included in the preparation of the political section.
• Economic Development and Bihar Economy:  Understand the main themes of Indian economy (GDP growth, key findings of the Economic Survey, key points of the budget). At the same time, delve deeper into the specific issues of Bihar’s economy – over-dependence on agriculture, the impact of floods and droughts, the problem of migration from the state, the challenges of industrial development, and the state government’s flagship economic initiatives (e.g. the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, the Jeevika Project).   Keep a note of the data related to the economy of Bihar (such as the state’s poverty rate, literacy rate, percentage contribution to agriculture), so that it can be used in the north. Also, evaluate the impact of the Centre’s policies on the state (impact of GST, centralised schemes). For economic topics, it would be beneficial to study the business/economic pages of the newspaper and the summary of the Bihar Economic Survey (if available).
• Application of Science and Technology: In GS-2, questions related to science and technology often come in the context of India and Bihar. For example, how is technology being used to solve Bihar’s challenges (agriculture, education, health)? Prepare the country’s digital initiatives (Digital India, Aadhaar, Drones/IoT in agriculture) and the technological innovations implemented in Bihar (e-governance initiatives, digitization of land records) for such questions.   If you look at the previous years’ questions, the questions related to science and technology have also included new discoveries, missions related to space or defense, applications of biotechnology, etc. – read them briefly and note their benefits/challenges.
• Sociology and Social Issues: Take a deep look at the major social issues of Bihar and India. It     covers topics such as education, health, population, gender inequality, caste system, poverty and unemployment. Know the peculiarities of the social status of Bihar – such as population growth and population density is very high in the state, the status of children of migrant laborers in education, the literacy rate of women, prevalent social evils (child marriage, dowry) etc. Understand the schemes run by the government (state and central) and their impact on these topics, such as the Mukhyamantri Balika Protsahan Yojana  for education in Bihar or the Arogya  Initiative for Health. It would be effective to include real-life examples or government data (NHFS surveys, etc.) in answers to social questions. Also, if a positive case-study (such as a district improving daughter’s education) is found, keep it ready so that you can write in the relevant answers.

Answer Writing Tip: Showing a multi-pronged approach  in  GS-2 answers can increase the marks. Whether the question is about the economy or society, mention the related policies, schemes, laws or committees  in the answer. For example, if you are talking about agriculture in Bihar, you  can refer to the Second Agricultural Roadmap or the efforts of organic farming.  Replies related to the Constitution and administration  should include, if possible, an important decision of the Supreme Court, a reference to a debate in the Constituent Assembly, or the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, etc. Keep the answers balanced in social questions – suggest solutions to problems as well (what the government is doing or can do). In analysing the issues, be sure to show Bihar-specific examples  with cause and effect (e.g. impact of 50%  reservation for women under Panchayati Raj in Bihar). Divide your answer into sections,  use subheadings, and write point-wise so that the examiner is quick to see the key points.

Strategy for Essay (300 marks)

                  The essay  in the BPSC Mains exam is an independent paper (300 marks) that tests your expression, depth of thinking, and ability to present the topic in a structured manner. This paper makes a full contribution to the merit, so one should try to get a high score in it. Follow these strategies for essay preparation and writing:

• Understanding of Syllabus and Theme: First clarify  what kind of topics can come in the essay paper of BPSC. The commission has recently included the essay and indicated that it  will include topics based on proverbs/proverbs and regional problems of Bihar. This means that you have to prepare for all kinds of subjects social, economic, political,  cultural, especially those related  to the state of Bihar. For example,  topics such as the growing population in Bihar, Bihar’s contribution to modern India, the importance of Bihar’s folk culture, or the implied meaning of a proverb associated with Bihar, etc. may come up. If you look at the previous year’s question paper (68thMain Examination), then perhaps an essay has been on a proverb from Bihar and one on a topical issue – prepare keeping such possibility in mind.
• Essay Writing Practice: Essay is not a section that should be prepared just by reading – continuous writing practice is very important. Write at least 1-2 whole essays every week. Practice writing your written essay in a time limit (e.g. ~1000-1200  words in 90 minutes). After writing, do your own assessment or get it checked by a knowledgeable person.  Have a practice set ready: Outline some possible essay topics, think of key points, and then take the time to write on them. For example,  write an essay on the topic for an exercise: “The one whose stick is his buffalo” – first think that the meaning of this proverb is “he who has power asserts right.” Then write it in a socio-political context with examples (e.g., the importance of the rule of law and conclude that justice is necessary, not just lathi (power).  With this kind of practice, you will not panic if a proverb/proverb based topic comes up in the actual exam, but  will be able to outline it immediately.
• Structure and Presentation: The essay should have a well-organized structure – introduction, body, and conclusion. Introduce or reference the topic in the introduction (can start with a quote, event, or definition). Discuss the various aspects related to the topic in the main section, paragraph by paragraph. If the subject is a proverb, then in the main part, explain under what circumstances that proverb is applicable, what are its social/economic/political dimensions, how it is relevant in the context of Bihar or India. Try to  include 2-3 major points/dimensions in the essay – such as historical causes of a social problem, current situation, efforts of the government, and the way forward.  Conclude with a positive note or suggestion, summarizing the entire essay in conclusion.  It is often useful to give Bihar-specific references in BPSC essays; Such as a quote from a famous Bihari person in the conclusion or writing a solution in the context of the state.
• Language and Vocabulary: Whether the essay is written in Hindi medium or in English, the language should be clear and influential. Use simple and precise vocabulary instead of difficult words. In the essay related to the proverbs of Bihar, if possible, thread one or two local words or context (e.g. the story of a region, line of folklore), so that the answer seems succinct and distinctive. However, keep in mind that whatever regional references are given, the meaning of it should also be clarified so that the examiner does not have difficulty in understanding.  To effectively incorporate proverbs, connect them to the topic – don’t just write down the proverb, but describe what message it conveys in the current context.
• Bihar Regional Context: As mentioned, make sure to prepare essays on topics related to Bihar. For this,    keep your views clear on the major issues of the state (floods, migration, agrarian crisis, poverty, corruption). Also, adding a couple of lines on the aspect of cultural and historical pride (ancient Nalanda, Mithila paintings, Sufi-saint tradition, Phanishwar Nath Renu in literature, etc.) adds depth to the essay. If the topic is on a problem of Bihar, highlight the successful model or initiative of Bihar (e.g.  the example of Supaul Model School  in the field of education), and if the topic is on a proverb, find the meaning of that proverb in the social milieu of Bihar. This blending will show that you are understanding  the subject not only theoretically but also from an experimental point of view.

Short Tip: Reading newspapers (especially local Bihar Samachar and National Editorials) every day provides material for the essay.  Make   a note of the good quotes, data, or examples that you see. You should have an outline on ~10  key possible topics ready before the exam (list of key points, data, examples, citations for each). This will allow you to write an essay faster at the last moment. Remember, the essay  should show mature thinking and balanced approach – avoid extreme or one-sided opinions and present every aspect with reason.

Strategy for General Hindi (100 marks)

                The General Hindi paper in the BPSC  Mains exam is of 100 marks and is  only of qualifying nature (30 marks are mandatory).  Though its marks are not added to the merit, it cannot be taken lightly because failure will result in you being eliminated. The Hindi paper tests your understanding of the Hindi language and your writing ability. To prepare it, adopt the following strategy:

• Grip on Hindi Grammar:  The grammatical part of Hindi consists of questions on word knowledge and pure writing. Key topics to focus on: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Proverbs, Corresponding Words, Correctness of Spelling, Gender, Words, Factors, Synonyms,  Conventionsetc. Practice these topics from a standard Hindi grammar book (such as a high school grammar book for Hindi medium).  Look for synonyms or idioms of 15-20 words every day and practice using them in sentences. This will help you solve vocabulary based questions faster in the exam.
• Prose and Comprehension: Many times questions are asked on the Hindi paper by giving passages or passages, or asking to write precises. In such a situation, reading skills are important. Read a Hindi editorial or article every day and write its gist in your own words (50-100 words). This exercise will be helpful for both condensation and reading comprehension. Try to make sure that the essence of the original paragraph in your abstract is conveyed correctly, and that the word limit is maintained.
• Essay and Letter Writing (if in the curriculum): In some states, the Hindi paper  broadly includes writing an essay in Hindi or writing a formal letter/application.  A Hindi essay is also expected as per the BPSC  Hindi Syllabus.   Write short essays (300-400  words) in Hindi on 2-3  topics while preparing. The topics can be general – such as the problem of pollution, the place of Hindi in the technological age, women empowerment, etc. Avoid inaccuracies while writing in Hindi, keep the syntax simple and avoid alphabetic mistakes (quantity of Ện, dots, etc.). Similarly, if letter writing is in the syllabus, memorize the format of the formal letter (sender, post, subject, address, end) and write a couple of exercises.
• Know the pattern of the question paper: What type of questions have appeared in the BPSC  Hindi paper in the previous years, if you can find them, check them. This will give an idea of which topics are emphasized. Grammar questions are often direct – such as finding errors in a sentence, using the right phrase, etc. The skill to solve them will come only through constant practice.  Solve the specific Hindi question paper or guide for BPSC  on the internet or in the book market. Take time  and solve the entire 100 marks question paper so that both speed and accuracy are known.
• Time Management (Hindi Paper): Since this paper is qualifying, your aim should be to solve it in 30-40 minutes less time first, so that there is time for revision later. In the exam hall, solve the easy parts of the Hindi paper first (e.g. grammar, unread passages) and write essays/letters at the end so that good marks are confirmed in the beginning and there is no panic. If a question is stuck (e.g., can’t remember the exact meaning of a word), don’t waste a lot of time, move on – we’ll do it later if you remember.

Summary: Prepare the Hindi paper by giving it a little bit of time regularly.  Take 30-45  minutes every day or two days for Hindi. Thus, in 60 days, you will easily develop the necessary skills. The goal should  be to prepare for at least 60-70  marks in the exam,  so that you are definitely above the cut-off of 30 marks.

3. Thorough preparation of essay based on Bihar regional and proverbs

 A unique aspect in the BPSC essay exam  is to write essays based on the folk proverbs and regional issues of Bihar. This section tests your local understanding, cultural knowledge, and creativity. Pay special attention to the following points for its preparation:

• Study of major topics related to Bihar: First of all,   make a list of important social, cultural, economic and political issues  related to Bihar. Prepare basic information, current situation, challenges,  and solutions on every topic. For example:
• Social: Status of education, women empowerment (child marriage and dowry eradication efforts), health facilities (condition of medical infrastructure in Bihar, malnutrition).
• Cultural: Folk arts of Bihar (Madhubani painting, Bhojpuria folklore), festivals (social significance of Chhath Puja), linguistic diversity (place of Maithili in the Eighth Schedule).
• Economic: Migration problem, flood and disaster management (Kosi floods, frequency of Ganges floods), agriculture and food security (paddy-wheat production, irrigation conditions), lack of industries and prospects in Bihar.
• Political/Administrative: Panchayati Raj and Local Governance (its success in Bihar), Corruption and Good Governance (challenges and initiatives such as Lokayukta, RTI), Historical Movements (JP Movement, Modern Context of Satyagraha). Also refer to the state government’s schemes or commission/committee reports on these topics, so that you can write the essay with facts.
• Folk Sayings and Proverbs of Bihar: There are many proverbs prevalent in Bihar and Hindi region which reflect the experience of social life. The BPSC is likely to give such proverbs as essay topics (e.g., “Dhobi ka dog, na ghar ka na ghat ka” or “Whose lathi is his buffalo” etc.). To write an essay on these proverbs, you need to have a deep understanding of them:
  • First of all, make a list of 10-15 popular folk proverbs that seem important. Understand their literal meaning as well as the hidden message. For example, the saying “whose staff is his buffalo” literally captures property is the powerful person, reflecting the abuse of power and lack of justice. Similarly, “washerman’s dog, neither of the house nor of the ghat”, means that there is no place in the affair of two places,  which can be linked to modern contexts such as dilemma in policy decisions or identity crisis.
  • Now think of each proverb by connecting it to today‘s scenario. For example, you can write “whose lathi is his buffalo” by linking it to the rule of law – when the rule of law is weak, the powerful take away the rights of others; Points like how to stop this situation in a democracy can come up in the essay.
  • Examples are very important in an essay related to proverbs.  Give examples from real life, history or current events that prove the relevance of that proverb. Like “The Washerman’s Dog…” But while writing an essay, mention a policy that is neither fully in the state list nor in the central list (i.e. stuck in the middle) – this will bring the context of the proverb alive.
  • Some proverbs may also be in the local dialects of Bihar. If you know a proverb from Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, etc., which is famous and meaningful, then understand that too (although the exam is usually likely to have famous Hindi proverbs, but it is better if the preparation is multi-dimensional).
• Technique of using proverbs in essays: It is not necessary that you write proverbs only in proverbs, you can use a precise proverb or phrase for a strong effect in other essays as well. The correct way to do this  is to choose a phrase that suits the context and make it a part of your sentence. For example, if writing an essay on corruption, you might write, “Eradicating corruption without political will is like stealing from another,” where the phrase ‘stealing from another’ indicates ineffective effort. Similarly, phrases  like “empty pots ring more” can be used in the context of uneducated criticism when talking about women’s empowerment. Keep in mind: one or two idioms are enough, avoid overuse as it can make the essay gimmicky. If using a proverb,  explain its meaning in the surrounding sentences, so that the examiner does not have trouble understanding its meaning.
• Practice and Analysis:  Try writing at least 4-5 essays on the regional issues or proverbs of Bihar. Analyze this after writing every essay:
  • Did I cover the topic completely? (If the topic is “Pollution Problem in Bihar”, then what industry, vehicles, river pollution, write on all aspects?)
  • Was the structure logical? (Whether or not the flow was maintained from the introduction to the conclusion)
  • Did I give enough local examples? (Reference to any case, plan or incident of Bihar)
  • Is language and grammar pure or needs improvement? Read your written essay again after a few days or show it to a friend/teacher.  An unbiased response will make you aware of your shortcomings. For example, you may feel that in some essays you deviated from the topic or missed a key point. Correct it next time. Before the exam, try to  write at least an outline  on the possible topics that were listed.
• Support of sources: To increase understanding on the regional issues of Bihar, you can resort to some special sources:
  • Read the local newspapers and magazines of Bihar (e.g. Prabhat Khabar, Dainik Jagran – Bihar edition) in which you will find editorials and articles on the subjects related to the state.
  • Look at summaries of documents such as Economic Survey (Bihar) and Human Development Report that will give you data and analysis.
  • If time permits,  read some topper’s essays (if available) that have a regional touch, which will give you an idea of how to write to get high marks.
  • Many people also share essays on online forums, especially on local topics – you can see them to see what points can be included.

Conclusion: Essay preparation focusing on Bihar will not only make you an exam but also enrich you as an aware citizen. An understanding of regional problems and proficiency in their presentation will make your essay stand out from the crowd. Remember,  there is no substitute for practice and deep study –  keep striving with the feeling of “Passion will be complete, the path will come out”.  

4. Answer Writing Practice and Time Management

The main examination is not only a test of knowledge but  also the art of engraved that knowledge on the answer sheet in a limited time. Many students are able to collect material well, but due to lack of adequate practice of writing the answers, they are not able to express it completely on time. So,  pay special attention to answer writing skills and time management in the exam hall during the preparation itself:

• Answer Writing Strategy:
  • Structure of the answer: Write each answer in a short structure – introduction, key points, and conclusion/concluding note. Establish the context of the question in the role (can start with the definition, no related data or citations). Answer all parts of the question sequentially in the main section. If there are sub-parts (a, b, c) in the question, make a clear division. Finally, give the conclusion in 1-2  lines, indicating the solution or the way forward.
  • Read the question carefully twice before you start writing the answer and make an outline in your mind about what to write.  Pay special attention to directive words – decide the style of the answer according to the words “describe completely”, “analyze”, “comment”, “compare”, etc. For example, if you say “analyze”, argue for and against in a neutral manner;  Also include your own discreet opinion in “Comment”.
  • Point-wise writing: If possible, divide the answer into bullet points instead of writing long paragraphs  , especially when the answer has to write multi-dimensional aspects. Each point presents a new idea or fact. This allows the examiner to catch the key points quickly. If you are not able to write point-by-point, at least change the paragraphs so that one paragraph is not too long.
  • Examples and proofs:  Include examples, figures, or references in most answers to prove your point. For example,  use data from a report (e.g., “As per the recent IPCC report…”) in an economic question,  a government data in an economic question  (“Bihar’s growth rate  in FY 2022-23  was xx%”) or a case-study in a social question (“This initiative happened in a particular district that led to this result”) in an economic question. Factual evidence makes your answer credible and shows that your answer is researched, not just opinion. However, avoid filling in too much data – write selective and accurate data/examples and analyze them briefly.
  • Presentation: Keep handwriting clear and readable. The handwriting may not be very pretty, but the words should be clear. Underline the answer where appropriate  (important keywords or phrases) – this will make those points emerge as the examiner skims. If time is saved and questions permit, you  can also create simple diagrams or flowcharts (e.g. flowcharts, maps,  etc. to explain a process). This gives your answer a different identity. But keep in mind that the images should be meant to give extra understanding, not to fill the page. Don’t forget to draw a picture and write a label/caption so that the context is clear.
• Time Management (While Solving Paper):
  • Time Division: The main exam usually  gets 3  hours per paper. If the paper  is of 300 marks and there  are 30 questions, then  it is advisable to give ~6  minutes to every 10 mark question  (300 minutes/300 marks = 1 minute per mark, but at the end some time should be kept for review). If there are big 20 marks questions ~12 minutes per question and if small 5  marks then ~3 minutes – make an idea like this.  Write while keeping an eye on the watch. Some of the answers to the beginning may take a little longer, but speed up later. Before the exam, give a mock test and experiment how to complete the entire question paper  in 180 minutes.
  • Priority Order: Solve the questions in which you are comfortable first and can write good answers. This will build confidence in the beginning and also save time. Keep the difficult or confusing questions at the end so that the first marks are confirmed. But keep in mind, don’t skip a question – write  down the main points at the end of the question only if necessary, save 1-2  minutes, because coming without leaving an answer always increases the score.
  • Word limit and depth per answer: Another aspect of time management is balanced depth. Write as much as is expected in each answer. If  you want an answer of 150 words and you have less time, then  do not leave other questions incomplete in the insistence of writing 200-250 words. It’s better to cover all the answers  in ~120-150 words, rather than giving some 300 words and leaving the rest blank. The examiner will give average good marks from every answer if you have written all the points related to it, even if written briefly.
  • Last Minute Review:  If you have 5-10  minutes left after finishing the entire paper (you can achieve this with practice), then review all the answers fast. See if any question is left incomplete, whether a sentence has to be corrected, or if the main point is left out. Often in a hurry, we misspell some words or leave the sentence incomplete – if we correct these small mistakes in the end, then the answer will become more effective.
• Continuous Answer Writing Practice:
  • Daily Answer Writing:  During the entire 60  days of preparation, you should practice a little answer writing every day. In the beginning, write 1 question daily, then gradually increase it   to 2-3 questions daily and solve it.  Whether you take questions from a coaching question bank or previous years’ question papers,  the main thing is to make a habit of answering them by writing. Give yourself a timer of 7-8 minutes  while writing for a 10 mark question, as if the exam is real. Later, match the answer with the model answer or book and  do a gap analysis – which point was missed, where the extra was written, what can be improved.
  • Weekly Mock Tests:  Try full-length mock tests  once a week, especially in phases 2 and 3, at home or at an institute.   Write the answers of the entire GS  paper in 3 hours. This will increase your handwriting speed, hand stamina, ability to recall content. Take mock tests seriously – Sit at a time when the actual exam is (noon/morning), write the whole thing without taking breaks in between. Evaluate yourself by giving marks later or get it checked by an expert if you have the resources. Make a list of mistakes you may make in the mock (lack of time, lack of knowledge, poor structure) and plan for improvement.
  • Topper Copy and Model Answer Study: A great way to improve answer writing is to look at the answer sheets of successful candidates. If a copy of the BPSC topper is available, or the model answers made by the coaching institutes,  then read them carefully. Note how they wrote the role, how many points they gave, what kind of language they used, and how smartly they included important things, especially in the lack of space. This will help you hone your style. However, don’t be blind – every person has their own style, you can learn from others and adapt it to your own unique style.
  • Feedback improvement: If you have a friend who is preparing or is a mentor/teacher,  ask them for feedback on your answers from time to time. An outsider may catch your shortcomings better. You may think your answer is excellent, but from the examiner’s point of view, there is an important point missing. Adopt improvement suggestions with an open heart and do not repeat that error next time.
• Practice Balance Before Exam: As the exam dates approach, strike a balance between answer writing practice and revision. Instead of solving heavy new questions every day in the last 1-2  weeks,  solve a full test or selected questions every day and give the rest of the time to revision. At this stage, focus on  being able to effectively write what you have already read rather than reading new content.

In short: knowledge, skills, and time management – these three are the pillars of successful answer writing. If you have the material, then develop the skill of writing it and practice doing that writing work  in 3 hours with complete paper strategy. By adopting the right strategy, you can make your answer sheet really easy to read for the examiner and in which you do not have to find points, but appear clean. This will only happen if you invest time in practice and hone your time management skills.

5. Presentation of the study plan (including flowchart) and strategy for the last 10  days

Finally,  it’s helpful to present your 60-day preparation plan like a roadmap. This will allow you to visually see what to do each day/week and monitor your progress over time. Below is a step-by-step plan  shown in tabular/flowchart form (if possible, make a flowchart on paper and paste it in front of the study table, so that the goal is remembered every day):

1. Days 1–20 (Phase 1: Prepare the Foundation) – Main Goal:     To cover all the major static parts of GS Paper I and II.
   • Week 1: Complete Modern History (National Movement + Contribution of Bihar); Also, start making notes of current affairs daily.
   • Week 2:  Cover the Basics of Indian Polity and the Constitution (Preamble, Fundamental Rights/Duties, Constitutional Structure); In the evening, read Geography (Physical Geography of India).
   • Week 3: Focus on Geography and Economy of Bihar (Rivers, Agriculture, Industries, Schemes); Give time to art and culture (Maurya-Mughal art, folk arts of Bihar).
   • Week 4:  Finish any of the remaining major topics (like important points of World History/Geography if in the syllabus, or basic topics related to society). By this week your 一次 complete syllabus should be covered once.
   • Continuous Action:  Write 1-2 short questions daily  (10  marks in the first phase of practice) and recap the topic you studied that day for 15  minutes at the end of each day.
2. Days 21–40 (Phase 2: Advanced Practice & Second Reading) – Main Goal:  Second Lesson (Revision) of the Course + Speeding up Answer Writing + Commencement of Essay Practice.
   • Week 5 (Day 21-27): Revise  GS Paper I again quickly – this time focus on the sub-topics that were left weak in the first reading. Also, aim to write an essay  every day (initially with no time to look at it, but focusing on the material). Take the first full-length mock test of  GS Paper I  over the weekend to see  how much you were able to write in 3 hours.
   • Week 6 (Days 28-34): Refer to  the second  reading of GS Paper II – linking to the sections of Economy and Society, especially the current. This week, write 2-3 answers (including any GS paper) every day.  Take a 3-hour  mock test  of GS Paper II  in mid-week and evaluate the answers.  Write 2-3  new topics this week for the essay (one on social issue, one on proverb).
   • Week 7 (Days 35-40):  Cover electives (if any) or topics that you have missed. Take a few hours to revise the grammar for general Hindi as well. By this week, your answer writing practice will have improved a lot,   take a full-length mock test (including GS I+II questions).  Check the paper to see which section is getting less marks, and identify the reason (lack of content or mistake in writing). Plan to improve them in the final stage.
3. Day 41–50 (Phase 3: Rapid Revision & Correction) – Main Goal: 3rd quick revision, strengthening of weak areas, and final improvement through a full-length test.
   • Week 8 (Days 41-47):  Do a consolidated study of what you’ve read over the past 40  days. Repeat the short notes, flowcharts,  highlighted points you have made. Skim all notes/booklets of GS-1 between  days 41-43  and GS-44 between days 44-46   .  Take a mock test or mini test (half-and-half paper) each day to check yourself if the performance improved after two readings. Focus on errors that still remain (e.g. certain questions getting wrong repeatedly or time management issues). Continue essay writing every 2 days in this phase as well, but  read all the 5-6 essays you have written so far once again and apply common corrections.
   • Day 48-50: Tapering off –  Don’t push yourself to read too much new content during these three days. Do a light study – like looking at ready-made flashcards or lists,  or quizzing yourself with bullet points in  the mains  syllabus that do I remember 3 points on this topic? If you get time, read a model answer  again or see a copy of a couple of toppers, which increases confidence. Overall,  by Day 50, you should also give yourself some rest physically and mentally so that you  can use the last 10 days with utmost efficiency.
4. Days 51–60 (Last 10 days: Final strategy and improvement) – Main goal: complete revision, build confidence, and mentally prepare yourself for the exam.
   • Repetition Perfection:   Do not study any new topic in these 10 days. Read only from materials that have already been prepared – such as your notes, underlined excerpts from the book, maps or charts that have been created.  Re-read selected topics of GS-1 or GS-2  every day and also revise the related current affairs in mind. For example, one day modern history + contemporary national events, the next day polity + recent constitutional events, then revise geography + environment etc. by making a compartment.  Keep revising the special topics of Bihar (Bihar in History, Bihar in Geography, Bihar in Economy) a little bit every day, because they will be directly useful in the exam.
   • Full-length practice but in limited quantities: Give a full test  of 1 or 2 full papers in the last days, that too in the initial days (between days 51-53). After that, do not give the full test in the remaining days, but spend time on a few selected questions. The reason for this is not to exhaust yourself too much in the final week, but to enter the exam hall with a sharp mind and body. So  keep practicing by writing 4-5 questions every day in  day 54-56 just to maintain touch. Between days 57-60, if possible, skip the practice of answer writing  and just practice thinking – sit and read a previous year’s paper and outline the answer in your mind without writing (this is a form of quick revision that keeps the mind active).
   • Final look at Hindi and electives: If there is still a shortcoming in the preparation of the Hindi paper or elective (like not remembering some grammar rules,  or you missed 1-2  chapters of the electives), then  focus on them lightly on 1-2  days out of the last 10  so that you are confident about the qualifying paper. For example, on Day 52  , I solved a Hindi practice sheet for 2  hours, or went through the notes of the optional subject. This will not cause panic at the last moment lest they fail.
   • Physical and Mental Preparation: Take great care of your health in the last days. Get enough sleep (7-8 hours daily), eat nutritious food, and do light walks/yoga to reduce stress. Make sure you feel relaxed the night before the exam. Along with studying, make logistical preparations for the exam – keep the admit card, necessary documents, stationery, entry address, etc. so that there is no hurry on the last day.
   • Boost self-confidence: Keep reminding yourself that you’ve prepared well. Stay positive and stay away from negative conversations or worries. If possible,  talk to someone who motivates you during those 10 days or discuss it with peers who are positive. Being mentally prepared to give your best is as important as it is physically.  To keep your mind calm and focused on the day of the exam, you can listen to light entertainment (such as favorite music) on the last night, and go to bed on time.

Presentation: Write down the above four steps sequentially on a large paper or chart on the wall. Write down the main goals and week-wise topics of each phase. Draw arrows between steps to show what first, then what (in flowchart style: Syllabus coverage → practice and correction → revision → exam). Use colors – like highlight the topic you want to do in the week with the same color. Whenever you complete a week or a big task,  mark it ✅. This visual tracking will keep you motivated and give the feeling that you are literally making progress.

Ultimately, this 60-day strategy will only succeed if you  put it into practice with determination, regularity, and smart work.  Cracking the BPSC Mains exam  is like a marathon – it takes constant practice, patience and hard work in the right direction.   By following the steps in this guide and assessing your performance from time to time, you will keep your preparation on track. Remember, no goal is impossible if the preparation is planned and focused. Believe in yourself, stick to strategy, and success will kiss your feet. Best wishes!