The BPSC ASO (Assistant Section Officer) examination is conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission to recruit eligible candidates for administrative positions in various departments of the Government of Bihar. The Assistant Section Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth functioning of government offices by handling official correspondence, maintaining files and records, preparing reports, and assisting senior officers in policy implementation. This position demands strong organizational skills, basic knowledge of administrative procedures, and proficiency in drafting and documentation.
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The BPSC ASO selection process generally consists of a preliminary examination followed by a main examination, assessing candidates on subjects like General Studies, reasoning, and administrative aptitude. It is considered a prestigious state-level government job offering job security, career growth, and attractive salary benefits. The post provides an excellent opportunity for graduates seeking a stable and respected career in Bihar’s administrative framework.
BPSC ASO Exam : Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Advt. No. | 37/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 41 Posts |
| Category Breakup | UR: 16, EWS: 04, SC: 09, ST: 01, EBC: 01, BC: 09, BC Ladies: 01 |
| Salary | Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate Degree from a recognized university (must hold degree by application deadline) |
| Age Limit (as of 01.08.2025) | Min: 21 Years. Max: 40 Years (UR Male, UR Female, EBC); 42 Years (SC/ST). Retirement Age: 60 Years |
| Application Mode | Online via www.bpsc.bihar.gov.in |
| Application Dates | Start: 29.05.2025 End: 23.06.2025 |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam (Objective) + Main Exam (Objective) |
BPSC ASO : Exam Pattern
The selection process is divided into two phases: the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination. Both exams are objective and multiple-choice in nature.
1. Preliminary Examination Pattern
The Prelims serves as a screening test. Notably, this is an “Open Book” exam, meaning candidates can take up to three textbooks (one for each section: GK, Math, Science) into the exam hall. Only NCERT, BSEB, ICSE, or other board textbooks are allowed; guides or photocopied notes are strictly prohibited.
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| A | General Studies | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours 15 Minutes |
| B | General Science & Mathematics | 50 | 50 | |
| C | Mental Ability Test | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
- Language: Hindi/English (English version prevails in case of errors).
- Qualifying Marks: 40% (General), 36.5% (BC), 34% (EBC), 32% (SC/ST/Women/PwD).
2. Main Examination Pattern :
Candidates who clear the Prelims (approx. 10 times the number of vacancies) will sit for the Mains. The Mains consists of two papers.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Duration | Nature |
| Paper 1 | General Hindi | 100 | 2 Hrs 15 Min | Qualifying (Min 30% required) |
| Paper 2 | General Knowledge* | 150 | 2 Hrs 15 Min | Merit Deciding +1 |
- Note: The pattern for Paper 2 (General Knowledge) in Mains is identical to the Preliminary Exam (50 Qs General Studies + 50 Qs Science/Math + 50 Qs Mental Ability) .
BPSC ASO : Syllabus
Part 1: General Knowledge, Mathematics & Mental Ability
This syllabus applies to both the Preliminary Exam and Mains Paper-2.
| Section | Subject Area | Detailed Topics & Sub-Topics |
| A. General Studies | Current Affairs | • Scientific Progress: Updates in science and technology . • Awards: National and International awards . • Languages & Culture: Indian Languages, Books and Authors . • Sports: Sports and Players (Khel-Khiladi) . • Events: Important national and international events. |
| India & Neighbors | • History: History of India and its neighboring countries . • Culture & Geography: Cultural heritage and geography of the region . • Economy: Economic scenario (Arthik Paridrishya) . • Freedom Movement: History of the Freedom Movement and the National Movement . • Agriculture & Resources: Main features of Indian agriculture and natural resources. | |
| Polity & Governance | • Constitution: Constitution of India and State Polity . • Political System: The country’s political system . • Local Governance: Panchayati Raj and Community Development . • Planning: Five-Year Plans. | |
| B. General Science & Math | General Science (Matric/10th Level) | • Physics (Bhautik Shastra) . • Chemistry (Rasayan Shastra) . • Biology (Jeev Vigyan) . • Geography (Bhugol). |
| Mathematics (Matric/10th Level) | • Number System: Questions related to the number system . • Whole Numbers: Computation of whole numbers . • Decimals & Fractions: Decimals, fractions, and relationships between numbers . • Arithmetic Operations: Basic arithmetical operations . • Commercial Math: Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Interest, Profit and Loss. | |
| C. Mental Ability | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | • Analogy: Analogy, Similarity, and Differences . • Visualization: Space Visualization and Space Orientation (Sthan Abhivinyas) . • Problem Solving: Problem-solving and Analysis . • Memory & Observation: Visual memory, Discrimination (Vibhed), and Observation . • Relationships: Relationship concepts . • Logical Reasoning: Arithmetical reasoning and Verbal/Figural Classification . • Series & Coding: Arithmetical number series, Non-verbal series, Coding and Decoding. |
Part 2: General Hindi (Mains Exam Only)
This syllabus is for Mains Paper-1. This paper is qualifying in nature (30% marks required). The level is equivalent to the Bihar School Examination Board (Secondary/Matric) Level.
| Subject | Detailed Topics |
| Grammar (Vyakaran) | • Sentence Structure: Sentences (Vakya) and Sub-sentences/Clauses (Upvakya) . • Phrases: Phrases/Padbandh . • Basics: Words (Shabd), Letters (Akshar), and Visarga . • Sandhi: Joining of words (Sandhi) . • Parts of Speech: Noun (Sangya), Number (Vachan), Pronoun (Sarvanam), Adjective (Visheshan), Adverb (Kriya Visheshan). |
| Vocabulary | • Synonyms & Antonyms: Samanarthak Shabd / Vipritarthak Shabd . • Idioms: Common Hindi sayings and Idioms (Muhavare). |
| Comprehension | • Expression: Pure and clear expression of thoughts in Hindi language . • Understanding: Testing of intuitive understanding (Sahaj Bodhshakti). |
Preparation Tips for BPSC ASO
- Master the “Open Book” Strategy (Prelims): While the Prelims allows books, do not rely on them for every answer. Time is limited (135 minutes for 150 questions). Use books only for verifying specific data or formulas you might confuse. Ensure you carry NCERT text books, as guides are banned. Mark important chapters beforehand so you can flip to them quickly.
- Focus on Mental Ability: With 50 questions dedicated to Mental Ability in both Prelims and Mains, this section is a high-scoring area. Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning daily, specifically focusing on series, analogies, and coding-decoding. Unlike GS, accuracy here can be 100% with practice.
- Brush Up on Matric Level Math & Science: The syllabus explicitly mentions “Matric Level” (10th standard) for Math and Science. Revisit your school NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. For Math, focus on arithmetic (percentages, profit/loss, ratios) as these are frequently asked and calculation-intensive.
- Current Affairs & Bihar Special: The General Studies section leans heavily on current events and “India and its neighbors”. Read newspapers daily to cover awards, sports, and scientific progress. Additionally, study Bihar’s specific role in the freedom movement and its political structure, as this is a state-level exam.
- Don’t Ignore Hindi: Paper 1 of the Main exam is General Hindi. Although it is qualifying (you need only 30%), failing this paper means your Paper 2 (GK) won’t even be evaluated. Dedicate some time to Hindi grammar to ensure you clear this hurdle easily.
- Apply Early & Correctly: The One Time Registration (OTR) is mandatory. Ensure you have your documents ready in Digilocker for a smooth application process. Remember, no changes are allowed to Name, Father’s Name, or DOB after OTR, so accuracy is crucial.
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