BPSC DSO Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility

Preliminary

One General Studies paper, objective, 150 marks, 2 hours. It is a screening test. About ten times the vacancies, by category, go through to the Mains.

Mains (written, descriptive)

Interview

120 marks. About two and a half times the vacancies are called.

The Preliminary covers general science, current events, the history of India and the main features of Bihar's history, general and Bihar geography including its major rivers, Indian polity and economy, changes in Bihar's economy since independence, the national movement and Bihar's part in it, and general mental ability.

The Mains papers and the three optionals use the Combined Competitive Examination syllabus, which is on the BPSC syllabus page.

• Qualification: a master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics or Economics from a recognised university. A graduate degree is not enough.
• Age on 1 August 2025: 21 to 37 for unreserved men, 40 for unreserved women and BC/EBC, 42 for SC/ST. Ten more years for candidates with a disability; 3 years plus service for ex-servicemen, up to 57.
• Contract staff who have worked as DSO/Assistant Director on contract get their contract period added to the upper age limit, provided they are not over 60.

Preliminary, then Mains, then interview with document verification. The final list is on Mains marks (General Studies I, II and the optional) plus the interview. Contract employees on the same post get up to 25 extra marks, 5 for each year served, once they clear the minimum marks.

Minimum marks: 40% unreserved, 36.5% BC, 34% EBC, 32% SC/ST, women and candidates with a disability. No re-evaluation.

Level 9, ₹53,100 to ₹1,67,800, with Bihar government allowances.

Apply online on bpsconline.bihar.gov.in. The 2025 fee was ₹600; ₹150 for Bihar SC/ST candidates, women who are permanent residents of Bihar and candidates with 40% or more disability. A further ₹200 biometric fee applied if no Aadhaar number was given. Those who passed the Preliminary filled a separate Mains form.

Preliminary cut-offs, 2025, out of 150. 574 candidates qualified.

483 sat the Mains and 124 were called for interview. The Mains result gives roll numbers only; final cut-offs come with the final result.

• The optional is worth 300 of the 900 written marks. Most candidates take the subject of their master's, and that is usually the right call.
• General Studies I and II are descriptive and Bihar-heavy. Practise writing to time.
• BPSC advertises this post only every few years, so do not wait for the next cycle to start.

• BPSC advertisements and notices
• Advertisement 38/2025 (Hindi)
• Preliminary result with cut-offs
• Mains result, 10 August 2026
• Interview and document verification programme
• BPSC syllabus

Can a BSc or BA Statistics graduate apply?

No. You need a master's in Statistics, Mathematics or Economics.

Is DSO the same as Assistant Director?

Yes. BPSC advertises them as one post, DSO/Assistant Director.

How many posts are there?

47 in the 2025 advertisement.

What is the pay?

Level 9, starting at ₹53,100 basic.

When is the final result?

Interviews ended on 10 September 2026; the final result had not been published by mid-October 2026.