W.B.C.S. (Executive) Etc. Examination, 2023
Public Service Commission, West Bengal – Scheme & Syllabus
1. Preliminary Examination
Pattern: One paper on “General Studies” – objective type, 200 multiple-choice questions, 200 marks, 2½ hours duration. Standard: graduate level.
(i) English Composition25 Marks
(ii) General Science25 Marks
(iii) Current events of National & International
Importance25 Marks
(iv) History of India25 Marks
(v) Geography of India with special reference to West
Bengal25 Marks
(vi) Indian Polity and Economy25 Marks
(vii) Indian National Movement25 Marks
(viii) General Mental Ability25 Marks
The Preliminary Examination
serves as a screening test only. Marks obtained are not considered for final selection.
Only qualified candidates are eligible for the Main Examination.
2. Main Examination
Six Compulsory papers + one optional subject (two papers) only for candidates applying for Group A and/or B. Each paper (compulsory or optional) carries 200 marks, 3 hours duration.
MCQ papers: General Studies‑I, General Studies‑II, Constitution & Indian Economy (including RBI), Arithmetic & Test of Reasoning. Conventional written papers: Paper‑I (Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali) & Paper‑II (English).
Compulsory Papers (6 papers)
- Paper I : Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali – Letter writing (150 words) / Drafting of Report (200 words), Précis Writing, Composition, Translation from English to the respective language.
- Paper II : English – Letter writing (150 words) / Drafting of Report (200 words), Précis Writing, Composition, Translation from Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali to English.
- Paper III : General Studies‑I – (i) Indian History with special emphasis on National Movement; (ii) Geography of India with special reference to West Bengal.
- Paper IV : General Studies‑II – Science & Technological advancement, Environment, General Knowledge and Current Affairs.
- Paper V : The Constitution of India and Indian Economy including role and functions of the Reserve Bank of India.
- Paper VI : Arithmetic and Test of Reasoning.
3. List of Optional Subjects (for Group A/B)
Bengali Literature Hindi Literature Sanskrit Literature English
Literature
Pali Arabic Persian French Urdu Literature
Santali
Comparative Literature Agriculture Animal Husbandry & Veterinary
Science Anthropology
Botany Chemistry Civil Engineering Commerce and
Accountancy Computer Science
Economics Electrical Engineering Geography Geology
History
Law Mathematics Management Mechanical Engineering
Medical Science
Philosophy Physiology Physics Political Science
Psychology
Sociology Statistics Zoology
Standards & Detailed Topics
- Arithmetic (Paper VI): Madhyamik standard (West Bengal Board). Test of Reasoning: Analytical & logical reasoning, data sufficiency, deduction, series, analogy, non-verbal reasoning, etc.
- Other compulsory papers: Graduate level.
- Optional papers: Honours degree standard (except Law: LLB level; Medical Science: MBBS; Engineering: BE/B.Tech level).
- Topic ‘Environment’ (GS‑II): Bio‑diversity & Coastal Regulation Zone, Global Warming, Industrial & Environmental Pollution, Ozone Layer.
- Topic ‘Indian Economy’ (Paper V): Central‑State relations & devolution, Planning process & Five Year Plans, Functions of RBI & Monetary Policy, Central & State Finance Commissions, Fiscal Policy of Government of India.
Language & Script Rules
- Answers in all papers (except language papers) may be written in English or Bengali. For optional papers Political Science and Botany, answers may also be written in Nepali.
- Candidates must use the same language throughout a particular paper.
- Devanagari or Bengali script allowed for Sanskrit; Devanagari for Hindi/Nepali; Bengali, Arabic, Persian, Urdu scripts for respective language papers.
- Santali Paper: Questions set in Olchiki script, answers to be written in Olchiki.
Group-wise Papers in Main Examination
- Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ : All 6 compulsory papers + one optional subject (two papers).
- Group ‘C’ & ‘D’ : All 6 compulsory papers (no optional).
Personality Test
Candidates selected on merit from Main Examination will appear for a Personality Test. Questions on general interest to assess alertness, logical exposition, moral integrity, leadership, and range of interests.
Special assessment for West Bengal Police Service (Group ‘B’) regarding suitability.
Marks for Personality Test:
Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ – 200 Marks | Group ‘C’ – 150 Marks | Group ‘D’ – 100 Marks.
No separate test for different groups; marks awarded according to group.
Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ – 200 Marks | Group ‘C’ – 150 Marks | Group ‘D’ – 100 Marks.
No separate test for different groups; marks awarded according to group.
8. Deduction of Marks & Discretion
- 10% deduction of full marks if candidate discloses identity (name, roll number, identifying marks) in answer script.
- Negative marking for each wrong answer in MCQ type papers.
- The Commission has discretion to fix qualifying marks in any paper/subject and in aggregate. If a candidate fails to secure qualifying marks in a paper, those marks are not considered in aggregate.
Abstract Table of Papers & Marks (Main + Personality
Test)
| Examination Component | Group A & B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Papers (6 papers × 200 marks) | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 |
| Optional Subject (2 papers × 200 marks) | 400 | — | — |
| Total (Main Examination) | 1600 | 1200 | 1200 |
| Personality Test | 200 | 150 | 100 |
| Grand Total | 1800 | 1350 | 1300 |
Note: In all answer papers, due credit will be given for
proper economy of words combined with clarity, precision, effectiveness of expression, and originality of
approach.
