Does BPSC Repeat Questions?

Preparing for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam is a process which takes time, effort, thorough understanding and a good approach. One of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring candidates is: "Does BPSC repeat questions?"

This is a legitimate concern as recognizing the pattern of a question can give a candidate a more effective way to prepare for BPSC. In this comprehensive blog, we will examine whether BPSC repeats a question, how many times it does so, and how candidates can utilize this to enhance their opportunity for success.

Understanding the Format of the BPSC Exam

BPSC conducts one of the most competitive exams in Bihar and India. It has three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination - Objective-type questions.

2. Mains Examination - Subjective-type answers.

3. Interview - Personality and knowledge test.

The inclusion of subjects are vast in scope include General Studies, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, and an optional subject chosen by the candidate.

Given the vastness of the syllabus, candidates generally ask if studying previous questions will be of any real benefit.

Does BPSC Repeat Questions?

The simple answer is: Yes, BPSC repeats questions - sometimes verbatim, but more often in a modified way.

Direct Repetition

In certain instances, questions from previous BPSC examinations are reproduced verbatim in subsequent examinations. This frequently occurs in factual areas such as:

• Dates and events from history

• Articles from the Constitution

• Geography-based factual questions

• Static General Knowledge

Modified Repetition

Most often, a BPSC exam will reword a question or customize slightly. For example:

• Instead of, “Who was the first Governor-General of India?” it may reword to, “Who was the first Governor-General of India who initiated significant reforms.”

So, the topic remains the same, the wording changes.

Read More: How to Balance Optional Subjects with GS for BPSC Mains?

Why Do BPSC Repeat Questions?

There are many reasons why it is logical for a commission like BPSC to repeat questions:

• Fundamental Test: Repetition allows us to be sure candidates are solid on basics.

• Enormous Syllabus: the amount of content to cover is overwhelming, the way that BPSC repeats important questions helps to standardize the difficulty of questions.

• Benchmarking: When BPSC takes advantage of reusing questions that have already been used before, it is assured it is consistency is being preserved in its evaluation process.

How Often Are They Repeated?

To gauge the frequency, let’s look at some trends from the last few examinations only:

From this table, it is clear that anywhere between 12–20% of questions may be repeated in one form or another. That means solving older papers is not optional — it is essential.

Role of Previous Year Papers in Preparation

If BPSC repeats questions, then the strategy is obvious: previous year papers must be a core part of your preparation.

Here’s why:

• They help you identify important topics that BPSC prefers.

• They train you in understanding the question pattern.

• They help in time management during the exam.

• They boost confidence because you have already practiced similar questions.

Aspirants often rely on bpsc solved papers collections, which provide not just questions but also detailed explanations and solutions. These resources can be game-changers, especially when revising before the exam.

The Smart Way to Use BPSC Previous Papers

Simply going through old questions is not enough. You need a structured approach:

1. Analyze Trends: Identify which topics are frequently repeated.

2. Make Notes: Create short notes for repeated concepts for quick revision.

3. Practice in Exam Conditions: Solve papers with a timer to build exam temperament.

4. Revise Multiple Times: Repetition in practice helps retention.

By doing this, you ensure that even if questions are repeated, you will recognize them instantly.

Should You Depend Only on Repeated Questions?

While repeated questions are important, relying only on them is risky. The BPSC exam is unpredictable, and a large chunk of the paper always features new and analytical questions.

Therefore, aspirants must:

• Study the entire syllabus comprehensively.

• Use quality BPSC books that cover theory in detail.

• Balance conceptual learning with practice of older questions.

Expert Insights on Question Repetition

Many successful candidates have shared that at least 30–40 marks in Prelims can often be traced back to repeated or rephrased questions. For Mains, repeated questions usually appear in optional subjects and static parts of GS papers.

This means that while repetition gives a good boost, your real edge will come from:

• Conceptual clarity

• Updated knowledge of current affairs

• Ability to write structured answers in Mains

FAQs About BPSC Repeated Questions

1. Does BPSC repeat questions every year?

Yes, BPSC repeats some questions either directly or in a rephrased form almost every year.

2. How many questions are repeated on average?

Around 12–20% of questions are repeated or modified in both Prelims and Mains.

3. Which subjects have the highest repetition?

History, Polity, and General Knowledge show the highest repetition rates.

4. Is practicing previous year papers enough to clear BPSC?

No. They are extremely important but must be supplemented with comprehensive syllabus coverage and current affairs.

5. Should I buy solved papers or practice only unsolved ones?

Solved papers are more beneficial as they provide explanations, helping you understand the logic behind answers.

Conclusion

So, does BPSC repeat questions? Yes, and quite frequently. Around 12–20% of the paper may contain repeated or modified questions. However, repetition alone cannot guarantee success. The smart strategy is to balance three things:

1. Thorough study of the syllabus with reliable study material.

2. Regular practice of BPSC previous year papers to recognize patterns.

3. Use of bpsc solved papers and standard bpsc books to strengthen concepts and clarify doubts.

In short, BPSC does repeat questions, but the exam ultimately rewards candidates who combine smart preparation with deep understanding.