Updated: February 2026
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has defined the syllabus and exam pattern for the Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) recruitment (Advt 13/2026). Candidates preparing for this exam must note that the syllabus includes the New Criminal Laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) replacing the old IPC, Evidence Act, and CrPC. Below is the detailed exam pattern and topic-wise syllabus.
Selection Process
The BPSC APO selection procedure consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Screening test (Objective Type).
- Mains Examination: Written test (Subjective Type).
- Interview: Personality Test (100 Marks).
1. BPSC APO Prelims Exam Pattern
The Preliminary exam will have two papers. It is qualifying in nature.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 |
| Paper II | Law | 150 |
| Total | 250 | |
Note: The questions will be objective type (Multiple Choice). There is a provision for negative marking (0.25 marks deduction usually applies, refer to instructions on admit card).
Prelims Syllabus Topics
- Paper I (General Studies): General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Science, Indian History & Culture, Indian Political System, Geography. Questions may specifically relate to Bihar.
- Paper II (Law):
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Civil Procedure Code (CPC), 1908
- Fundamental Knowledge of Indian Constitution
2. BPSC APO Mains Exam Pattern
Candidates who qualify for Prelims (approx. 10 times the vacancies) will appear for the Mains exam.
| Paper No. | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Studies | 100 | 3 Hours |
| 2 | Hindi Language | 100 | 3 Hours |
| 3 | English Language | 100 | 3 Hours |
| 4 | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 | 150 | 3 Hours |
| 5 | Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 | 150 | 3 Hours |
| 6 | BNSS, 2023 & CPC, 1908 | 150 (75+75) | 3 Hours |
| 7 | Other Laws (Minor Acts) | 150 | 3 Hours |
Mains Detailed Syllabus
- Qualifying Papers: Candidates must secure minimum 30 marks in Hindi and English separately. These marks are not added to the merit list.
- Paper 7 (Other Laws) Includes:
- Arms Act, 1959
- Explosive Substances Act, 1908
- NDPS Act, 1985
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (Chapter 11)
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- POCSO Act, 2012
- Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016
3. Interview
Candidates qualifying the Mains Exam will be called for an interview carrying 100 Marks. The final merit list will be prepared based on marks obtained in Mains (excluding language papers) and Interview.
Main post for more details: BPSC APO Recruitment 2026 – 300 Assistant Prosecution Officer Posts Apply Online
Syllabus FAQs
Does the BPSC APO Syllabus 2026 include new criminal laws?
Yes, the syllabus includes Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita instead of IPC, Evidence Act, and CrPC.
Is there negative marking in BPSC APO Prelims?
Yes, negative marking is applicable in the Preliminary Examination.
Are Hindi and English marks added to the final merit list?
No, Hindi and English papers are qualifying in nature (Minimum 30 marks required). Their marks are not added to the final merit list.