Anita Rai
Introduction
If you’re a law graduate in Bihar with dreams of becoming an Assistant Prosecution Officer, 2026 could be your defining year. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) conducts the APO (Assistant Prosecution Officer) recruitment exam to fill vacancies in the state’s prosecution department — and it’s one of the most sought-after government law jobs in the region.
But here’s the challenge: thousands of candidates apply, and very few crack it. Why? Mostly because they don’t understand the complete picture — the form details, eligibility conditions, exam pattern, and question paper format.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the BPSC APO 2026 online form, exam schedule, syllabus, and question paper details — so you can plan smarter and prepare better.
Table of Contents
- What is BPSC APO?
- BPSC APO 2026 Important Dates
- Eligibility Criteria
- How to Fill the BPSC APO Online Form (Step-by-Step)
- Application Fee Details
- BPSC APO Exam Pattern 2026
- Question Paper Details — Subjects & Marks Breakdown
- Syllabus Overview
- Preparation Tips & Best Practices
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Important Dates (2026)
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Notification Release: February 25, 2026
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Online Application Starts: February 27, 2026 (Today)
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Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee: March 20, 2026
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Exam Date: To be notified later
What is BPSC APO?
The BPSC APO (Assistant Prosecution Officer) is a state government post under the Bihar Home Department. APOs represent the state in criminal courts and are responsible for prosecuting cases on behalf of the government.
The Bihar Public Service Commission conducts this exam through a competitive selection process. It is regulated under the Bihar Prosecution Service (Recruitment) Rules and is considered one of the most prestigious law-based government jobs in Bihar.
For any law graduate aiming at a stable, reputed career in public service, this is an excellent opportunity.
BPSC APO 2026 Important Dates
Note: Official notification dates are subject to change. Always verify on the official BPSC website: bpsc.bih.nic.in
| Event | Expected Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | January–February 2026 |
| Online Form Start Date | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Download | 2–3 weeks before exam |
| Preliminary Exam Date | April–May 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | After Prelims result |
| Interview / Viva Voce | Post-Mains |
Since BPSC has historically followed a structured timeline, candidates should keep a close eye on the official notification once released.
Eligibility Criteria
Before rushing to fill the form, make sure you meet these requirements:
Educational Qualification You must hold an LLB degree (3-year or 5-year integrated law degree) from a recognized university. Final-year LLB students may also be eligible provisionally — check the official notification for confirmation.
Age Limit
- General Category: 22 to 37 years
- OBC (Bihar): 22 to 40 years
- SC/ST (Bihar): 22 to 42 years
- Age is typically calculated as of August 1 of the exam year
Nationality Applicants must be Indian citizens and domiciled in the state of Bihar (for reserved category age relaxation benefits).
Bar Council Registration Some notifications require enrollment with the Bar Council of Bihar or any State Bar Council. Verify this in the official 2026 notification.
How to Fill the BPSC APO 2026 Online Form (Step-by-Step)
Filling the form correctly is crucial. One small error can lead to rejection. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1 — Visit the Official BPSC Website Go to bpsc.bih.nic.in or the designated recruitment portal (onlinebpsc.bihar.gov.in).
Step 2 — Register as a New User Create a new account using your mobile number and email ID. You’ll receive an OTP for verification.
Step 3 — Fill Personal & Educational Details Enter your name (exactly as on the matriculation certificate), date of birth, category, qualification, and other required information.
Step 4 — Upload Documents Keep these scanned copies ready before starting:
- Passport-size photograph (recent, white background)
- Signature (on white paper, black ink)
- LLB degree/marksheet
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile/residential proof
Step 5 — Pay Application Fee Complete payment through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Step 6 — Submit & Download Confirmation After submission, download and print your application confirmation slip. Keep it safe for future reference.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee Amount (Expected) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹600 |
| SC / ST (Bihar) | ₹150 |
| Female Candidates | ₹150 |
| Differently Abled | ₹150 |
Fees are non-refundable. Always pay through the official payment gateway only.
BPSC APO Exam Pattern 2026
The BPSC APO selection process has three stages:
Stage 1 — Preliminary Examination (Objective)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative Marking | Yes (typically 0.25 per wrong answer) |
| Medium | Hindi & English |
This is a screening test. Marks in prelims are not counted in the final merit list.
Stage 2 — Mains Examination (Descriptive)
The mains exam is the most critical stage. It tests your depth of legal knowledge through descriptive/essay-type answers.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Hindi | 100 |
| Paper II | General Studies | 300 |
| Paper III | Law — Paper 1 | 300 |
| Paper IV | Law — Paper 2 | 300 |
Total Mains Marks: 1000
Stage 3 — Interview / Personality Test
- Marks: 120
- Assesses communication, legal reasoning, and personality
Final Merit = Mains Marks + Interview Marks
Question Paper Details — Subjects & Marks Breakdown
This is where serious preparation begins. Let’s break down what you’ll actually be tested on.
Preliminary Exam — Question Paper Format
The prelims paper typically covers:
- General Studies — History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs
- Basic Legal Awareness — Constitutional provisions, Indian Penal Code basics, CrPC fundamentals
Questions are set at graduation level with an emphasis on Bihar-specific current affairs and national-level legal developments.
Mains — Law Paper Topics
Law Paper I typically includes:
- Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
- Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
Law Paper II typically includes:
- Constitutional Law of India
- Transfer of Property Act
- Specific Relief Act
- Civil Procedure Code (CPC)
- Limitation Act
- Local and special laws relevant to Bihar
General Studies (Mains) covers:
- Indian History & Freedom Movement
- Bihar’s history, culture, geography
- Indian Economy & Five-Year Plans
- Science & Technology
- Current national/international affairs
General Hindi (Mains):
- Essay writing
- Précis writing
- Translation
- Grammar
Syllabus Overview
Rather than memorizing everything at once, divide your preparation into three phases:
Phase 1 (Months 1–2): Cover bare acts — IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act. Read them section by section.
Phase 2 (Months 3–4): Focus on Constitutional Law, Civil Laws, and Bihar-specific laws. Practice answer writing for mains.
Phase 3 (Month 5–onwards): Revise, attempt mock tests, and work on speed and accuracy for prelims.
Preparation Tips & Best Practices
1. Read Bare Acts First Before any coaching material or reference book, read the original text of IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act. This builds a strong foundation.
2. Follow Bihar Current Affairs Daily BPSC exams heavily test your awareness of Bihar’s political, social, and economic developments. Read Prabhat Khabar or Dainik Jagran (Bihar edition) daily.
3. Practice Answer Writing for Mains Write at least 2 descriptive answers daily. Focus on structure: Introduction → Legal Provisions → Case Laws → Conclusion.
4. Use Previous Year Question Papers Solving past BPSC APO papers gives you a real sense of difficulty level, recurring topics, and time management.
5. Join a Study Group or Test Series Peer discussion and mock tests keep preparation on track and expose gaps in knowledge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading blurry documents — BPSC rejects applications with poor-quality scans
- Mismatching name spellings — Your name must match across all certificates
- Ignoring General Hindi — Many candidates underestimate this paper; it can make or break your rank
- Skipping Bihar-specific laws — Local laws like Bihar Excise Act, Bihar Land Reforms Act appear regularly
- Waiting until the last day to apply — Server crashes near deadlines are common; apply early
Key Takeaways
- BPSC APO 2026 is a three-stage process: Prelims → Mains → Interview
- Eligibility requires an LLB degree and age between 22–37 years (general category)
- The online form is expected to open in February 2026 on the official BPSC portal
- Mains carries 1000 marks; interview adds 120 more
- Law Papers (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Constitutional Law) are the core of the exam
- Start preparation early, focus on bare acts, and practice answer writing consistently
Conclusion
The BPSC APO 2026 exam is a genuine opportunity for Bihar’s law graduates to build a rewarding career in public service. The competition is stiff, but the selection process is transparent and merit-based.
Your success depends on how well you understand the form process, exam structure, and question paper format — and then prepare accordingly. Use this guide as your starting point, keep checking the official BPSC website for notification updates, and begin your preparation now rather than waiting for the form to open.
Every day of early preparation gives you an edge over thousands of other aspirants.
FAQs
Q1. What is the full form of BPSC APO? BPSC APO stands for Bihar Public Service Commission Assistant Prosecution Officer. It is a state government law officer post under the Bihar Home Department.
Q2. When will the BPSC APO 2026 online form be released? The official notification is expected in January–February 2026. Candidates should regularly check bpsc.bih.nic.in for updates and announcements.
Q3. Is there negative marking in the BPSC APO Prelims 2026? Yes, BPSC APO prelims typically carry negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. Attempting questions carefully is advisable.
Q4. What is the total marks for BPSC APO Mains exam? The BPSC APO Mains exam carries a total of 1000 marks across four papers: General Hindi (100), General Studies (300), Law Paper I (300), and Law Paper II (300).
Q5. Can final-year LLB students apply for BPSC APO 2026? In some previous notifications, final-year law students were allowed to apply provisionally. The exact eligibility will be confirmed in the official 2026 notification.
Q6. Is the BPSC APO exam conducted in Hindi or English? The exam is conducted in both Hindi and English. Candidates can choose their preferred medium at the time of application.
Q7. How many attempts are allowed for BPSC APO? BPSC does not typically impose an attempt limit for APO. However, you must remain within the eligible age limit for each attempt.
Click here: http://ssc-chsl-result-2026-question-paper-details