The Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) has released a draft advertisement (Advt No. 01/25) for the recruitment of 682 Assistant Statistical Officer / Block Statistical Officer posts. While we’ve previously covered the essential eligibility criteria, vacancy details, dates, and fees, this post delves deeper into the crucial aspects of the selection process, detailed syllabus, reservation guidelines, and important instructions for applicants based on the official notification draft.

Selection Process: How Merit is Calculated

The selection process aims to create a merit list based on a combination of written examination performance and relevant work experience (if applicable). Here’s the breakdown:

  1. Written Examination: Candidates will undergo a written examination.
  2. Weightage Calculation:
    • Written Exam Score: 75% weightage. The formula is: (Marks Obtained in Exam / Total Exam Marks) * 75.
    • Contractual Work Experience: Maximum 25% weightage (25 marks). This is applicable only if the candidate has prior contractual experience in the same post (Junior Statistical Assistant / Block Statistical Supervisor / Investigator) under a proper selection process.
      • Weightage: 5 marks per completed year of service.
      • For partial years, the calculation is: (Number of working days / 365) * 5.
      • Maximum weightage capped at 25 marks.
  3. Final Merit List: The final merit will be prepared based on the sum of the weighted score from the written exam (max 75 marks) and the contractual experience weightage (max 25 marks), totaling a maximum of 100 marks.
  4. Preliminary Exam (If Applicable): If the number of applications exceeds 40,000, BSSC will conduct a Preliminary Examination (qualifying in nature). Candidates equivalent to 5 times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for the Main Examination based on the Prelims results.
  5. Tie-Breaker: If candidates score equal marks in the final merit list, the candidate older in age (based on Date of Birth) will be ranked higher. If both marks and date of birth are the same, the candidate whose name appears earlier in alphabetical order (English) will be ranked higher.

Note: The weightage for contractual experience will be applicable for both Preliminary and Main examinations if both stages are conducted.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The examination process involves the following stages and syllabus:

A. Preliminary Examination (If Conducted)

  • Nature: Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions)
  • Structure: One paper – General Knowledge
  • Total Questions: 150
  • Marks per Question: 4 marks for each correct answer.
  • Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer.
  • Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Medium: Hindi and English (In case of any discrepancy, the English version will prevail).
  • Subjects:
    • (a) General Studies: Current events, India and its neighboring countries (History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scenario, Constitution, Polity, Panchayati Raj, Five Year Plans, National Movement & Bihar’s contribution), Scientific Progress, National/International Awards, Indian Languages, Books, Script, Capital, Currency, Sports.
    • (b) General Science and Mathematics:
      • General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography (Matric Level).
      • Mathematics: Number system, Computation of whole numbers, Decimals and Fractions, Relationships between numbers, Fundamental arithmetical operations, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Interest, Profit and Loss.
    • (c) Mental Ability Test: Comprehension, Logic, Reasoning, Mental Ability (Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning, Analogy, Similarities and Differences, Space visualization, Problem-solving, Analysis, Visual memory, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship concepts, Arithmetical reasoning, Arithmetical number series, Coding and Decoding).

B. Main Examination

  • Paper 1: Hindi
    • Nature: Qualifying (Candidates must score at least 30% marks to have Paper 2 evaluated).
  • Paper 2: General Knowledge
    • Subjects: The subjects will be the same as the Preliminary Exam:
      • General Studies
      • General Science and Mathematics
      • Mental Ability Test (Comprehension/Logic/Reasoning/Mental Ability)

(The notification draft details the subjects for Mains Paper 2 but doesn’t specify the exact number of questions, marks, or duration like it does for the Prelims).

Minimum Qualifying Marks (Written Exam)

Candidates must secure the following minimum qualifying marks in the written examination as per their category:

CategoryMinimum Qualifying Percentage
General (Unreserved)40%
Backward Class (BC)36.5%
Extremely Backward Class (EBC)34%
SC / ST32%
Women (All Categories)32%
Persons with Disabilities (PwD)32%

Note: Meeting these minimum marks does not guarantee selection, which depends on the final merit list based on vacancies.

Detailed Reservation Guidelines & Document Requirements

Reservation benefits are applicable only to permanent residents (domicile) of Bihar.

  • Proof of Residence: The permanent address mentioned in the application form will be considered for reservation purposes. A Permanent Residence Certificate (Domicile) is mandatory. Temporary residence certificates are not valid.
  • SC/ST: Requires Caste Certificate and Permanent Residence Certificate issued by the competent authority.
  • BC/EBC: Requires a Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate along with the Permanent Residence Certificate. The NCL certificate must be issued by the Circle Officer/Revenue Officer of the area of permanent residence, as notified by the Bihar Government.
  • Married Women: Caste/NCL/EWS certificates for married women claiming reservation must be issued based on their father’s name and address, not their husband’s. For EWS, if residing with the husband, the certificate can be from the husband’s अंचल (Circle), but proof of being a Bihar native via father’s residence certificate is mandatory.
  • Economically Weaker Section (EWS): Requires an “Income and Asset Certificate” in the prescribed format (Annexure-I of the relevant notification) issued by a competent authority (not below the rank of Circle Officer). This provides a 10% reservation where applicable. The certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 4% horizontal reservation. Requires a valid disability certificate issued by a competent Medical Board/Hospital as per government norms. Temporary certificates must be renewed. Candidates needing a scribe must declare it (Yes/No) in the application and follow procedures outlined in Annexure-I & II of the relevant notification (Sankalp No. 10668, dated 29.06.2022).
  • Freedom Fighters’ Grandchildren: 2% horizontal reservation. Requires a certificate in the prescribed format issued by the District Magistrate or authorized signatory of their home district, confirming their relation (Pota/Poti/Nati/Natini) to the freedom fighter who receives pension from the Central Government (as per Bihar Govt. letter no. 11687, dated 30.08.2016). The specific ‘Uttradhikari Parichay Patra’ is not sufficient.
  • Women: 35% horizontal reservation as per Bihar Govt. rules (Ptraank 2342, dated 15.02.2016).
  • Crucial Note: All reservation-related certificates must be valid and issued . Candidates must upload these certificates during the online application process. Failure to produce the original valid certificates during document verification will lead to the forfeiture of the reservation claim, and the candidate will be considered under the Unreserved (General) category. Entering the wrong category code (e.g., EBC instead of BC) will also lead to being considered under the Unreserved category if the correct certificate isn’t produced.

Important Instructions for Applicants

  • Read Carefully: Thoroughly read the official advertisement and instructions on the BSSC website (https://bssc.bihar.gov.in) before applying.
  • Accuracy: Ensure all details, especially Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, and Date of Birth, match the Matriculation (10th) certificate. Fill in your Category carefully.
  • Single Application: Submit only ONE application. Multiple applications from the same candidate (even with changed addresses) will lead to rejection of all applications.
  • Document Upload: Upload clear scanned copies of all required documents during the online application: Matric Certificate/Marksheet, Graduation Certificate/Marksheet, Domicile Certificate, Caste/NCL/EWS Certificate, PwD Certificate, Freedom Fighter Dependant Certificate, Experience Certificate (if applicable), etc. Mention the certificate number and issuance date in the online form accurately.
  • Live Photo: A clear, recent Live Photo must be captured and uploaded via Webcam during the application process.
  • Signatures: Upload scanned copies of your Hindi and English signatures.
  • Mobile & Email: Provide a valid and active mobile number and email ID. All future communication from BSSC might be sent through these channels. BSSC is not responsible if you miss information due to providing incorrect contact details.
  • Preview & Submit: Use the ‘Preview’ option to review your application thoroughly before final submission. Use the ‘Edit’ option if corrections are needed. Once submitted, no changes are possible.
  • Keep Records: Securely save your Application Form Number, Registration Number, and Roll Number. Keep a printed copy of the final submitted application form (with photo) for your records. Do NOT send a physical copy to the BSSC office.
  • Biometrics: Biometric Thumb Impression and Iris Capture may be conducted during the examination process for verification. Any mismatch can lead to legal action.
  • No Unfair Means: Any attempt at impersonation, providing false information, or using unfair means during the examination will lead to disqualification and legal action.
  • Apply Early: Do not wait until the last date. BSSC is not responsible for application failures due to internet connectivity issues, heavy traffic, or banking delays.
  • Final Authority: BSSC’s decision regarding eligibility, application acceptance/rejection, exam conduct, centre allocation, result preparation, and final selection/allocation will be final and binding.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official BSSC website: https://bssc.bihar.gov.in
  2. Find the link for Advertisement No. 01/25 (Assistant Statistical Officer/Block Statistical Officer).
  3. Register and complete the online application form carefully.
  4. Upload the required scanned documents (Photo, Signatures, Certificates).
  5. Pay the application fee online through the provided payment gateway (Credit/Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking) before the fee payment deadline.
  6. Submit the application before the final closing date (19.04.2025, 11:59 PM Server Time).
  7. Print the final submitted application form for future reference.