WBPSC Clerkship Main Exam Syllabus 2025

WBPSC Clerkship Main Exam Syllabus: Complete Guide for Aspirants

If you are preparing for the WBPSC Clerkship Exam, understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is your first big step. In this article, we cover Part I (Objective) and Part II (Conventional or Descriptive/Main) for the Clerkship (Clerks) posts under WBPSC, subject-wise topic breakdowns, selection process, and smart preparation tips to help you succeed.

What is the WBPSC Clerkship Exam?

The West Bengal Public Service Commission conducts this exam for recruitment to Clerical (Clerkship) posts in various state departments of West Bengal. The selection process comprises:

1. Part I – Objective type paper (Prelims style)

2. Part II – Conventional/Descriptive paper (Main)

3. Computer knowledge & typing test (qualifying)

Only candidates who qualify Parts I and II are then tested for computer-skills/typing.

Exam Pattern Overview

Here is the breakdown of the exam pattern for the WBPSC Clerkship exam.

Part I: Objective Type

• Total Marks: 100

• Total Questions: 100 (1 mark each)

• Duration: 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Negative marking: Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.

• Subject-wise split:

  • English Language – 30 marks (~30 questions)

  • Arithmetic – 30 marks (~30 questions)

  • General Studies – 40 marks (~40 questions)

  • Part II: Conventional / Descriptive Type (Main)

    • Two groups (you choose the relevant regional language group):

      • Group A: English – 50 marks

      • Group B: One of Bengali / Hindi / Urdu / Nepali / Santali – 50 marks

    • Duration: 1 hour (60 minutes) for Part II.

    • Topics include drafting reports, précis/summary, translation tasks.

    Computer & Typing Test

    After qualifying Parts I & II, the candidate must undergo a test for basic computer operation and typing skills (English/Bengali) which is qualifying in nature.

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    Detailed Syllabus – Subject-Wise Topics

    Below is the subject-wise breakdown of topics you must cover for both Part I and Part II.

    A) Part I – Objective Type

    1. English Language

    • Fundamentals of English language: vocabulary, grammar, sentence-structure, synonyms, antonyms, correct usage.

    • Additional areas: idioms & phrases, one-word substitution, fill-in-the-blanks, error spotting (depending on sources).

    2. Arithmetic

    Key topics include:

    1. Ratio and Proportion

    2. Percentage

    3. Profit and Loss

    4. Simple Interest (and in some cases Compound Interest)

    5. Decimals and Recurring Decimals

    6. Divisibility, Fractions, HCF & LCM

    7. Partnership, Average

    8. Time & Work, Time & Distance

    9. Area of rectangles, squares etc.

    3. General Studies

    Major topics:

    1. Geography of India (physical & political)

    2. Indian History & Culture (ancient, medieval, modern)

    3. Political Science / Indian Constitution

    4. General Science (basic level)

    5. Current Affairs (national & international)

    6. Economy, famous places, world organisations.

    B) Part II – Conventional / Descriptive

    Group A: English (50 marks)

    • Drafting a report in English from supplied points/material.

    • Condensing a prose passage – summary/precis.

    • Translation into English from Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali (as applicable).

    Group B: Bengali / Hindi / Urdu / Nepali / Santali (50 marks)

    • Drafting a report in that chosen regional language (from points/material).

    • Precis/summarisation of a passage in the regional language.

    • Translation from English into the chosen regional language.

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    Why the Syllabus Matters & How to Use It ?

    Understanding the syllabus well helps you:

    • Prioritise topics: Focus on high-weight areas like Arithmetic and General Studies.

    • Plan a timetable: Allocate time per subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.

    • Select resources: Choose books/online-materials that cover the detailed topics mentioned above.

    • Practice strategically: You know what to expect – objective MCQs in Part I, descriptive tasks in Part II.

    • Track progress: Use the syllabus topic-list to mark covered vs yet-to-cover topics.

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    Preparation Strategy & Tips

    Here are refined tips for aspirants aiming to crack the exam:

    1. Start with the pattern: First fully understand the exam pattern – number of questions, marks, duration, negative marking.

    2. Subject-wise study plan:

       • For English (Objective): Build vocabulary, grammar, practice error spotting, cloze tests.

       • For Arithmetic: Strengthen fundamentals (HCF/LCM, percentages, time & work), practise speed and accuracy.

       • For General Studies: Read up standard facts (history, geography, polity) and regularly update with current affairs.

       • For Descriptive (Part II): Practice writing drafts/reports in both English and your regional language; do translation exercises; practice precis writing.

    3. Mock tests & old papers: Solving previous years’ question papers and timed mock tests will help you get used to exam pressure, speed, negative marking, etc.

    4. Revision & short-notes: Create short-notes for quick revision especially for Arithmetic formulas, English rules, GK facts.

    5. Typing & computer practice: Though qualifying in nature, don’t ignore typing/computer test. Practice typing in English and Bengali if applicable; familiarise with MS Word, Excel basics.

    6. Stay consistent & focused: Daily study routine beats erratic bursts. Focus on weak areas while you maintain strengths.

    7. Healthy study habits: Take breaks, sleep enough, stay updated on current affairs via newspapers/web-articles.

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    FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

    Q1. Is there negative marking in Part I?
    Yes—there is deduction of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Part I.

    Q2. What is the duration of Part II?
    The conventional/descriptive paper (Part II) is for 1 hour (60 minutes).

    Q3. After written exam is done, what next?
    After qualifying both written parts (Part I and Part II), candidates will undergo the Computer Knowledge & Typing Test (qualifying). wbsschelpdesk.com

    Q4. Which languages are allowed for Group B in Part II?
    Candidates may choose from Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali or Santali for Group B.

    Q5. Where can I download the official syllabus PDF?
    Several sites publish downloadable PDFs of the syllabus. Check the WBPSC official website or trusted portals.

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    Final Words

    The WBPSC Clerkship exam is highly competitive. A thorough understanding of the syllabus, consistent preparation, regular practice and smart strategy can significantly boost your chances of selection. Use this article as your roadmap — mark each topic, measure your progress, refine your skills — and you’ll be well-on your way to clearing the exam with confidence.

    Best of luck with your preparation!