Bihar APO Syllabus: Complete Guide to Exam Pattern & Preparation Strategy

The Bihar Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) examination is a prestigious competitive exam for law graduates aspiring to join the Bihar Prosecution Service. The Government of Bihar has officially revised the syllabus for 2025, introducing new criminal codes that replace the traditional IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act. Understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy is crucial for success in this three-stage selection process. 

• Table of Contents 
• Bihar APO Exam Pattern 
• Bihar APO Syllabus  - Subject-wise Breakdown 
• Effective Preparation Strategy 
• Key Tips for Success 
• Conclusion 

Bihar APO Exam Pattern 

Three-Stage Selection Process 

1. Preliminary Examination (Screening Test):

• Objective type (MCQs). 
• Available in Hindi and English. 
• Qualifying nature only - marks not counted in final merit.

2. Mains Examination (Written Test):

• All descriptive (subjective) questions. 
• Marks count toward final selection.

3. Interview (Personality Test):

• Marks: 100 
• Final selection based on Mains + Interview scores  

Bihar APO Syllabus - Subject-wise Breakdown 

Preliminary Examination Syllabus: 

Paper I: General Studies 

• Current affairs and general knowledge 
• General Science basics 
• Indian History, Culture, and Polity 
• Geography of India 
• Questions answerable without specialized study

Paper II: Law

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replacing IPC) 
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (replacing Evidence Act) 
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (replacing CrPC) 
• Civil Procedure Code, 1908 
• Fundamental Constitutional knowledge

Mains Examination Syllabus: 

• Paper I: General Studies - Same as Prelims with deeper coverage. 
• Paper II: Hindi Language - Grammar, essay writing, syntax (Class IV-Secondary level standard). 
• Paper III: English Language - Essay writing, précis, letter writing, comprehension 
• Paper IV: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023  
• Paper V: Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023  
• Paper VI: Procedural Laws 
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 
  • Civil Procedure Code, 1908 
• Paper VII: Constitutional Law 
• Paper VIII: Other Special Laws 
• Arms Act, 1959 
• Explosive Substances Act, 1908 
• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 
• The Information Technology Act, 2000, (Chapter 11) 
• Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016 (Chapter VI and VIII, as amended by Bihar Act-8, 2018 and Bihar Act 10, 2020) 
• Bihar Prohibition and Excise Rules, 2021 and 2022 
• Bihar Police Act, 2007 
• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 
• POCSO Act, 2012

Effective Preparation Strategy 

Phase-wise Study Plan: 

Phase 1: Foundation Building (3-4 months) 

• Read bare acts thoroughly 
• Understand basic concepts of all subjects 
• Create subject-wise notes 
• Focus on new criminal codes - understand what changed from old laws 
• Study NCERT books for General Studies 

Phase 2: Intensive Preparation (3-4 months) 

• Complete detailed study of all subjects 
• Practice answer writing daily (2-3 answers minimum) 
• Study landmark judgments and case laws 
• Develop essay writing skills in both Hindi and English 
• Solve previous year question papers 

Phase 3: Revision and Testing (2-3 months) 

• Multiple revisions of complete syllabus 
• Take full-length mock tests weekly 
• Focus on weak areas 
• Practice timed answer writing 
• Update current affairs regularly 

Subject-specific Strategies: 

For New Criminal Codes (Critical) 

• Comparative study: Note differences from IPC/CrPC/Evidence Act 
• Focus on newly introduced provisions 
• Practice section-wise questions 
• Understand the legislative intent behind changes 

For General Studies 

• Read daily newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) 
• Make monthly current affairs notes 
• Focus on legal developments and Bihar-specific issues 
• Cover science topics from NCERT books 

For Language Papers (200 marks - crucial) 

• Practice essay writing on diverse topics weekly 
• Work on grammar fundamentals 
• Practice précis and summary writing 
• Read quality Hindi and English publications 

For Constitutional Law 

• Study recent Supreme Court judgments 
• Understand constitutional philosophy 
• Link with current issues 

For Special Laws 

• Prepare topic-wise notes 
• Focus on objectives and key provisions 
• Study recent amendments 
• Practice application-based questions 

Answer Writing Technique 

• Follow structured format: Introduction-Body-Conclusion 
• Support with case laws, examples, and sections 
• Write concise yet comprehensive answers 
• Practice time management (aim for 10-12 answers in 3 hours) 
• Get answers evaluated regularly 

Mock Tests and Time Management 

• Take at least 2 full-length mocks monthly 
• Simulate actual exam conditions 
• Analyze mistakes and improve 
• Practice paper-wise time allocation 
• Focus on accuracy over speed initially 

Interview Preparation 

• Stay updated on current legal affairs 
• Understand Bihar's legal and social challenges 
• Review your application form thoroughly 
• Practice mock interviews 
• Work on communication skills and confidence 

Key Tips for Success 

1. Start Early - Begin preparation at least 5 to 6 months before the exam. 
2. Focus on New Codes - Allocate maximum time to understand 2023 criminal codes. 
3. Answer Writing is Key - Reading alone won't help; practice writing regularly. 
4. Don't Ignore Languages - Hindi and English papers carry 200 marks. 
5. Current Affairs Daily - Maintain consistency in reading newspapers. 
6. Revision is Crucial - Revise at least 3-4 times before the exam. 
7. Mock Tests - Mandatory for time management and self-assessment. 

Conclusion 

The Bihar APO exam demands comprehensive preparation across legal subjects, languages, and general studies. The introduction of new criminal codes makes this year unique, requiring aspirants to adapt quickly. Success lies in understanding the exam pattern thoroughly, following a structured study plan, and maintaining consistency in preparation.