
BPSC Physics Syllabus 2026 serves as a vital guide for candidates targeting the optional Physics subject in the Bihar Public Service Commission's Combined Competitive Examination. This comprehensive curriculum tests foundational and advanced concepts, helping aspirants secure an edge in Mains. Understanding section-wise topics and exam patterns ensures structured preparation for Prelims screening and descriptive Mains papers.
The BPSC Physics syllabus spans core areas like Classical Mechanics (Lagrangian, Hamiltonian), Mathematical Physics (vector analysis, differential equations), and Quantum Mechanics(Schrödinger equation, angular momentum). Key sections also cover Electromagnetism (Maxwell’s equations, EM waves), Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics, Electronics, Solid State Physics, and Nuclear & Particle Physics with standard derivations. The optional paper follows a descriptive format (3 hours, 300 marks), emphasizing conceptual clarity and problem-solving over rote learning. Candidates should prioritize standard texts like Griffiths and Feynman Lectures for timeless mastery.
In order to properly prepare a study plan, students should read through this page to obtain details about the BPSC Syllabus 2026 and exam pattern.
Here is an overview of the BPSC Physics syllabus for 2026 in a table format to help candidates get a clear and concise understanding of the key topics and their scope:
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BPSC Physics Syllabus 2026 Overview |
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|---|---|
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Section |
Key Topics Covered |
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Mechanics |
Conservation laws, collisions, center of mass, motion of rigid bodies, angular momentum, rocket motion, gyroscope, Kepler’s laws, fluid dynamics, special relativity |
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Thermal Physics |
Laws of thermodynamics, Carnot cycle, Maxwell’s relations, kinetic theory, black body radiation, specific heat, stellar spectra, refrigeration concepts |
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Waves and Oscillations |
Simple harmonic motion, stationary and traveling waves, interference, diffraction, polarization, laser sources, holography |
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Electromagnetism |
Coulomb’s law, Gauss’s law, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, circuits, Maxwell’s equations, magnetic properties |
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Modern Physics |
Bohr’s atom, electron spin, spectral lines, Pauli principle, Raman effect, photoelectric effect, Schrodinger equation, nuclear physics, particle accelerators |
|
Electronics |
Band theory, semiconductors, diodes, transistors, solar cells, logic gates, television receivers |
| BPSC Physics Syllabus | |
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Section I | 1. Conservation Laws in mechanics. Impact characteristics, scattering cross-section, and collisions. Center of mass and laboratory systems involving physical quantity transformations, Scattering by Rutherford. rocket motion in a continuous force field. Coriolis force, rotating frames of reference, Rigid body motion, angular momentum, Gyroscope: torque and precession of a top. central power Kepler's Laws, motion under inverse square law, and satellite motion (including geostationary). Special Theory of Relativity, Galilean Relativity, The Lorentz-Michelson-Morley Experiment Transformation: Bernoulli's Equation with basic applications; Fluid dynamics; streamlines and turbulence; addition theorem of velocities; variation of mass with velocity; and mass energy equivalency. |
| 2. Thermodynamic potentials, Carnot's cycle, isothermal and adiabatic changes, and the laws of thermodynamics are covered in thermal physics. Maxwell's connections. The Joule-Kelvin effect, the Clausius-Clapeyron equation reversible cell, etc. fan Boltzmann's Law, Maxwell's Distribution Law of Velocity, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Equipartition of Energy, certain gas temperatures Brownian motion and mean free path. Black body radiation and solids' specific heat according to the ideas of Einstein and Debye Solar constant, Planck's Law, and Wien's Law. Stellar spectra and thermal imaging. Adiabatic remuneration, deduction refrigeration, and the idea of negative temperature are used to produce law temperatures. | |
| 3. Oscillations and Waves. oscillations, Damped harmonic motion, forced oscillation, resonance, simple harmonic motion, and stationary and traveling waves. harmonic solutions, wave equation, both spherical and plane waves, Wave superposition, phase, group velocity, and beats. Huygen's Interference Principle. Fraunhofer and Diffraction Fresnel. Straight edge diffraction, slitting (single and multiple), grating resolution, and optical instruments. The Rayleigh Standard. Production, detection, and polarization of light (elliptical, circular, and linear). laser sources (semiconductor diode, ruby, and lithium-neon) Fourier transformation in the context of spatial and temporal coherence diffraction. Holography: theory and applications; Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction by rectangular and circular apertures. | |
| BPSC Physics Syllabus Section II | |
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Section 2 | The Law of Columb Electric field. Gaussian law, Poisson and Laplace equations for electric-potential in a homogeneous dielectric, point charge, infinite conducting plane, and uncharged conducting sphere in uniform field. Shell Magnetism Field intensity and magnetic induction. Application and law of Biot-Savart. Self and mutual inductances; Faraday's and Leae's laws; electromagnetic induction. currents that alternate. L.C.R. circuits: quality factor, series and parallel resonance circuits. Kirchoff's laws in practical use. electromagnetic radiation and Maxwell's equations, Poynting vector and the transverse character of electromagnetic waves. Dia para, ferro antiferro, and ferri magnetism are examples of magnetic fields in matter (qualitative approach only). |
| 2. Bohr's theory of the hydrogen atom in modern physics. Spin of electrons, optical, and X-ray Species. Gerlach's experiment and spatial quantization by Stern. Spectral terms, fine structure of spectral fines, vector model of the atom. Paull's exclusion principle, J-J and L.S coupling Zeeman effect, and spectral term of two equivalent and nonequivalent electrons. Both the fine and gross electronic band structure Species. Raman phenomenon. impact of photoelectric light. De Broglie waves, Compton effect. The principle of uncertainty and wave particle duality. Schrodinger wave equation: one dimensional harmonic oscillator eigenvalues and eigenfunctions with applications to (i) particles in a box and (ii) motion across a step potential. Principle of Uncertainty Radioactivity, radiation from alpha, beta, and gamma rays. Alpha decay theory in elementary terms. nuclear energy that binds. Semi-empirical mass formula and mass spectroscopy. Fusion and fission of nuclei. Basic Physics of Reactors. | |
| 3. Electronics: Band theory of semiconductors, insulators, and conductors in solid state. P.N. junction semiconductors both intrinsic and extrinsic, Thermistor, reverse and forward biased Zenner diodes P. N Junction, Solar cell uses transistors and diodes for r.f. wave detection, rectification, amplification, oscillation, and modulation. TV logic gates and transistor receivers. | |
| BPSC Physics Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| Subject | Total Marks | Time |
| General Hindi (Prelims) | 100 | 3 Hours |
| General Studies 1 | 300 | 3 Hours |
| General Studies 2 | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Optional Subject | 300 | 3 Hours |
| Total | 1000 | 3 Hours/Paper |
Mastering BPSC Physics optional requires a strategic approach blending conceptual depth with consistent practice, as the syllabus demands both theoretical understanding and numerical proficiency.
Build Strong Fundamentals: Start with core textbooks like HC Verma (Mechanics), Griffiths (Electromagnetism), and Griffiths & Lippmann for Quantum—solve every example to internalize derivations.
Practice Previous Papers: Analyze last 10 years' BPSC/APSC papers daily; focus on recurring topics like Lagrangian mechanics and EM waves to spot patterns and improve answer structuring.
Numerical Problem-Solving: Dedicate 2 hours daily to IIT-JAM/NET-level problems using Cohen Tannoudji; time yourself to simulate 3-hour exam pressure.
Make Concise Notes: Create formula sheets for each section (e.g., Maxwell equations, partition functions) and revise weekly for retention during Mains.
Mock Tests & Revision: Write 1 full-length test weekly, self-evaluate for clarity & diagrams; revise weak areas like Statistical Mechanics twice monthly.
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