Course Content
1. English Composition (25 Marks)
English Composition tests your basic grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills to assess clarity and correctness in language usage.
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Introduction to Syllabus
How to Prepare for English Composition
Schedule 1
Schedule 2
2. General Science (25 Marks)
Basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, Biology Everyday science (Application-based) Environmental Science Human Body & Nutrition Diseases, Vaccines, Health & Hygiene Scientific Instruments Latest Scientific Discoveries & Inventions
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Preparation Strategy for General Science
1. Physics (Basic Concepts & Applications)
2. Chemistry (Basic Concepts & Everyday Applications)
3. Biology (Human Body, Plants, Diseases, Nutrition)
4. Environment & Ecology
5. Recent Scientific Developments
Why is General Science Important in WBCS?
3. Current Affairs (25 Marks)
National & International Events Government Schemes Sports & Awards Summits & Conferences Important Days & Themes Books & Authors Appointments & Resignations State (West Bengal) Current Affairs
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Introduction to Current Affairs
Schedule 1
Schedule 2
4. History of India (25 Marks)
Ancient Indian History Medieval Indian History Modern Indian History Important Dates & Events Freedom Struggle (Emphasis on Bengal’s role) Social Reform Movements
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Introduction to History of India
1. Ancient Indian History
2. Medieval Indian History
3. Modern Indian History
5. Geography (25 Marks)
Indian Geography (Physical, Social, Economic) West Bengal Geography Climate & Weather Patterns Major Rivers, Mountains, Forests Agriculture & Industries Transportation & Communication Population & Census
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Introduction to Geography
Schedule 1
Schedule 2
6. Indian Polity & Economy (25 Marks)
Polity: Indian Constitution (Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Duties) Parliament & State Legislature Union & State Executive Judiciary Panchayati Raj & Local Governance Important Constitutional Amendments Economy: Basics of Indian Economy Budget, Taxation, Banking System RBI & Monetary Policy Planning & Development Economic Reforms Poverty, Unemployment & Welfare Schemes
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Part 1: Indian Polity
Part 2: Indian Economy
Sample Practice Questions
Conclusion
7. Indian National Movement (25 Marks)
Uprising of 1857 Indian National Congress Gandhian Movements Revolutionary Movements Partition of Bengal Quit India Movement Role of Bengal in Freedom Struggle
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Introduction
Schedule 1
Schedule 2
Preparation Tips for Indian National Movement
8. General Mental Ability (25 Marks)
Logical Reasoning Analytical Ability Series (Number/Alphabet) Coding-Decoding Blood Relations Direction Sense Puzzles Venn Diagrams Syllogisms Data Interpretation (Basic level)
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Introduction
Schedule 1
Schedule 2
Additional Course Features
Additional Course Features Weekly Mock Tests Daily Current Affairs PDF Notes & Handouts Doubt Clearing Sessions Previous Year Question Analysis Interview & Mains Guidance (After Prelims)
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Conclusion
WBCS Prelims Study Material Outline
West Bengal Civil Service Examination (Preliminary) 2024 & 2025

Advent of Europeans

  • Portuguese: Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498.

  • Dutch, French, and British followed.

  • British East India Company became dominant after the Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764).

British Rule in India

Important Events:

  • Regulating Act (1773) – First step towards British control.

  • Pitt’s India Act (1784) – Political control increased.

  • Permanent Settlement (1793): Land revenue system by Lord Cornwallis.

  • Doctrine of Lapse: Annexation policy by Lord Dalhousie.

Revolts Against British Rule

  • Sannyasi-Fakir Rebellion: In Bengal, early resistance.

  • Revolt of 1857: First War of Indian Independence.

    • Leaders: Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar.

    • Bengal Role: Although limited, some uprisings were seen.

Social Reform Movements

  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Abolition of Sati, Brahmo Samaj

  • Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Widow Remarriage, Women’s Education

  • Keshab Chandra Sen: Spread of Brahmo Samaj ideals.

4. Indian National Movement

Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)

  • Founders: A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, W.C. Bonnerjee

  • Early demands: Administrative reforms, Indianization of services.

Partition of Bengal (1905)

  • By Lord Curzon, opposed widely in Bengal.

  • Swadeshi Movement: Boycott of British goods, promotion of indigenous products.

  • Led to revival of Indian industries.

Home Rule Movement (1916)

  • Leaders: Annie Besant, Bal Gangadhar Tilak

  • Demand for self-government.

Gandhian Movements

  1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)

  2. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34)

  3. Quit India Movement (1942) – “Do or Die”

Role of Bengal in Freedom Struggle

  • Anushilan Samiti & Jugantar: Revolutionary groups in Bengal.

  • Khudiram Bose & Prafulla Chaki: Martyrs at a young age.

  • Subhas Chandra Bose: Indian National Army (INA), Azad Hind Fauj.

Partition of India & Independence (1947)

  • Communal riots in Bengal and Punjab.

  • India became independent on 15th August 1947.

  • Bengal was divided into West Bengal (India) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

5. Art, Culture & Architecture

Important Cultural Developments

  • Ancient: Stupas, Ajanta-Ellora Caves, Temple architecture

  • Medieval: Indo-Islamic Architecture, Taj Mahal

  • Modern: Revival of Indian Art, Bengal Renaissance

Preparation Tips for History in WBCS Prelims

  1. Follow NCERT Books (Class 6–12)

  2. Lucent’s General Knowledge (History Section)

  3. Spectrum’s Modern India for Freedom Struggle

  4. Read about Bengal’s role in Indian History

Sample Practice Questions

  1. Who was the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Services?

    • Answer: Satyendranath Tagore

  2. Who founded the Brahmo Samaj?

    • Answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy

  3. Which Mughal ruler built the Red Fort?

    • Answer: Shah Jahan

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