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.
0/4
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
0/7
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
0/3
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
0/4
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
0/3
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
0/4
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
0/4
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)
0/3
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)
0/2
Conclusion
WBCS Prelims Study Material Outline
West Bengal Civil Service Examination (Preliminary) 2024 & 2025

1. Pre-Congress Movements

Revolt of 1857

  • Also Known As: First War of Indian Independence

  • Causes:

    • Political annexations (Doctrine of Lapse)

    • Social & religious interference

    • Economic exploitation

    • Military grievances (greased cartridge issue)

  • Leaders:

    • Mangal Pandey: First martyr

    • Rani Laxmibai: Jhansi

    • Tantia Tope: Central India

    • Bahadur Shah Zafar: Delhi

    • Kunwar Singh: Bihar

  • Failure Reasons:

    • Lack of coordination

    • Limited participation

    • No central leadership

  • Impact: End of East India Company rule, Crown took over governance (1858).

2. Formation of Indian National Congress (INC)

  • Founded: 1885

  • Founder: A.O. Hume

  • First Session: Bombay, W.C. Bonnerjee as President

  • Aim: Political, social, and economic reforms

Moderate Leaders (1885–1905)

  • Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee

  • Methods: Petitions, resolutions, constitutional means

  • Demands: Civil services reform, reduction of taxes, freedom of speech

  • Book: Poverty and Un-British Rule in India by Dadabhai Naoroji (Drain Theory)

3. Extremist Phase (1905–1919)

Partition of Bengal (1905)

  • By: Lord Curzon

  • Reason: Administrative (claimed), but real aim was to divide & weaken nationalism

  • Effect: Sparked huge protests in Bengal

Swadeshi & Boycott Movement

  • Meaning: Use of Indian goods, boycott of British goods

  • Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal), Aurobindo Ghosh

Role of Bengal

  • Bengal became the center of revolutionary activities

  • Anushilan Samiti & Jugantar: Secret societies for armed revolution

  • Khudiram Bose & Prafulla Chaki: Attempted assassination of British official Kingsford (Muzaffarpur, 1908)

  • Alipore Bomb Case (1908): Aurobindo Ghosh arrested

4. Home Rule Movement (1916–1918)

  • Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Maharashtra), Annie Besant (All India)

  • Aim: Self-government (Home Rule)

  • Slogan: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”

5. Gandhian Era (1919–1947)

Entry of Mahatma Gandhi

  • Returned from South Africa in 1915

  • Promoted non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya)

  • Strategy: Mass mobilization, non-violent protests

Previous
Next

Success begins with the right guidance