January 19, 2026
Overview: Are you ready to transition from a law student to a powerful legal officer in the Bihar Prosecution Service? If yes, then this guide breaks down everything from the Bihar APO application form steps to the critical syllabus changes you cannot afford to miss.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is gearing up for a massive recruitment drive to ensure "speedy trials" in lower courts. For law graduates, 2026 is being hailed as a "Golden Year" because, in addition to the APO, the 33rd Bihar Judicial Service and the UP APO exams are also expected to be held.
However, the 2026 cycle comes with a major twist: a completely revised syllabus featuring the new criminal laws, making early preparation and a clear understanding of the application process more vital than ever. Let's begin!
Before you wait for the Bihar APO application form link to go live, you must ensure you meet the strict eligibility criteria set by the BPSC.
1. Educational Qualification
2. Age Limit (Expected)
The minimum age to apply is 21 years. The maximum age limits are categorised as follows:
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General (Male) | 37 Years |
| General (Female) & OBC | 40 Years |
| SC / ST | 42 Years |

The application process is entirely online. Once the notification is officially released on the BPSC portal, follow these steps to ensure your candidature is not rejected due to technical errors.
| Category | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Candidates | ₹600 |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates (Bihar Residents) | ₹150 |
| PwD Candidates | ₹150 |
Source:
The biggest hurdle for 2026 aspirants is the transition in the Bihar APO syllabus. The Bihar government has officially updated the curriculum to include the new criminal codes.
Traditional laws have been replaced in both the Prelims and Mains:
To be appointed, you must qualify through three sequential stages of the exam pattern for Bihar APO 2026:
The Preliminary exam serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains. It is objective in nature, consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) available in both Hindi and English.
Exam Pattern for Prelims
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Law | 100 | 150 | 2 Hours |
Key Highlights:
Those who clear the Prelims face the Mains, which is a descriptive/subjective test that critically assesses legal knowledge and writing skills. This stage is crucial because these marks determine your final ranking.
Is the Mains Syllabus Extensive?
Yes, the Mains consists of several papers totalling 1050 marks. Candidates must handle legal, linguistic, and general knowledge subjects simultaneously.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | Hindi Language (Qualifying - 30 marks required) | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper III | English Language | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper IV | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) | 150 | 3 Hours |
| Paper V | Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) | 150 | 3 Hours |
| Paper VI | BNSS (75) + CPC (75) | 150 | 3 Hours |
| Paper VII | Constitutional Law of India | 150 | 3 Hours |
| Paper VIII | Special Laws (POCSO, Arms Act, etc.) | 150 | 3 Hours |
Note: The Hindi paper is qualifying in nature, requiring a minimum of 30 marks, but the other papers contribute to your final score.
Candidates who successfully navigate the Mains are called for the Bihar APO Interview, also known as the Personality Test.
What Happens in the Interview?
Take Free Demo Classes For Bihar APO Exam
Unlike many other judiciary exams, the Bihar APO Mains requires specialised knowledge of several minor acts:
Final Thought
Securing a position as an Assistant Prosecution Officer in Bihar requires more than just legal knowledge; it requires strategic timing. With approximately 435 vacancies and a fast-tracked recruitment timeline of 4 to 6 months, the window for preparation is narrow. Focus your studies on the new criminal codes (BNS, BNSS, BSA) and keep your documents ready for the release of the Bihar APO application form in early 2026.
Consistent revision and answer writing will be the deciding factors in your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Prelims marks added to the final result in Bihar APO?

Is there a qualifying mark for the language papers in Mains of Bihar APO 2026?

What are the "Special Laws" included in the Bihar APO Mains 2026?

Are final-year law students eligible to fill the Bihar APO application form?

Can candidates from outside Bihar apply for Bihar APO post?

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