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Bihar APO Application Form 2026: Apply Online, Dates & Fees

Author : Pragati Pragi

January 19, 2026

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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!

Are You Eligible to Apply for Biahr APO 2026?

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

  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from a university recognised by the Bar Council of India.
  • There is currently no requirement for three years of practice experience; only the completion of an LLB degree is necessary.

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

MP ADPO Selection Process”

How to Fill the Bihar APO Application Form: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

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.

  1. Portal Access: Visit the official BPSC website at bpsc.bihar.gov.in.
  2. Registration: Click on the "Apply Online" link and register using a valid mobile number and email ID to generate your login credentials.
  3. Data Entry: Log in and fill in your personal, educational, and contact details with extreme care.
  4. Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph and signature in the dimensions specified by BPSC.
  5. Payment: Pay the application fee through the integrated online payment gateway.
  6. Final Submission: Review your form and download the confirmation receipt for future reference.

Application Fee Structure

Category Fee (₹)
General / OBC Candidates ₹600
SC / ST / Female Candidates (Bihar Residents) ₹150
PwD Candidates ₹150

Source:

What Makes the Bihar APO 2026 Exam Different?

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.

The Syllabus Shift

Traditional laws have been replaced in both the Prelims and Mains:

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaces the IPC.
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaces the CrPC.
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 replaces the Indian Evidence Act.

Selection Process Stages for Bihar APO 2026

To be appointed, you must qualify through three sequential stages of the exam pattern for Bihar APO 2026:

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (The Screening Gate)

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:

  • Qualifying Only: Marks obtained in the Prelims are not counted toward the final merit list.
  • Law Syllabus: Focuses on the new criminal codes (BNS, BSA, BNSS), the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), and fundamental Constitutional knowledge.
  • General Studies: Covers current affairs, general science, Indian history, culture, and geography.

Stage 2: Mains Examination (The Written Challenge)

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.

Stage 3: Interview

Candidates who successfully navigate the Mains are called for the Bihar APO Interview, also known as the Personality Test.

What Happens in the Interview?

  • Total Marks: This round carries 100 marks.
  • Assessment: It evaluates the candidate’s communication skills, personality, foundational legal knowledge, and suitability for the APO role.
  • Final Merit: The ultimate selection is based on the combined scores of the Mains Examination + Interview.

Take Free Demo Classes For Bihar APO Exam

Key Special Laws to Master in Bihar APO 2026

Unlike many other judiciary exams, the Bihar APO Mains requires specialised knowledge of several minor acts:

  • Arms Act, 1959.
  • Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
  • POCSO Act, 2012.
  • SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
  • Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016.

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?

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

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

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

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Can candidates from outside Bihar apply for Bihar APO post?

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About the Author

Faculty
Pragati Pragi

Content writer

A Gold Medalist with a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from DSNLU, Visakhapatnam. With two years of experience in research-oriented content writing, I write here to contribute effectively to the legal profession.... more