If you are preparing for the WBPSC Clerkship exam, knowing the Mains (Part II / Conventional / Descriptive) syllabus in full detail is essential.
The Mains stage is critical in selecting candidates, and mastering its syllabus helps you focus your efforts wisely, avoid unnecessary topics, and build deeper competence in writing, translation, and language skills
Table of Contents
1. WBPSC Clerkship: Exam Structure & Stages
Before diving into the Mains syllabus, it is worthwhile to briefly recap the full exam structure and selection process. That context helps you see how Part II fits in, its weight, and constraints.
Selection Process
WBPSC Clerkship (Clerk) recruitment typically follows a multi-stage process:
- Part I — Objective / Multiple Choice Paper
- Part II — Mains / Conventional / Descriptive Written Paper
- Computer Knowledge & Typing Test — qualifying stage after written exams
Only those who pass Part I are allowed to attempt Part II. Then those who qualify both written stages move to the typing / computer test. Finally, merit is determined based on written scores.
Part I vs Part II: Distinction & Purpose
- Part I (Objective): Tests broader knowledge (English grammar, arithmetic, general studies) in MCQ format, under time pressure. It acts as a screening stage.
- Part II (Mains / Conventional): Tests your language skills, expressiveness, translation, précis / summary, report writing, etc. This is where the candidate’s communication skills and writing proficiency are evaluated.
Because Part II tasks are more qualitative and less predictable, having a clear syllabus helps you prepare systematically, rather than “shoot in the dark.”
Weight, Marking & Time
- Part II is often 100 marks, divided equally among two groups (Group A & Group B).
- Time allotted is 60 minutes (1 hour) for the descriptive paper.
- Each group (English group and (Bengali / regional language) group) carries 50 marks.
As a result, you must be able to produce high-quality writing in a short time, in both English and your chosen regional language.
Now, let’s turn our focus to the Mains / Part II syllabus in detail.
2. Why Knowing the Mains Syllabus Matters
Before listing topics, let’s reflect on why the syllabus is so important for Mains:
- Avoid wasteful effort — Rather than studying generic writing, you know precisely which tasks may appear (translation, précis, report).
- Balanced practice — You can allocate time appropriately across English vs regional language skills.
- Focused content preparation — You can gather phrases, templates, sample translations, report formats, etc., aligned with syllabus.
- Mock test design — You can design realistic practice mock papers covering all syllabus items.
- Identifying weak spots early — If translation is weak, you can spot it and devote more time.
- Confidence — Knowing the syllabus removes fear of the unknown and helps plan mental readiness.
Thus, having a syllabus with clarity is not optional; it is foundational.
3. Detailed Mains (Part II) Syllabus
Here is the detailed WBPSC Clerkship Mains / Part II syllabus, as per existing resources and common trends. Use this as your master guide.
Note: The regional language may be Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, or Santali — depending on your chosen medium.
3.1 Structure & Group Division
The Mains descriptive paper is divided into two groups:
- Group A — English language tasks
- Group B — Regional language (Bengali / Hindi / Urdu / Nepali / Santali) language tasks
Each group typically carries 50 marks, for a total of 100 marks.
You will have to attempt prescribed tasks from each group (for example, one report, one précis, one translation) within the allotted time.
3.2 Group A: English — Syllabus Topics
Here are the major tasks and subtopics you should prepare under the English group:
| Task | Subtopics / Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Drafting a Report / Formal Writing | From points or materials supplied. You may be given bullet points or data, and asked to write a coherent English report. |
| Condensing a Prose Passage (Summary / Précis) | You will be given a prose passage; you are expected to summarize / condense it into a shorter version, capturing essential meaning, and possibly give a title. |
| Translation into English | From Bengali / Hindi / Urdu / Nepali / Santali (as applicable) into English. This tests your comprehension, vocabulary, and idiomatic expression. |
You should hone skills in all three tasks. The passage may be of moderate length (a paragraph or short page), and the report might need to be 150-250 words (or as per instruction).
3.3 Group B: Regional Language: Syllabus Topics
Under your chosen regional language (Bengali / Hindi / Urdu / Nepali / Santali), you will encounter similar types of tasks, adjusted for the language. Here are the expected tasks:
| Task | Subtopics / Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Drafting a Report / Formal Writing | From points provided, in the regional language. Must be coherent, structured, grammatically sound. |
| Condensing a Prose Passage (Summary / Précis) | Summarizing a passage in the regional language, capturing essentials, possibly giving a title. |
| Translation into Regional Language | From English into the regional language. This tests your bilingual expression, grasp of idioms, and proportionate meaning transfer. |
3.4 Interplay of English & Regional Language Skills
Because both groups require parallel tasks (report, summary, translation), candidates must achieve balanced competence in both English and the regional language. Neglecting one language can cost significant marks.
Also, the standard of tasks is often comparable to Madhyamik level (Class 10 board exam language standard) for grammar, comprehension, translation, etc.
3.5 Level & Depth
Though tasks are descriptive, language proficiency (clarity, precision, grammar, vocabulary) is crucial. The exam does not necessarily test deep specialized subject knowledge, but your ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.
Additionally, topics for reports or illustrations may draw on current affairs, state (West Bengal) issues, governance themes, social concerns, etc. So while the language is the medium, content still matters.
4. Relationship with Part I Syllabus & Synergy
While our focus is on Mains, it’s important to see how Part I (Objective) syllabus complements Mains. Some synergy exists, and you can leverage that.
4.1 Part I Syllabus: Key Subjects
Part I (Objective) covers three broad subjects:
- English (grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, synonyms/antonyms, comprehension, etc.)
- Arithmetic / Quantitative Ability (number system, percentages, ratio & proportion, time & work, etc.)
- General Studies (current events, basic science, Indian geography, Indian history, politics, etc.)
Because the Part I syllabus deals with general ability and knowledge, it doesn’t directly overlap with Part II’s descriptive tasks. However:
- Strong grammar, comprehension, vocabulary from Part I help in writing tasks in Part II
- Awareness of current events (part of General Studies) helps you integrate relevant examples into reports or essays
- Logical structuring and clarity in argumentation (habits from objective practice) benefit descriptive writing
Thus, while preparing for Part II, maintain a connection with Part I skills.
5. Section: Syllabus Download Section
WBPSC Clerkship Mains Syllabus — Download & Reference
| Resource / Year | Description / Content | Download / Link |
|---|---|---|
| WBPSC Clerkship Syllabus PDF (General) | Official scheme & syllabus for Part I & Part II (English, Arithmetic, General Studies, & descriptive tasks) | [Download PDF] |
| WBPSC Clerkship Mains / Part II Syllabus (2025) | Detailed breakdown of Group A & B tasks for the 2025 exam | [Download PDF] |
| WBPSC Clerkship Syllabus & Exam Pattern Page | Online syllabus listing + explanation (Testbook) | [Visit Syllabus Page] |
| WBPSC Clerkship Syllabus on Oliveboard site | Clean layout of syllabus points for both parts | [View on Oliveboard] |
| PDF – Syllabus Summary (The Dhronas) | Summary PDF of syllabus topics for Mains / descriptive tasks | [Download Summary PDF] |
Also Read:
6. Strategy to Cover the Mains Syllabus Systematically
Knowing the syllabus is one thing; executing a plan to cover it thoroughly is another. Below is a strategic roadmap.
6.1 Segment Your Time & Create a Timeline
Given limited time, break your preparation into phases:
- Phase 1: Foundation Building (First 4–6 weeks)
- Focus on grammar, vocabulary, translation skills (both directions), reading good bilingual texts
- Practice short précis/summaries
- Write short paragraphs / mini-reports daily
- Phase 2: Syllabus Coverage (Next 6–8 weeks)
- Systematically cover each task type (report, précis, translation) in both English & regional language
- Practice for each task with varying difficulty / topics
- Build a repository of sample answers / phrases
- Phase 3: Mock Tests & Simulation (Last 4–6 weeks)
- Take full Mains practice tests (English + regional language) in timed mode
- Analyze your mistakes, track improvement
- Focus on speed, clarity, neatness
- Final 1–2 Weeks
- Revisit weak areas
- Practice light, but consistently
- Avoid heavy new learning; focus on polish & confidence
6.2 Task-wise Practice Approach
Here’s how you may break down practice:
A. Report / Formal Writing
- Start with simpler topics (daily issues, social problems) and gradually move to state-level / governance / administrative problems
- Maintain a template / structure: Introduction, body with logical points, conclusion / suggestions
- Use current examples, data, statistics to enrich your report
- Time yourself: try writing 1 report in ~20–25 minutes first, then reduce time
B. Summary / Précis Writing
- Take longer passages (200–300 words), condense them into one-third (≈ 70–100 words)
- Practice identifying main idea, removing redundancies, maintaining coherence
- Check for grammar, clarity, transitions
C. Translation
- Alternate between English ⇒ regional and regional ⇒ English
- Use short passages initially (50–100 words), increase gradually
- Focus on natural phrasing, idiomatic usage, not literal word-by-word translation
- Build a bilingual phrase bank (common phrases in both languages)
6.3 Balanced Language Practice
Rotate between tasks in English and tasks in your regional language so that both improve simultaneously. For example:
- Monday: English report + Bengali précis
- Tuesday: Bengali translation + English summary
- Wednesday: English translation + Bengali report
- And so on…
6.4 Mock Tests & Self-Review
- Maintain full-length mock tests under exam-like conditions
- Keep an error log (common mistakes, weak grammar, translation errors)
- Periodically re-solve older tests after improvement
- Compare your answers with sample / model answers, but adapt them to your style
6.5 Content Enrichment & Reading
Since reports or writing tasks may demand relevant content (current affairs, governance, social issues), keep:
- A current affairs notebook (state, national issues)
- Regular reading of newspapers, magazines, policy summaries
- Note strong points, case studies, statistics to insert in writing
Thus, your writing won’t be bland — it will have substance.
7. Common Pitfalls & Best Practices
Understanding where aspirants often go wrong helps you avoid them. Below are pitfalls and tips to navigate them.
7.1 Common Pitfalls
- Neglecting one language
Many focus only on English and neglect regional language, which can cost half the marks. - Literal / word-by-word translation
Translating too literally often produces awkward, unnatural sentences. Focus on meaning and fluidity. - Ignoring structure / planning
Jumping into writing without plan leads to disorganized reports. Always sketch an outline first. - Overwriting / verbosity
In attempt to fill space, aspirants write unnecessarily long, repetitive sentences. That reduces clarity. - Underestimating time pressure
Many write beautifully but fail to complete both groups within time. Practice under timed conditions. - Lack of content examples
Writing reports on social or state issues without up-to-date examples weakens your answer. - Skipping error review
Not reviewing mistakes or maintaining an error log means repeating the same errors. - Ignoring instructions / format
Failing to follow format (e.g. headings, letter/report format) or instructions about number of questions attempted hurts scoring.
7.2 Best Practices to Avoid Pitfalls
- Always time your practice
- Write clear, crisp sentences; avoid undue complexity
- Use transition words / connectors to maintain flow
- Keep paragraph lengths moderate (4–6 lines)
- Make an outline for every report before writing
- Use recent, relevant examples / data
- Review and mark your own mistakes in a log
- Occasionally get feedback from peers / mentors
- Practice format templates (report, letter) so you don’t have to think about format in exam
8. Suggested Books & Resources
Here’s a list of books and resources that are particularly useful for mastering the Mains syllabus (and generally the Clerkship exam):
| Subject / Task | Recommended Book / Resource |
|---|---|
| English grammar, usage, vocabulary | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) |
| General Studies / Indian Polity / GK | Lucent’s General Knowledge (Lucent Publications) |
| Regional language grammar / essays / translation | Standard school-level textbooks of your chosen language; practice with school board materials |
| Translation & bilingual phrase reference | Bilingual dictionaries; parallel texts (English + Bengali) |
| Précis / summarization | Collections of passages (editorials, essays) for practice |
| Current affairs / data | Newspapers (The Telegraph, Anandabazar Patrika), policy briefs, government reports |
| Mock tests / descriptive writing | Custom mock papers from coaching or test series platforms |
| Online typing practice | Typing websites, regional language typing tools |
9. Conclusion
The WBPSC Clerkship Mains (Part II / Descriptive / Conventional) paper is a high-stakes test of your language command, coherence, clarity, and ability to express ideas under time constraints. Unlike objective tests, it demands confidence in writing, translation, and efficient summarization.
Use the syllabus as your roadmap. Focus on both language form and content richness. Practice consistently, time yourself, review errors critically, and simulate exam conditions. Over weeks and months, you will transform weakness into strength.