WBCS Eligibility: Age Limit & Qualification

From the official Public Service Commission, West Bengal (WBPSC) documents · last checked 1 October 2026

Age limit

Age is counted on 1 January 2024. Group A and C: 21 to 36 years (born between 2 January 1988 and 1 January 2003). Group B (West Bengal Police Service): 20 to 36 years (born between 2 January 1988 and 1 January 2004). Group D: 21 to 39 years (born between 2 January 1985 and 1 January 2003). If you are between 20 and 21 (born between 1 January 2003 and 1 January 2004), you can apply for Group B only. WBPSC accepts only the age recorded in your Madhyamik or equivalent certificate.

Educational qualification

Nationality & other conditions

• You must be a citizen of India, by birth or by registration, or a national of another country that the Government of India has declared eligible. Candidates in the second category need an eligibility certificate from the Government before they can be offered an appointment.
• Language: You must be able to read, write and speak Bengali. This does not apply if your mother tongue is Nepali. If your mother tongue is neither Bengali nor Nepali, your Bengali will be tested at the Personality Test, and poor performance can lead to cancellation of your candidature.
• West Bengal Subordinate Land Revenue Service, Grade-I needs a good working knowledge of written and spoken Bengali. Candidates whose mother tongue is Nepali are exempt, but must pass a departmental Bengali exam within two years. Selected candidates also go through 6 months of in-service training.
• Physical standard for Group B (West Bengal Police Service): minimum height 1.65 m for men and 1.50 m for women. The height rule is relaxed for groups such as Gorkhas, Garhwalis and Assamese tribals. You must state your height in the application form.
• You must have good health and good character. Selected candidates must pass a medical board and a police verification of antecedents.
• Reservation benefits for EWS, SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) apply only to candidates of West Bengal. You need a certificate from a West Bengal competent authority, issued on or before the closing date.
• Reservation for Meritorious Sportspersons applies only to Group D posts.
• Submit only one application and choose your group(s) in it. You cannot change your groups later. More than one application from the same person may be cancelled.
• Fee: ₹210 plus service charges, paid online. SC/ST candidates of West Bengal and PwBD candidates (40% and above) do not pay a fee. OBC candidates pay the full fee.