On 8th July 2025, the Bihar Cabinet approved a significant policy update that directly affects thousands of female aspirants preparing for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and allied state services examinations. This decision mandates that the existing 35% horizontal reservation for women in government jobs—including through BPSC—will now be applicable only to women who are permanent residents (domicile holders) of Bihar. This update holds far-reaching implications, especially for aspirants from other states who had hoped to benefit from this provision.
This blog outlines the policy in a structured format, clarifies eligibility, and discusses its broader social and administrative context.
Main Mission Objectives of the Policy
- Promote Gender Equity: To enhance women’s participation in governance and public services.
- Ensure Local Representation: To prioritize employment for women who are permanent residents of Bihar.
- Streamline Benefits Allocation: To avoid misuse of reservation benefits by non-domicile candidates.
- Support Socioeconomic Development: By providing women with greater opportunities in the public sector.
- Align Recruitment With Local Needs: Ensuring state resources benefit Bihar’s population.
7 Key Highlights: Policy Update
- 35% Reservation Rule: Introduced in 2016, this horizontal reservation across all categories (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) continues for women.
- Domicile Requirement Introduced: As of 8th July 2025, only Bihar domicile holders are eligible for the 35% quota.
- BPSC 71st Notification Timeline: Released on 30th May 2025, applications were open from 1st to 30th June 2025. Prelims are tentatively scheduled for 30th August 2025
- Reservation Applicable to TRE-4.0: The Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4.0) also applies this 35% reservation exclusively for Bihar women.
- Documentation Requirement: Valid domicile certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and non-creamy layer certificate are essential.
- Age Criteria for Female Candidates: General/OBC female candidates: upper age limit of 40 years; SC/ST female candidates: 42 years
- Non-Domicile Candidates: Treated as General category and ineligible for the 35% quota regardless of gender.
Impact on Female Aspirants
- For Bihar-based aspirants: The policy secures more opportunities and reduces competition from out-of-state candidates.
- For non-domicile aspirants (e.g., from West Bengal or Delhi): They must now compete under the general category, significantly reducing their chances if they previously relied on the female reservation.
- Institutional Impact: Coaching institutes and preparatory academies must realign their counseling strategies and admission messaging accordingly.
Rationale Behind the Change
The Bihar government clarified that this change is in line with the state’s objective to create equitable opportunities for its native population. The Chief Minister emphasized that government jobs should prioritize local talent, especially in a resource-constrained state like Bihar, where public employment remains a key source of livelihood (Times of India).
Past Reference: Origin of the 35% Female Quota
The 35% female reservation was introduced in 2016 by the Bihar government as a horizontal quota within each category to promote the inclusion of women in state governance. The policy was lauded across India and encouraged similar models in other states. However, this was initially open to all women, regardless of domicile, making it inclusive but prone to dilution of benefits intended for Bihar residents.
Conclusion
The July 2025 update to the BPSC female reservation policy marks a pivotal change in Bihar’s administrative recruitment framework. While it strengthens local representation and prioritizes state residents, it also necessitates critical adjustments from aspirants across the country. Those preparing for the 71st BPSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) or TRE-4.0 must now plan with full awareness of these criteria.
Aspirants are strongly advised to regularly check official announcements on the BPSC website and consult verified platforms like EducratIAS for updates. Proper documentation, domicile verification, and understanding of eligibility norms have now become essential components of your BPSC preparation strategy.
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