Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha

Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha: A Competency Test for Teachers

The Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha, or Competency Test, is a crucial examination conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) for 'Niyojit Shikshaks' (contractual teachers) working in local body schools across Bihar. [9, 12] The primary goal of this exam is to assess their teaching competency and grant them the status of state government employees, ensuring better pay, benefits, and service conditions. [17] This initiative aims to standardize the quality of education in the state by evaluating and uplifting the existing teaching workforce. Passing this exam is a mandatory step for contractual teachers seeking to secure a permanent government position and advance their careers within the state's education system. [6]

Career Advancement and Benefits

Qualifying the Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha is a transformative step for contractual teachers, offering significant career advantages and long-term stability.

Transition to Government Employee Status: The most significant benefit is the transition from a contractual 'Niyojit' teacher to a permanent state government school teacher. This change brings immense job security, social recognition, and a well-defined service rulebook.

Enhanced Salary and Allowances: Upon clearing the exam, teachers become eligible for a revised and improved salary structure as per state government norms. This includes a higher basic pay along with key allowances such as:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): To mitigate the effects of inflation.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on the posting location (city classification).
• Medical Allowance: For healthcare needs.

Defined Career Progression: As government employees, teachers gain access to a structured career path with opportunities for time-bound promotions to senior teaching positions and administrative roles within the education department. This ensures steady professional growth, which is often limited in a contractual role.

Retirement and Other Benefits: The position comes with post-retirement security, including pension benefits under the applicable government schemes and gratuity. Employees also receive benefits like paid leave, travel concessions, and access to various welfare schemes, ensuring overall financial and personal well-being.

Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha Examination Structure

The exam is designed to be a comprehensive assessment of a teacher's abilities and knowledge. It is conducted as a single-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT). [7]

• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test). [2]
• Total Questions: 150 objective-type, multiple-choice questions. [1, 4]
• Total Marks: 150. [4]
• Duration: The total time allotted is 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes). [1, 2]
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 1 mark. [4]
• Negative Marking: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers, encouraging candidates to attempt all questions. [3, 4]

Exam Sections

The question paper is divided into three main parts:

• Part I - Language: This section contains 30 questions and assesses proficiency in English and a choice of Hindi, Urdu, or Bengali. [1]
• Part II - General Studies: This part consists of 40 questions covering a wide range of topics including current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity, and general science. [1, 18]
• Part III - Concerned Subject: This is the largest section with 80 questions, focusing on the specific subjects the teacher is appointed for (e.g., Mathematics, Science, Social Science for primary level). [1, 18]

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application process for the Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha is conducted entirely online. Follow these steps to apply successfully:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official BSEB Sakshamta website, which is typically bsebsakshamta.com or secondary.biharboardonline.com. [5, 13]
2. Register as a New Candidate: If you are a first-time user, click on the registration link. You will need to provide basic details like your name, mobile number, and email ID to create login credentials. [12]
3. Log In: Use your registered mobile number and the password created during registration to log in to your account.
4. Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill in all required details in the online application form, including personal information, educational qualifications, and current employment details as a Niyojit teacher. [13]
5. Upload Documents: Scan and upload the necessary documents in the specified format and size. This typically includes your photograph, signature, academic certificates, teaching appointment letter, and identity proof. [13]
6. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee, which is ₹1100 for all categories. The payment must be made online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. This fee is non-refundable. [3, 5]
7. Final Submission and Printout: Before final submission, review the entire application form to ensure all details are correct. After submitting, download and print a copy of the completed application form for your records and future reference. [13]