Patna — In a significant announcement aimed at benefiting lakhs of job aspirants in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday declared a major reduction in the examination fee for government job recruitment exams. On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, the CM announced that the fee for all preliminary government job exams will now be only ₹100, while the main (mains) exams will be completely free for those who qualify.
The announcement came shortly after CM Kumar hoisted the national flag at Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan. Sharing the update on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he described the move as a crucial step toward ensuring greater employment opportunities and financial relief for the youth.
“To provide more employment opportunities and secure the future of the youth, the state government has decided to unify the examination fees across all commissions and significantly reduce the cost for applicants,” Nitish Kumar posted.
राज्य के युवाओं को सरकारी नौकरी एवं रोजगार के अधिक अवसर प्रदान करने के लिए तथा उनका भविष्य सुरक्षित करने के लिए हमारी सरकार ने कई ठोस कदम उठाए हैं। अब हमलोगों ने युवाओं के हित में एक निर्णय और लिया है। मुझे यह बताते हुए खुशी हो रही है कि राज्यस्तरीय सरकारी नौकरी हेतु सभी आयोगों…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) August 15, 2025
Applies to All Major Recruitment Boards
This new policy applies to all preliminary examinations conducted by the following state commissions:
- Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)
- Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC)
- Bihar Technical Service Commission (BTSC)
- Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC)
- Central Constable Selection Board (CSBC)
Until now, application fees varied widely across these boards and could reach up to ₹750 or more for some categories. The new flat rate of ₹100 for all prelims is expected to bring uniformity and ease the financial burden on candidates, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds.
Lakhs of Aspirants to Benefit
Bihar has one of the highest numbers of youth preparing for government jobs. With thousands of candidates applying for multiple exams every year, the cumulative cost of application fees has been a growing concern. The Chief Minister said that “lakhs of youth will benefit” from this reform.
He emphasized that this decision aligns with the state government’s long-standing commitment to promoting employment and social equity.
“Encouraging and enabling more young people to pursue government jobs has always been a top priority for our government,” he added.
Part of Broader Pre-Poll Initiatives
The move also comes amid a series of pre-election announcements by the NDA-led state government. With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, the state has recently rolled out other welfare decisions, including hikes in employee salaries, allowances, and pensions.
Political analysts view the exam fee reduction as a strategic effort to consolidate support among the youth—a key electoral demographic.
Public Reaction and Impact
Initial reactions from students and job aspirants have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is flooded with posts thanking the government for easing a financial burden that had long deterred many from applying for multiple exams.
Activists and education experts also praised the policy, calling it a “pro-people decision” that promotes inclusivity and broadens access to government opportunities.
This landmark decision by the Bihar government has the potential to reshape the recruitment landscape in the state. By reducing the financial barriers to entry, especially for economically disadvantaged candidates, the move is expected to increase participation, encourage merit-based competition, and provide a timely morale boost for aspirants ahead of upcoming job notifications.
As Bihar heads toward elections, the policy may also serve as a politically strategic step, but for now, it stands out as a direct and impactful measure for youth empowerment.
