The MP SI syllabus now runs in two written stages: a qualifying preliminary paper of 100 objective questions on Hindi, English, history, geography, civics, science, reasoning, computers and current affairs, then a main exam of two papers worth 300 marks each that covers history and society, polity and governance, current affairs and security, and reasoning with data interpretation. The Madhya Pradesh Employee Selection Board (ESB) conducts it for Subedar and Sub Inspector posts in the state police.
Candidates who clear the mains go on to physical measurement, a physical efficiency test and an interview. The pattern changed from the older single written paper, so old guides can mislead you. Here is the current structure, the topics in each paper and a way to prepare for both stages without wasting months.
Exam at a glance
Conducted by
Madhya Pradesh Employee Selection Board, BhopalPosts
Subedar and Sub Inspector (several branches)Prelims
100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours, qualifyingMains
Two papers, 300 marks each, 2 hours eachNegative marking
None in prelims; one third mark in mainsPhysical test
100 marks: 800 m race, long jump, shot putQualification
Graduate; science or diploma for technical postsOfficial website
Selection stages at a glance
- Preliminary exam: an objective screening test. Its score is dropped once the mains list is out. Candidates are shortlisted for mains at roughly ten candidates per post, counted category by category.
- Main exam: two objective papers that decide most of your rank.
- Physical measurement and efficiency test: height and chest checks, then timed and measured events.
- Interview, followed by document verification and medical checks.
Recent reports of the rule book put the final merit at mains (600) plus physical test (100) plus interview (50). Read the current rule book on the board's website to confirm how marks are combined for your cycle.
MP SI pre syllabus and prelims exam pattern
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 100 multiple choice |
| Marks | 100 |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Negative marking | None reported |
| Nature | Qualifying, not added to merit |
The prelims syllabus covers:
- Hindi and English reading comprehension and basic usage
- History of India and Madhya Pradesh
- Geography of India and the state
- Civics and the Indian Constitution at a basic level
- General science
- Analytical ability and reasoning
- Basic computer knowledge
- Current affairs
Because the cut off is based on percentile within your category, aim to score well clear of the line rather than just pass. A safe prelims also gives you calm weeks for mains.
MP SI mains syllabus paper by paper
| Paper | Part | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I (2 hours) | A | History and Indian society | 150 |
| B | Governance, Constitution and polity, social justice and legislation | 150 | |
| Paper II (2 hours) | A | Current affairs, technology, economic development, environment and internal security | 150 |
| B | Reasoning and data interpretation | 150 |
Paper I topics
- Harappan times through to 1947 in Indian history, the freedom struggle, reorganisation after independence
- Indian society: diversity, population, tribes of Madhya Pradesh, women, poverty, urbanisation, globalisation
- Constitution, Union and state relations, Parliament and the state legislature, executive and judiciary, local government
- Welfare schemes, social justice laws, poverty and hunger issues
Paper II topics
- National and state current affairs, science and emerging technology
- Indian economy and development, environment and energy
- Role of police in a democracy, internal and external security, cyber security and money laundering
- Numeracy, percentages, profit and loss, interest, mensuration, statistics, data interpretation and logical reasoning; calculators are not allowed
Physical test and interview
The physical efficiency test is reported to carry 100 marks: an 800 metre run worth 40, with long jump and shot put at 30 apiece, with minimum qualifying marks set separately for non-technical and technical candidates. Height, chest and the exact time and distance targets by gender are printed in the rule book and differ by category, so do not train to numbers from old notices. The interview is reported at 50 marks and judges personality, communication and awareness.
Start running practice early. Many candidates who clear the mains lose ground because they begin training only after the written result.
Who can apply
For Subedar and general Sub Inspector posts any recognised bachelor's degree is enough. Some technical branches such as fingerprint, photo and questioned documents ask for a BSc that included physics, chemistry and maths, and the arms branch asks for a mechanical engineering diploma. The age limit reported for the latest cycle is 21 to 33 years for the unreserved category, with relaxation for Madhya Pradesh domicile reserved categories and women. Candidates from other states apply in the unreserved category. The date on which age and degree are counted is fixed in the rule book.
A study plan that covers both stages
Prelims and mains overlap heavily, so prepare for mains first and revise for prelims in the last six weeks.
- Months 1 and 2: history and Indian society for Paper I, with Madhya Pradesh tribes and regions alongside.
- Month 3: polity, governance and social justice, reading the Constitution's key articles in simple notes.
- Month 4: economy, environment and internal security; keep a monthly current affairs file for India and the state.
- Every day: 45 minutes of reasoning and data interpretation, since Part B of Paper II alone is worth 150 marks.
- Last six weeks before prelims: Hindi and English comprehension, computer basics and timed 100 question mocks.
MP SI syllabus in Hindi
एमपी एसआई भर्ती में पहले प्रारंभिक परीक्षा होती है, जिसमें 2 घंटे में 100 अंकों के 100 सवाल हल करने होते हैं। यह केवल क्वालीफाइंग है। इसमें हिंदी, अंग्रेज़ी, इतिहास, भूगोल, नागरिक शास्त्र, विज्ञान, तर्कशक्ति, कंप्यूटर और समसामयिकी आते हैं। मुख्य परीक्षा में 300-300 अंक के दो प्रश्न पत्र होते हैं: पहले में इतिहास, भारतीय समाज, संविधान और शासन, दूसरे में समसामयिकी, अर्थव्यवस्था, पर्यावरण, आंतरिक सुरक्षा तथा तर्क और डेटा व्याख्या। मुख्य परीक्षा में हर गलत जवाब का एक तिहाई अंक घटता है।
Frequently asked questions
Does the MP SI exam cut marks for wrong answers?
As reported from the latest rule book, prelims carries no penalty, while a wrong mains answer pulls 0.33 off your total. Confirm this in the rule book for your cycle.
Does the MP SI prelims score carry into final selection?
No. ESB uses the prelims to filter the mains list and then sets it aside. Rank is built from mains, physical test and interview scores.
Is the MP SI ka syllabus the same for technical posts?
Technical branches such as fingerprint, photo and questioned documents need a science degree. Whether they sit an extra science paper is set in the rule book, so check it before you start.
What is in the MP SI mains syllabus?
Paper I covers history, Indian society, polity, governance and social justice. Paper II covers current affairs, technology, economy, environment, internal security and a 150 mark reasoning and data interpretation part.
What age band applies to MP SI applicants?
For the latest cycle it was reported as 21 to 33 years for unreserved candidates, with relaxation for state domicile reserved categories and women. The reference date for age is in the official rule book.
Is the MP SI syllabus in English available, and can I write the exam in English?
Recent ESB papers have been set in Hindi and English. Read the instructions in the rule book and on your admit card for the language rules that apply to you.