Introduction

In Bihar, a Circle Officer (CO) is an important government officer who oversees land, revenue and law and order affairs at the circle level. In layman’s language, they are seen as a liaison between the district administration and the people.

Each district of Bihar is further subdivided into smaller units known as revenue circles, and each revenue circle is headed by a Circle Officer. They ensure that land records are right, disputes are resolved, and individuals are provided with justice in property cases. Together with this, the Circle Officers provide care to the disaster relief, public safety, and assist the police to preserve peace.

People in Bihar can also find information about their local Circle Officer (CO) online through the Bihar Bhumi Seva portal. This platform helps citizens easily check details related to land records, revenue circles, and the concerned CO of their area. Instead of visiting offices again and again, people can directly use Bihar Bhumi Seva to know which Circle Officer is responsible for their circle and contact them for land or property-related matters.

 

Why is a Circle Officer important in Bihar?

• They are dealing with any land-related tasks such as mutation, verification, and transfer.
• They mediate between landowners and farmers.
• They enforce law and order at any public events, protests, or any local conflict.
• They are employed as the primary revenue collector in their jurisdiction.

Quick Facts About Circle Officers in Bihar

Particulars	Details
Position	Administrative officer at the circle level
Main Work	Land records, revenue, law & order
Appointed By	Bihar State Government
Works With	District Collector, Land Amin, BDO, Police
Public Role	Helps citizens with land/property issues

 

Knowing the Job of Circle Officer

One of the most significant persons in the administrative system of a state is a Circle Officer in Bihar. They operate at the level of a circle, which is the further division of a district, and perform the land-related tasks as well as the administrative tasks. Their work is not just bookkeeping one but stabilizing peace, resolving conflicts, and assisting the district government in collecting the revenue.

Meaning of Circle Officer

A Circle Officer or CO is also referred to as a Revenue Officer. Their primary responsibility is to coordinate the land and revenue issues in their circle. As land is a delicate and expensive commodity in Bihar, Circle Officers are very important to maintain the records to be right, to reconcile the disputes within time, and to ensure that individuals receive relevant ownership rights.

Hierarchy in the Administrative System of Bihar.

To see their position clearly, we may take a glance at the position of a Circle Officer within the government system:

• On the state level, all these are under the control of the State Government in the form of various departments.
• The District Collector or District Magistrate (DM) is the highest authority of the district.
• The circle officer at the circle level is the person in charge of all land, revenue, and law and order issues.
• This renders the Circle Officer a significant connection between the ordinary individuals and the district government.

This makes the Circle Officer an important link between the common people and the district administration.

 

Difference Between Circle Officer and Land Amin

Many people in Bihar get confused between a Circle Officer (CO) and a Land Amin. Though both deal with land-related matters, their roles are very different.

Basis of Difference	Circle Officer (CO)	Land Amin
Position	Administrative Officer	Field-level staff
Work Area	Handles the entire circle	Works in villages under the circle
Main Duty	Supervises land records, disputes, and revenue	Measures land, updates maps, assists CO
Authority	Has decision-making power	Works under the CO’s instructions

So, while the Land Amin measures and collects land data, the Circle Officer makes final decisions and ensures proper records and justice.

 

Also Read:
Bihar’s Trusted Land Munsis for Easy and Safe Property
Best Websites to Buy and Sell Property Online in Bihar- 2025 List
Common Land Mutation Mistakes in Bihar & How to Avoid Them

 

Circle Officer in Bihar: Major Responsibilities

The Circle Officer (CO) of Bihar has a number of significant responsibilities that have a direct impact on the landowners, farmers, and the general population. They include land administration, revenue collection, law enforcement, and public welfare. Their core duties have been explained below.

1. Land and Revenue Management

• Circle Officers deal with land records and their maintenance.
• They oversee the operations of the Land Amins who survey and catalogue land information.
• They control the gathering of land revenue and taxes within their circle.

2. Handling Land Disputes

• The primary authority in settling land disputes is the Circle Officers.
• They enquire about overgrazing, land encroachment, and trespass of land.
• They make decisions or refer the cases to the senior authorities when necessary.

3. Maintaining Law and Order

• Circle Officers help the police and administration in maintaining law and order in their jurisdiction.
• These are used in such cases as protests, strikes, or collective tensions.
• They also make government execution and land reforms peaceful.

4. Property Verification and Mutation

• The Circle Officer checks documents whenever property is being sold, purchased or transferred.
• They grant mutation applications, that is, making land records in the name of the buyer.
• They ensure that the ownership of the land is well documented so that disputes about land ownership in the future are eliminated.

5. Relief Work and Disaster Management

• Circle Officers are involved in relief efforts in case of floods, droughts, or natural disasters.
• They give out government assistance, food, and financial aid to families who are affected.
• They submit reports to the district administration regarding the level of damage and losses.

Summary Table of Responsibilities of Circle Officer

Responsibility	Description
Land & Revenue Management	Manages land records, supervises revenue collection
Land Disputes	Handles encroachments, boundary issues, and illegal occupation
Law & Order	Supports the police, ensures peace in the circle
Property Mutation	Verifies ownership, updates land records
Disaster Relief	Distributes aid, reports damages, supports victims

 

The work of a Circle Officer at the Land and Property Administration

In Bihar, the majority of the complaints and controversies that find their way to the government offices are on land and property matters. That is why the Circle Officer (CO) plays a very significant role in the management of these issues. They are the initial point of resolution of property-related issues and ensure that land registers are kept in proper order.

1. Maintaining Land Records

• Circle Officers are in charge of updating land records and maps within the timeframe.
• They observe the activity of Land Amins and other employees who survey land and make reports.
• Proper land documentation prevents the occurrence of disputes and facilitates the transfer of property.

2. Property Transfer Verification

• The Circle Officer scrutinizes the documents whenever property is sold, gifted, or inherited.
• They ensure that ownership, sale documents, and documents arein  history by checking before they accept the sale.
• This eliminates fraud and provides buyers and sellers with due legal procedures.

3. Mutation Process Oversight

• Mutation implies the updating of the land records under the name of the new owner.
• In order to approve mutation applications, they are done by Circle Officers who have verified them.
• The property ownership is not legally registered in government records without their approval.

4. Stopping Encroachment of Land

• The issue of encroachment is also massive in Bihar, particularly on government land.
• Circle Officers maintain a vigil on the illicit occupation and remove those who encroach.
• They also communicate with the police in order to evict encroachments.

Table: Circle Officer’s Role in Land and Property Work

Work Area	Role of Circle Officer
Land Records	Updates and monitors land data and maps
Property Transfer	Verifies documents and ownership details
Mutation	Approves change of ownership in records
Encroachment	Prevents and removes illegal land occupation

This indicates that the principal land and property administration in Bihar is under the Circle Officer. Their activities have a direct impact on all the landowners and farmers, whether it is through updating records or resolving disputes.

 

Circle Officer powers in Bihar

Not only is a Circle Officer (CO) an administrative officer, but a number of legal and executive powers are also vested in him. Through these powers, they can ensure proper governance at the circle level. A CO in Bihar has control over land management, police, and taxation.

1. Legal Powers

• Circle Officers are executive magistrates of their area.
• The provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) can be called upon in order to deal with law-and-order issues.
• They can use their powers to issue Section 144, which prohibits assembly in the event of tension.
• They can also seal property or halt unauthorized building in case there are disputes.

 

2. Administrative Powers

• Circle Officers are in charge of government workers within their circle, such as Land Amins and clerks.
• They are able to place orders for land survey, inspection, and document verification.
• They provide citizens with certificates like residence, cast,e and income certificates.
• They make sure the local execution of the government schemes.

3. Authority in Land-Related Issues

• They are the last to approve the mutation of property.
• They are able to command the deforestation of government land.
• They verify fraud during land registration and transfer of ownership.
• They deal with boundary and land ownership issues.

 

Difference Between Circle Officer, Tehsildar, and BDO

Confusion may arise as people in Bihar may confuse the functions of Circle Officer (CO), Tehsildar, and Block Development Officer (BDO). All three are significant government officials, but their fields of work and roles differ greatly. The importance of knowledge of such differences is to enable citizens to know whom to address with particular issues.

1. Circle Officer (CO)

• Primary responsibilities of work on land and revenue administration at cthe ircle levels.
• In charge of mutation, land books, litigations, and encroachment eradication.
• Besides, helps in upholding law and order within their jurisdiction.

2. Tehsildar

• At the tehsil level (a tehsil larger than a circle), there is a revenue officer, called Tehsildar.
• Straddles a number of circles and Circle Officers who are under its area.
• Handles challenges to the decisions of the Circle Officer on revenue issues.
• Has a senior position in land revenue collection and administration.

3. Block Development Officer (BDO)

• The government schemes, rural development projects, and welfare activities, which are works on development-related work in the block.
• Does not deal directly with land issues and the collection of revenue.
• Emphasis is put on the adoption of such schemes as housing, employment, roads, and education programs.

 

Comparison Table: Circle Officer vs Tehsildar vs BDO

Particulars	Circle Officer (CO)	Tehsildar	Block Development Officer (BDO)
Main Role	Land & revenue administration	Supervises multiple circles, higher revenue officer	Development and welfare projects
Level	Circle level	Tehsil/Sub-division level	Block level
Handles	Land records, disputes, mutation	Revenue appeals, overall revenue supervision	Rural schemes, infrastructure, and welfare
Law & Order Role	Yes, assists police & district admin	Limited	No
Public Interaction	Direct (land, property, disputes)	Less direct (appeals, supervision)	Direct (schemes, benefits, development work)

Key Takeaway

• In case you have a land ownership, mutation, or property dispute matter, call the Circle Officer.
• In the case of a desire to appeal against the decision of the CO or the land revenue problems at a higher level, → Go to the Tehsildar.
• In case your problem is with the schemes of the government, welfare benefits, or rural development, then go to the BDO office.

 

How to Contact a Circle Officer in Bihar

People in Bihar need to know how to contact Circle Officers since these professionals are very crucial in managing the land, revenue, and law and order matters. The Circle Officer is the first point of contact whether one wants mutation, land disputes, property verification, or encroachment to take place.

1. Visit the Circle Office

• Bihar is divided into every revenue circle that has a Circle Office, which is led by the Circle Officer (CO).
• During working hours, citizens can make visits directly to the office to file applications, complaints, or queries.
• The office is normally supported by some staff, such as Land Amins and clerks who help in the process.

2. Contact Through District Administration

• Contact details of the Circle Officers are given in the District Collectorate.
• The individuals may visit the office of the District Magistrate to obtain contact details in case they are uncertain of their location in the circle of life.

3. Online Portals for Land and Property Queries

In order to facilitate land-related services, the Bihar government has announced a number of digital platforms. The citizens can use these portals to apply for the services without necessarily having to come to the office and do the same.

• Bihar Bhumi Seva (https://biharbhumiseva.in/circle-officer-directory-bihar) – This is a helpful site where individuals can find the Circle Officer directory of Bihar, and contact information of COs in various districts.
• Bihar Bhumi (biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in) – To check land records (Jamabandi, Khasra, Khata).
• Bihar RTPS Portal (serviceonline.bihar.gov.in) – To apply to get caste, residence, and income certificates issued with the supervision of the Circle Officer.
• DLRS Bihar (dlrs.bihar.gov.in) – To get the land survey and settlement information.

 

4. Steps for Grievance Redressal

To have your complaint or land-related dispute, the following are the channels through which you can approach the Circle Officer:

1. Find your circle office, depending on your village/town.
2. Make paper work (land records, sale deed, proof of ownership, etc.).
3. The application should be done in writing at the Circle Office.
4. Receive a recognition receipt for your application.
5. Follow up regularly or check online portals like Bihar Bhumi Seva for updates.

 

It demonstrates that citizens may visit the Circle Office in person or resort to the online services of such websites as Bihar Bhumi Seva that allow accessing land-related services and obtaining information about the Circle Officer. Personal meetings with the CO remain the most effective when it comes to resolving disagreements and other pressing issues.

 

Circle Officer and the Public – How They Help Citizens

The Circle officer (CO) in Bihar is not merely an administrative body; he or she also provides services directly to people. The Circle Officer is their initial point of contact since the majority of the rural and urban citizens have problems relating to land, property, and revenue. Their effort guarantees individuals access to justice, correct documents, and government services.

1. Services that Circle Officer offers most frequently

• Mutation of Land Records- Making sure that the ownership information is updated when a sale, gift, or inheritance has taken place.
• Issuing Certificates- Overseer of the issuing of residence and caste certificates and income certificates.
• Land Dispute Resolution- The land dispute Resolution plays the first level authority in settling disputes among the landowners.
• Encroachment Removal- Preventing illegal occupation of government land.
• Checking of Documents- Checking sale deeds, land titles, and other property-related documents.

2. Role in Everyday Issues of Citizens

• Farmers report to the Circle Officer to have the land measured, partitioned, and report to the Circle Officer about crop damages.
• Legal transfer of ownership requires the CO approval of property buyers and sellers.
• Their services are requested by the villagers when it comes to land boundary disputes.
• Families visit the CO to be verified in cases of inheritance or succession.

3. Importance for Farmers and Property Owners

The primary occupation in Bihar is agriculture, and land is the most precious asset. To the farmers and property owners, the Circle Officer is very vital since:

• They ensure that the land records are proper and maintained.
• They keep off fraudulent sales or unlawful land tenure.
• They play a role in supporting farmers in case of any natural disaster by checking on the damage to crops in order to compensate them.
• They legally defend landowners by solving disputes in a fast manner.

 

Key Takeaway

The first government official to be approached by people regarding land and property issues is the Circle Officer. Their prompt response to any situation not only curbs disagreements but also safeguards the rights of citizens. By so doing, they serve as an excellent conduit between the government and the masses.

 

Circle Officer Job in Bihar – Eligibility, Exam, and Salary

A great government position that is prestigious to become is the Circle Officer (CO) in Bihar. It provides administrative power, work security, and a chance to serve people. This part describes the type of person that can become a CO, the way how to choose him/her, and the remuneration system.

1. Eligibility Criteria

To submit an application to the position of a Circle Officer in Bihar, the applicants usually must have the following requirements:

• Education: Graduate Degree from a credentialed university (any major).
• Age Limit: The standard is 21 to 37 years (but age relaxation could apply to reserved categories).
• Nationality: Should be an Indian national.
• Other Conditions: Good moral character and clear background check.

2. Exam and Selection Process

The majority of the Circle Officers in Bihar gain office through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. The selection process will involve:

1. Preliminary Exam- Objective test, which includes general knowledge, current affairs, and basic administration.
2. Main exam: Written descriptive papers on law, administration, government, and general studies.
3. Interview/ Personality Test- Determines level of decision making, communication, and administrative job appropriateness.
4. Training – The successful candidates are taken through administrative training, after which they can be posted as Circle Officers.

Experience and seniority may also be used to promote some Circle Officers who are Tehsildars or any other administrative position.

3. Salary and Benefits

Circle Officers in Bihar receive a good government salary along with allowances.

Component	Details
Basic Pay	Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (BPSC pay scale as per Bihar govt norms)
Allowances	Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Travel Allowance, etc.
Job Security	Permanent government post with retirement benefits
Other Benefits	Health insurance, pension, official vehicle/transport allowance, accommodation (in some cases)

Being a Circle Officer is not only about pay, but also prestige, power and serving the people in Bihar.

Key Takeaway
The Circle Officer position at Bihar is one, which is highly revered and has a great balance of administrative accountability and service to the population. The only way to pass the BPSC exam is to equip oneself adequately and fulfill all qualification requirements.

Conclusion – The Value of Circle Officers in the Administration of Bihar

The Circle Officer (CO) is an important figure in the process of administration in Bihar. The work of this kind is reflected in millions of citizens worldwide, whether it is land and revenue management, law and order. They serve as the interface between the government and the people whereby they make sure that people receive the right services, law and order as well as disputes which can be solved at the right time.

Key Points Recap:

• Land and Property Management: COs keep proper records of the land, grant property mutations, and authenticate ownership documents.
• Dispute Resolution: They assist in solving land disputes and in avoiding encroachment.
• Law and Order: The role of COs is to help the police and district administration to keep the peace.
• Public Services: They oversee the issue of certificates, assist farmers, and assist citizens in receiving government programs.
• Problems: COs are also effective in their work, although there is a lot of work, few employees, and pressure in society.
• Career Opportunity: The CO job is a high-profile government position that has power, job security, and the opportunity to serve the people.

Final Thought

The local administration in Bihar is run by Circle Officers. Their actions have a direct effect on the landowners, farmers and the citizens in general. Through transparency, law and good records, they make sure that governance at the grassroots level is smooth. The websites such as Bihar Bhumi Seva also simplify access of citizens to Circle Officers and accessing them in case of queries and services.

 

FAQs About Circle Officer in Bihar

1. Who is a Circle Officer in Bihar?

A Circle Officer (CO) is a government officer responsible for land, revenue, and law & order at the circle level in Bihar. They supervise land records, resolve disputes, and help citizens with property-related matters.

2. What is the main work of a Circle Officer?

• Maintaining land records and property documents.
• Approving property mutation after sale or inheritance.
• Resolving land disputes and encroachment issues.
• Assisting in law and order situations and disaster relief.

3. How can I contact my Circle Officer in Bihar?

You can contact your CO:

• By visiting your local Circle Office.
• Through District Collectorate for contact information.
• Online via Bihar Bhumi Seva or Bihar Bhumi portal.

4. What is the difference between Circle Officer and Tehsildar?

• Circle Officer: Works at circle level, handles land records, disputes, and law & order.
• Tehsildar: Works at tehsil level, supervises multiple circles, handles revenue appeals, and higher-level administration.

5. What powers does a Circle Officer have?

• Acts as an executive magistrate in their circle.
• Can impose Section 144 for public gatherings.
• Approves land mutations and resolves disputes.
• Prevents illegal land occupation and encroachments.

6. How do I apply for Circle Officer in Bihar?

• Candidates apply through Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams.
• Eligibility: Graduate degree, age 21–37, Indian citizen.
• Selection process: Preliminary exam → Main exam → Interview → Training.

7. What is the salary of a Circle Officer in Bihar?

• Basic Pay: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (BPSC pay scale).
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Travel Allowance, etc.
• Other benefits include job security, pension, health insurance, and accommodation in some cases.

8. What is the role of Circle Officer in land mutation?

• Verifies property documents submitted by buyer/seller.
• Approves mutation applications to update land ownership in government records.
• Ensures legal ownership and prevents disputes.

9. Can a Circle Officer help in property disputes?

Yes, the CO is the first authority to handle land disputes, including boundary issues, inheritance conflicts, and encroachments.

10. Where can I find a Circle Officer directory in Bihar?

You can find the directory of all Circle Officers in Bihar through Bihar Bhumi Seva. This includes contact details and office locations for each CO.