47th BCS preliminary exam begins nationwide

The 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Preliminary Examination, conducted by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC), commenced today at 10:00am across 256 centres in eight divisional cities.

The two-hour examination will conclude at 12:00 noon.

A total of 374,747 candidates are participating in this year’s preliminary exam, competing for 3,688 government posts, including 3,487 cadre positions and 201 non-cadre vacancies.

The BPSC issued the circular for the 47th BCS on November 28, 2024, with the application process open from December 10 to December 31 of that year.

To ensure transparency and fairness, the BPSC has implemented stringent security measures. All candidates were required to enter the examination centres by 9:30 am. Upon entry, hygiene protocols and physical distancing rules were strictly enforced.

Candidate identities are being verified through cross-checking of admit card photographs with attendance lists. Any form of misconduct or irregularity will result in immediate cancellation of the candidate’s application, along with legal action, in accordance with the Public Service Commission Act, 2023.

Bringing mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, books, bags, jewellery, or any type of electronic device into the examination centre is strictly prohibited. All examinees are being screened using metal detectors. Any candidate found with a banned item or involved in fraudulent activity will be disqualified and may face legal consequences.

The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, carrying a total of 200 marks. One mark is awarded for each correct answer, while 0.50 marks are deducted for each incorrect response. No candidate is permitted to leave the examination hall before the end of the exam.

To maintain exam integrity, question papers and answer sheets have been printed in four different sets. Each candidate receives an answer sheet corresponding to the same set as their question paper.

Provisions have also been made for candidates with disabilities. Visually impaired candidates have been provided with dictation assistants and receive an additional 10 minutes per hour. Candidates with other types of disabilities receive an additional 5 minutes per hour.

According to SM Matiur Rahman, Public Relations Officer of the BPSC, the examination is being held simultaneously in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.

The BPSC has reiterated its commitment to a fair and merit-based recruitment process and urged all candidates to strictly follow the examination guidelines.