The Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exam is one of the most competitive and prestigious public service exams in the country. Every year, thousands of candidates apply, but only a select few succeed. The difference? Most often, it’s understanding and aligning preparation with the BCS Syllabus.
In this guide, we’ll provide a complete breakdown of the latest BCS Syllabus, covering all three stages of the exam: Preliminary, Written, and Viva Voce.
Whether you’re a first-time candidate or retaking the exam, this guide will give you clarity on what’s expected, how marks are distributed, and how to prioritize your study.
📘 What Is the BCS Syllabus?
The BCS Syllabus is the official outline published by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) that defines the subjects, topics, and weightage of marks for the three stages of the exam:
- Preliminary Examination – MCQ-based screening
- Written Examination – Essay and descriptive answer-based evaluation
- Viva Voce – Oral interview for personality and knowledge assessment
🧠 1. BCS Preliminary Syllabus: The Screening Phase
The Preliminary Exam acts as the first hurdle and filters candidates for the written stage.
📌 Format:
- Type: MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative Marking: Yes (0.50 per wrong answer)
📝 Subject-wise Marks Distribution:
| Subject | Marks |
| Bangla Language and Literature | 35 |
| English Language and Literature | 35 |
| Bangladesh Affairs | 30 |
| International Affairs | 20 |
| General Science and Technology | 15 |
| Computer and Information Technology | 15 |
| Mental Ability (Reasoning/Logic) | 15 |
| Ethics, Values, and Good Governance | 10 |
✅ Key Preparation Tips:
- Prioritize Bangla, English, and Bangladesh Affairs — they carry the highest marks.
- Practice time management with timed MCQs.
- Use past papers to understand question patterns.
✍️ 2. BCS Written Exam Syllabus: The Core Evaluation Stage
Only those who pass the Preliminary Exam can appear in the Written Exam. This phase evaluates your depth of knowledge, writing ability, and analytical thinking.
📌 Total Marks: 900 (General Cadre)
📝 Compulsory Subjects:
| Subject | Marks |
| Bangla (Essay + Composition) | 200 |
| English (Essay + Composition) | 200 |
| Bangladesh Affairs | 200 |
| International Affairs | 100 |
| General Science, Technology & Environment | 100 |
| Analytical Ability | 100 |
For Technical/Professional Cadres, an optional subject (based on your educational background) adds another 200 marks.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Improve your essay and answer-writing techniques.
- Time yourself when writing long answers to simulate real exam conditions.
- Review model answers and structure your responses accordingly.
🗣️ 3. Viva Voce (Oral Exam): The Final 100 Marks
After clearing the Written Exam, candidates are invited for a viva voce, where personality, communication, ethics, and current affairs awareness are tested.
🎤 What You’ll Be Asked:
- Questions related to your academic background
- Recent national and global issues
- Your motivation for joining a specific cadre
- Ethical and logical reasoning
✅ Preparation Tips:
- Practice mock interviews with friends or mentors.
- Stay updated on news (especially local and international affairs).
- Focus on clear and confident communication.
🧩 Optional Subjects for Technical Cadres (Example List)
Here are some examples of optional subjects (200 marks) for the technical cadre written exam:
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Public Administration
- Law
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Zoology
- History
- Management
- Agriculture
- Engineering (Civil, Electrical, etc.)
Choose your optional subject based on your academic strength and relevance to your preferred cadre.
🔁 Summary: All Stages of the BCS Syllabus at a Glance
| Stage | Total Marks | Format | Key Focus |
| Preliminary | 200 | MCQ | Broad subject knowledge |
| Written | 900 | Descriptive | Essay, analysis, optional subject |
| Viva Voce | 100 | Oral Interview | Personality, awareness, confidence |
💡 Why This Breakdown Matters
Too many candidates jump into exam prep without fully reviewing the BCS Syllabus. This leads to:
- Studying irrelevant content
- Poor time allocation
- Missed high-weight subjects
- Lower confidence during exams
By using this breakdown, you can build a smart, focused study plan that aligns directly with how the exam is structured.
📚 Final Thoughts
The BCS Syllabus is more than a list—it’s a strategy guide. If you treat it as your master plan and prepare according to its structure, your chances of success will significantly increase.
Start by downloading the official syllabus, create a timeline based on the subject weightage, and follow a disciplined preparation routine. Whether you’re just beginning your BCS journey or refining your approach, having the syllabus at your core will keep you focused, efficient, and confident.
