Do I need a journalism degree?

No; it is a general cadre. But writing ability and an interest in media help a great deal on the job.

Is the work genuinely creative?

Substantially so, particularly in programme production for radio and television — though always within the structures and procedures of a government body.

What is the work like at district level?

At a district information office it is mainly local publicity, carrying government information out, and coordinating with local media.

BCS Information Cadre

বাংলায় পড়তে চাও? দেখো: বিসিএস তথ্য ক্যাডার

Information is one of the rare general cadres with genuine room for creative work. Carrying the government’s message to citizens and carrying what citizens say back — that two-way communication is the substance of the job.

Where the work happens

Postings come at the national radio and television organisations, the press information and mass communication departments, film and publication bodies, and district information offices. The character of the work changes with the institution — programme production in one, news management in another, publicity and publication in a third.

The skills that are capital here

Good writing, clear presentation and an understanding of how media works are put to use immediately. Drafting a press release, preparing answers to journalists’ questions, planning a programme, editing publicity material — language ability sits under all of it.

Who it suits

Someone who enjoys writing and editing.
Someone at ease in front of a camera or microphone.
Someone who can finish under a deadline.
Someone interested in both creative and technical work.

A realistic expectation

The work is creative but takes place inside the structures and procedures of a government institution, so it is not like independent journalism. For anyone who can accept that boundary and still enjoy the communication itself, this offers the most distinctive experience among the general cadres.