BCS Mark Distribution — Preliminary, Written and Viva
বাংলায় পড়তে চাও? দেখো: বিসিএস মানবন্টন — প্রিলিমিনারি, লিখিত ও ভাইভা
BCS runs in three stages — a 200-mark preliminary, a written exam (900 for the general cadre) and a 200-mark viva. The preliminary only screens; the final merit order comes from the written exam and the viva combined. So starting written preparation early matters more than a high preliminary score.
The preliminary — how the 200 marks split
- Two hours, with one mark for each correct answer.
- Each wrong answer costs 0.50 — two wrong answers cancel a correct one.
- BPSC sets the cut mark separately for each BCS.
- Preliminary marks do not carry into the final merit order — the stage only screens.
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla language and literature | 35 |
| English language and literature | 35 |
| Bangladesh affairs | 30 |
| International affairs | 20 |
| Geography (Bangladesh and the world), environment and disaster management | 10 |
| General science | 15 |
| Computers and ICT | 15 |
| Mathematical reasoning | 15 |
| Mental ability | 15 |
| Ethics, values and good governance | 10 |
| Total | 200 |
At 0.50, guessing is more expensive in the BCS preliminary than anywhere else. Unless you can eliminate two options, leaving it blank is mathematically the better choice.
The written exam — 900 marks for the general cadre
- For technical and professional cadres, a 200-mark paper in your own subject replaces general science and technology.
- Candidates applying for both cadres sit additional papers, so their total is higher — confirm the exact figure in the circular.
- The viva carries 200 marks, and the final merit order is the written and viva marks combined.
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla | 200 |
| English | 200 |
| Bangladesh affairs | 200 |
| International affairs | 100 |
| Mathematical reasoning | 50 |
| Mental ability | 50 |
| General science and technology | 100 |
| Total | 900 |
Recruitment syllabuses, mark schemes, age limits and fees change from one circular to the next. Always cross-check against the current official circular before you apply.
Turning the scheme into priorities
- Bangla, English and Bangladesh affairs together carry 600 written marks — that is where the merit order is decided.
- The preliminary and written syllabuses overlap heavily, so build written-exam notes while preparing for the preliminary.
- Writing speed and presentation are separate skills — without handwriting practice you will not finish in time.
- Mathematical reasoning and mental ability total 100 marks, and practice makes them the easiest reliable marks.
Frequently asked questions
Half a mark for each wrong answer — two wrong answers wipe out a correct one, which makes guessing very risky.
No. The preliminary only screens; the final merit order comes from the written exam (900) and the viva (200).
The viva is 200 marks and counts directly towards the final merit order — so a weak viva can cost you a cadre even after a strong written exam.
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