47th BCS Preliminary Exam Begins Today Across Bangladesh

The preliminary (MCQ) test of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exam is being held today, Friday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The exam is taking place simultaneously at 256 institutions across eight divisional cities, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. Detailed seating arrangements, schedules, and exam guidelines have been issued for candidates.

According to a press release from the Public Service Commission (PSC) on September 16, all candidates must enter the exam hall by 9:30 a.m., after which the gates will be closed. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter under any circumstances.

A total of 374,747 candidates applied to participate in the 47th BCS. The exam advertisement stated that there are 3,487 cadre positions and 201 non-cadre positions, making a total of 3,688 appointments across all categories. Some new positions have also been introduced in this BCS cycle.

Exam Schedule and Centers
The exam will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon today, with centers in the eight divisional cities mentioned above.

Instructions for Candidates

1. Candidates must be present in the exam hall by 9:30 a.m. Entry will not be allowed afterward. Candidates will receive their hall and room assignments via SMS in advance.

2. Answer sheets will be distributed between 9:30 a.m. and 9:55 a.m., with four versions of the answer sheet (Sets #1, 2, 3, and 4). Question papers will be handed out at 10:00 a.m.

3. Bringing books, electronic devices, mobile phones, calculators, watches, bank/credit cards, jewelry, or bags is strictly prohibited. Candidates carrying any such items will be denied entry.

4. Candidates must not cover their ears during the exam. Hearing aids may be used only with a medical certificate and prior approval from the PSC.

5. The exam contains 200 MCQ questions. Each correct answer earns 1 mark, while 0.5 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

6. Special provisions are in place for candidates with disabilities. A scribe may be appointed by the PSC for visually impaired candidates, and additional time is granted: 10 extra minutes per hour for visually impaired candidates, 5 extra minutes per hour for other disabled candidates. Only PSC-approved scribes are permitted to assist in the exam.