BJSC Written flashcards

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BCS Preliminary total marks

The BCS preliminary examination carries 200 marks, divided into 100 marks for general knowledge and Bangladesh affairs and 100 marks for Bangla, English, and general science.

Negative marking rule

In the BCS preliminary examination, 0.5 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer, so random guessing without elimination has zero expected value.

Preliminary pass mark

Most BCS circulars set the preliminary qualifying mark at 50 percent of 200, that is 100 marks, and candidates below this threshold do not proceed to the written test.

Time per question

With 200 questions in 120 minutes, the average allowance is 36 seconds per question, which requires a fast first pass and disciplined flagging of difficult items.

Bangla section scope

The Bangla portion of the preliminary examination tests grammar rules, literary knowledge including major poets and novelists, and comprehension of prose passages.

English section scope

The English portion tests grammar including tense, voice, and prepositions, vocabulary such as synonyms and antonyms, and comprehension of short passages.

General Science scope

General science in the preliminary syllabus covers physics, chemistry, biology, and everyday science, including basic units, human body systems, and common chemical compounds.

Current affairs window

Current affairs questions are drawn mainly from the twelve months preceding the examination date, covering national events, international affairs, sports, and economic developments.

Elimination guessing strategy

Guessing is worthwhile only when at least one option can be eliminated, because with negative marking a blind guess among four options has zero expected value.

Bangladesh Affairs focus

Bangladesh affairs questions cover the constitution, national institutions, liberation war history, geography of districts, and major government development programmes.

Mark distribution check

Mark distribution and negative-marking rules have changed across BCS cycles, so candidates must confirm the rules in the current circular before the examination.

Written examination entry

Only candidates who clear the preliminary cut-off are admitted to the BCS written examination, which is descriptive and followed by a viva voce.

Mathematical reasoning inclusion

Several BCS cycles include basic mathematical reasoning within the general knowledge portion, covering arithmetic, ratios, averages, and simple word problems.

OMR answer sheet care

Preliminary answers are recorded on an OMR sheet, so correct shading of the chosen option and accurate roll-number entry are essential to avoid rejected answers.

Preliminary syllabus authority

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission publishes the preliminary syllabus and mark distribution in its circular, which governs the examination for that cycle.

Departmental examination purpose

Departmental examinations are internal tests that determine promotion eligibility for serving government officers, unlike the BCS preliminary, which is an entry-level recruitment screening test.

Governing authority difference

Departmental examinations are conducted under ministry or department service rules, whereas the BCS examination is conducted by the Public Service Commission under its own circular.

Departmental written paper

The written component of a departmental examination typically tests departmental rules, office procedure, financial rules, and the candidate's knowledge of assigned duties.

Viva voce component

The viva voce in a departmental examination assesses knowledge of departmental functions, current government policy, and the candidate's own service record and experience.

Service length eligibility

Eligibility for a departmental examination usually requires a minimum number of years of service in the feeder post, specified in the applicable service rules.

ACR requirement

A satisfactory Annual Confidential Report record is commonly required for departmental examination eligibility, since the ACR reflects the officer's performance history.

Delegation of financial powers

Departmental examinations test the delegation of financial powers, meaning which officer may sanction which class of expenditure under the applicable financial rules.

Office procedure manual

Office procedure questions cover file movement, noting and drafting, dispatch and receipt registers, and record retention rules used in government offices.

Attempt limits

Departmental rules may limit the number of examination attempts, and exceeding the permitted attempts can affect an officer's promotion eligibility.

Result validity period

Departmental examination results are typically valid for a defined period, after which the candidate may need to re-qualify under the prevailing rules.

Promotion eligibility link

Passing the departmental examination establishes promotion eligibility but does not itself confer promotion, which depends on vacancy and selection by the competent authority.

Feeder post concept

A feeder post is the position from which an officer becomes eligible for promotion to the next higher post after meeting service-length and examination requirements.

Departmental service rules

Departmental service rules set the examination structure, pass marks, eligibility conditions, and consequences of failure for officers of that department.

Pass mark variation

The pass mark for departmental examinations is fixed by the relevant departmental rules rather than by the BCS circular, so it can differ between departments.

Current policy awareness

Departmental viva boards expect awareness of current government policies and reforms relevant to the candidate's department and cadre functions.

Noting and drafting

Noting and drafting is the process of recording a reasoned opinion on a file and preparing the draft order or letter for approval by the competent authority.

Sanctioning authority

The sanctioning authority is the officer empowered under financial rules to approve a specific expenditure, and departmental examinations test identification of that authority.

Distinction from BCS written

The BCS written examination is a descriptive entry-level test for recruitment, while the departmental examination is an internal promotion-qualification test for serving officers.