BCS Written Syllabus and Marks Distribution
The regular BCS written examination is 900 marks for general-only and technical/professional-only candidates. A candidate choosing both groups takes the general 900-mark papers plus a 200-mark relevant job-related paper, making the written requirement 1,100 marks.
This guide explains the official marks distribution, subject coverage, pass standard, full syllabus PDF, practical book list and preparation method for the BCS written examination.
BCS Examination Stages at a Glance
| Stage | Marks | Who takes it |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary MCQ test | 200 | Eligible applicants |
| Written examination | 900 | Candidates declared successful in the preliminary test |
| Viva Voce | 200 | Candidates declared successful in the written examination |
General Cadre Written Marks Distribution
| Compulsory subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla | 200 |
| English | 200 |
| Bangladesh Affairs | 200 |
| International Affairs | 100 |
| Mathematical Reasoning and Mental Ability | 100 |
| General Science and Technology | 100 |
| Total written marks | 900 |
Technical or Professional Cadre Written Marks Distribution
| Compulsory or job-related subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla | 100 |
| English | 200 |
| Bangladesh Affairs | 200 |
| International Affairs | 100 |
| Mathematical Reasoning and Mental Ability | 100 |
| Relevant job-related subject | 200 |
| Total written marks | 900 |
The job-related paper depends on the cadre or post and its BPSC subject code. Candidates should match the code in the full official syllabus with the cadre choices and instructions applicable to their own examination.
Written Papers When Both Cadre Groups Are Selected
BPSC states that candidates giving preference to posts in both groups must take the 900-mark papers prescribed for the general cadre and an additional 200-mark relevant job-related paper.
| Required component | Marks |
|---|---|
| General cadre compulsory written papers | 900 |
| Additional relevant job-related paper | 200 |
| Total written papers for this route | 1,100 |
The separate 200-mark viva is not included in this 1,100-mark written total.
What the BCS Written Syllabus Covers
BPSC's full written syllabus contains compulsory papers and many post-related subjects. The summaries below provide a study map; use the official PDF for detailed topic wording, subject codes and paper-specific marks.
Bangla
Bangla language and grammar, précis, expansion, correspondence, translation, literature, critical appreciation and composition. The components differ between the 100-mark and 200-mark papers.
English
Reading comprehension, grammar and usage, summary, letter or report-style writing, composition and translation. Preparation should combine language accuracy, clear structure and timed writing.
Bangladesh Affairs
History, society, culture, geography, population, economy, resources, environment, the Constitution, government, politics, foreign policy, the Liberation War and contemporary development issues.
International Affairs
Core concepts and theories, international actors and institutions, security, diplomacy, trade, environment, regional and global relations, and Bangladesh's position in world affairs.
Mathematical Reasoning and Mental Ability
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and statistics, together with verbal, numerical, spatial and problem-solving ability.
General Science and Technology
General science, computer and information technology, and electrical and electronic technology, with emphasis on the concepts and applications identified in the official syllabus.
Job-Related Subject
Technical or professional candidates take the paper assigned to the relevant cadre or post. Verify the subject code before selecting university-level textbooks or preparing a topic checklist.
BCS Written and Viva Pass Standards
- Written examination: BPSC describes the written pass standard as an average of 50%.
- Viva Voce: The pass mark is 50%, equivalent to 100 out of 200.
Original BCS Written Syllabus Images
The three images from the original post are preserved below as study references. Current decisions should be based on the latest BPSC syllabus and notices.
Official BPSC Written Syllabus and PDF
BPSC's written syllabus page was published on 20 November 2022 and links to the full compulsory and post-related syllabus. As of this review, it remains the official general written-syllabus source available on the BPSC website.
If BPSC replaces a file link, open the official syllabus page and use its current download. The circular and instructions for the relevant BCS remain controlling documents.
Subject-Wise BCS Written Book List
These books and sources are practical study suggestions retained from the original post. They are included to help candidates build a subject-wise preparation set. Check the latest edition and match each resource with the current BPSC syllabus; use more than one source when a topic requires official data, primary documents or regular updates.
BCS Written Bangla Books
- Assurance BCS Written Bangla Book
- Lal Neel Dipaboli
- Shikor Grontho Somalochona by Mohosina Nazila
- Bangla Vasha Sahitto Jiggasa by Soumitra Sekhor
- Class 9–10 Board Bangla Grammar
BCS Written English Books and Sources
- Assurance BCS Written English Book
- Professors BCS Written English Book
- Master English Grammar Book
- English newspaper for reading, vocabulary and writing practice
Mathematical Reasoning and Mental Ability Books
- Assurance BCS Written Math and Mental Ability Book
- Class 9–10 Mathematics Textbook
- Class 11–12 Higher Mathematics Book
Bangladesh Affairs Books and Sources
- Assurance BCS Written Bangladesh Book
- Class 9–10 History of Bangladesh and Global Studies
- Class 9–10 History of Bangladesh and World Civilization
- Class 11–12 Civics Book by Mojammel Haque
- Current Bangladesh Economic Review
- Mahid's Editorial
- Reputable newspapers and official reports
International Affairs Books and Sources
- Assurance BCS Written International Book
- Antorjatik Songgothon Ebong Bishoyaboli by Abdul Hai
- Millars Guide
- Reputable newspapers and publications from international institutions
General Science and ICT Books
- Assurance BCS Science Bangla Book
- Class 9–10 General Science Book
- Class 11–12 ICT Book
How to Prepare From the Written Syllabus
- Map every topic: Turn the official syllabus into a checklist and mark each item as learned, revised or tested.
- Analyse previous questions: Group questions by syllabus topic rather than only by examination year.
- Use primary sources: Prioritise the Constitution, laws, government reports, national budget, economic review, BBS data and recognised textbooks where relevant.
- Practise written answers: Write within a time and word limit, using a direct introduction, evidence-led analysis and concise conclusion.
- Update current affairs carefully: Record dates and sources and separate confirmed facts from commentary.
- Take full mock examinations: Practise paper selection, time allocation, handwriting, question choice and final review under exam conditions.
Related BCS Study Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BCS written examination 900 or 1,100 marks?
It is 900 marks for a general-only or technical/professional-only candidate. A candidate choosing both groups takes the general 900 marks plus a 200-mark relevant job-related paper, making the written requirement 1,100 marks.
Is the 200-mark viva part of the written marks?
No. Viva Voce is the separate third stage after the written examination.
What is the BCS written pass mark?
BPSC describes the written pass standard as an average of 50%. Candidates should also read the rules and instructions applicable to their own examination.
Which job-related subject should I take?
It depends on the cadre or post selected and the applicable BPSC subject code. Confirm the code from the circular, application instructions and full official syllabus.
Are the listed books official BPSC books?
No. They are educational preparation suggestions. The official syllabus defines what to study, while books, primary sources, previous questions and writing practice help candidates cover and apply those topics.
PDF note: The linked written-syllabus PDF is published and hosted by BPSC and is provided here for educational reference. BD Jobs 52 does not claim ownership of the official document.
