BPSC Non-Cadre Syllabus and Marks Distribution (9th–13th Grade)
BPSC NON-CADRE EXAM POLICY GUIDE
Non-Cadre Syllabus and Marks Distribution for 9th–13th Grade Posts
This guide explains the BPSC non-cadre exam syllabus, preliminary MCQ pattern, written marks distribution, viva marks and preparation approach for technical/professional and non-technical posts. The tables follow the Bangladesh Public Service Commission’s Non-Cadre Recruitment Examination Policy 2023 for 9th through 13th grade appointments.
Which BPSC Non-Cadre Process Does This Guide Cover?
This page covers direct competitive recruitment examinations conducted by BPSC for advertised non-cadre posts in grades 9 to 13. It should not be confused with a non-cadre recommendation made from candidates who passed a BCS written and viva examination but were not recommended for a cadre post. Those processes may operate under different rules and notices.
BPSC Non-Cadre Exam Route
| Situation | Likely examination route under the policy |
|---|---|
| Valid applicants are 1,000 or fewer | Online registration followed by a 200-mark written examination |
| Valid applicants exceed 1,000 | 100-mark MCQ screening test, then a 200-mark written examination for shortlisted candidates |
| Candidate qualifies in the written stage | Viva voce and any post-specific verification or practical requirement stated in the notice |
Technical or Professional Posts: MCQ Marks Distribution
For a technical or professional post, the MCQ screening paper gives substantial weight to the subject related to the advertised job. The policy-based distribution is:
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla | 20 |
| English | 20 |
| General Knowledge: Bangladesh and International Affairs | 20 |
| Relevant Technical or Professional Subject | 40 |
| Total | 100 |
Non-Technical Posts: MCQ Marks Distribution
The non-technical MCQ paper distributes marks equally across four broad areas:
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla Language and Literature | 25 |
| English Language and Literature | 25 |
| General Knowledge: Bangladesh and International Affairs | 25 |
| General Mathematics and Mental Ability | 25 |
| Total | 100 |
MCQ Duration, Negative Marking and Shortlisting
The policy provides a one-hour duration for the 100-mark MCQ screening test and a deduction of 0.50 mark for each wrong answer. Candidates should still read the examination notice and admit card because BPSC may issue post-specific instructions. The Commission determines the screening cut-off and the number called for the written stage; therefore accuracy is more valuable than blind guessing.
Technical or Professional Posts: Written Marks Distribution
Candidates in technical or professional recruitment should prepare both general subjects and the discipline connected with the post:
| Written subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla | 40 |
| English | 40 |
| General Knowledge: Bangladesh and International Affairs | 40 |
| Relevant Technical or Professional Subject | 80 |
| Total | 200 |
Non-Technical Posts: Written Marks Distribution
| Written subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Bangla | 50 |
| English | 50 |
| General Knowledge | 40 |
| Mathematics and Mental Ability | 60 |
| Total | 200 |
A 200-mark written paper is generally allotted four hours under the policy. The advertisement or examination notice may add a practical test, typing test, document requirement or other post-specific condition. Written qualifying requirements are not the same as the final competitive merit position; candidates should read the policy and the relevant notice together.
Viva Marks for BPSC Non-Cadre Posts
| Grade | Viva marks | Policy qualifying rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9th grade | 100 | 50% |
| 10th–13th grade | 50 | 50% |
At the viva stage, candidates may be assessed on academic background, knowledge relevant to the post, communication, awareness of the employing department and suitability for public service. Original documents and any required experience certificate must be produced as directed.
Detailed Non-Technical Written Syllabus
Bangla
- Bangla language, grammar, spelling, sentence correction and usage
- Literature and important authors or works relevant to competitive examinations
- Summary, précis, expansion, letter, application, report or essay-style writing
- Translation and clear formal expression
English
- Grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, transformation and appropriate usage
- Comprehension, summary or précis and paragraph or composition writing
- Formal letter, application or report writing
- Translation between Bangla and English where instructed
General Knowledge
- History, geography, constitution, administration, economy and development of Bangladesh
- Bangladesh’s liberation history and national institutions
- International organizations, global affairs, geography and major contemporary issues
- Science, technology, environment and current events relevant to the examination date
Mathematics and Mental Ability
- Arithmetic: percentage, ratio, proportion, profit and loss, interest, average, time and work, speed and distance
- Algebra: equations, indices, logarithms, sequences and basic functions
- Geometry and mensuration
- Logical reasoning, number or letter series, analogy, data interpretation and problem solving
Technical or Professional Subject Preparation
The relevant-subject portion depends on the advertised post. An engineering, agriculture, health, statistics, law, accounting or other professional post will not share one universal departmental syllabus. Identify the required degree or discipline in the circular, collect the post-specific syllabus or examination notice, and revise the core undergraduate topics of that subject. Previous questions can help with practice, but they cannot replace the syllabus issued for the post.
How to Prepare for the BPSC Non-Cadre Exam
Begin by identifying whether the post is technical/professional or non-technical. Build a subject checklist from the applicable marks table, then use short daily MCQ sessions for accuracy and longer written sessions for structured answers. Because an MCQ wrong answer can cost 0.50 mark, track both attempted questions and net score. For written preparation, practise completing a 200-mark mock within four hours and reserve time for revision.
For Bangla and English, write answers rather than only reading rules. For mathematics, maintain a formula and error notebook. For general knowledge, separate stable topics from current affairs so that dated facts can be refreshed close to the exam. Technical candidates should give the 80-mark relevant subject the largest share of written-study time.
Official BPSC Syllabus and Policy Links
BPSC official website: bpsc.gov.bd
Official non-cadre examination page: BPSC non-cadre examination resources
Policy page: Non-Cadre Recruitment Examination Policy 2023
Official attached PDF: Download the BPSC non-cadre examination policy PDF
Related Preparation Resources
For broader competitive-exam planning, read the BCS preliminary book list and guideline and the Bangladesh job exam taker list. For BD Jobs 52 update notifications, follow the official BD Jobs 52 Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every BPSC non-cadre preliminary examination worth 100 marks?
The 2023 policy provides a 100-mark screening MCQ where applicant numbers require screening. If valid applicants are 1,000 or fewer, BPSC may proceed directly to the 200-mark written examination.
Are technical and non-technical marks distributions the same?
No. Technical/professional papers allocate 40 MCQ marks and 80 written marks to the relevant subject. Non-technical papers allocate those portions to general mathematics and mental ability along with different Bangla and English weights.
How many marks are deducted for a wrong MCQ answer?
The policy states a deduction of 0.50 mark for each wrong answer. Candidates must also follow any instruction printed on the question paper or admit card.
How long is the BPSC non-cadre written examination?
The policy provides four hours for the 200-mark written examination. A post-specific notice should be checked for the final schedule.
What are the viva marks?
The policy assigns 100 viva marks for a 9th-grade post and 50 viva marks for posts in grades 10 through 13, with a 50% qualifying rate.
Is this the same as receiving a non-cadre recommendation from a BCS examination?
No. This article covers direct examinations for advertised non-cadre posts. Non-cadre recommendations from a BCS merit process are governed through separate rules and notices.
