Bangladesh To Tweak Civil Service Exam System

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) is set to change the examination system for recruitment to the civil service. The idea is to provide a level playing field to all candidates. After reviewing question papers of past preliminary and main examinations, it was found that most of the questions were based on science subjects. As a result, candidates with a science background did well while those who studied arts and commerce were put at a disadvantage. “We are trying to ensure that candidates from all backgrounds get equal opportunity,” PSC chairman Sohorab Hossain told Prothom Alo. The viva-voce test that carries 200 marks will be changed to avoid random marking. Now, a candidate’s dress code, mental aptitude, self-confidence and problem-solving skills will be assessed too. A candidate will be given marks by each examiner, which will then be added to arrive at the total score.