How to do BCS Cadre Choice? There are many problems in Cadre Choice while applying to BCS. Candidates do not understand which cadre to give first. Why or give it first. There are total 27 cadres in Bangladesh Civil Service. Every candidate has to give Cadre Choice (BCS Cadre Choice) at the time of application based on who wants to go to which cadre. As per BCS Cadre Choice, the examiners asked the questions in the viva board.
The Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) is the civil service and the permanent bureaucracy of the Government of Bangladesh. It is one of the largest civil services in the world with around 3 million government employees. Joining the BCS is highly competitive and considered one of the most prestigious careers in Bangladesh.
How to do BCS Cadre Choice? [BCS Cadre List]
- Bangladesh Administrative Service (BAS)
- Police Service (PS)
- Foreign Service (FS)
- Taxation and Excise Service
- Audit and Accounts Service
- Information Service
- Customs, Excise & VAT Service
- Education Service
- Office Management and Secretaryship Cadre etc.
BCS Cadre List : Name and Type of 27 BCS Cadre (BCS Cadre List)
| Serial | Cadre Name | Cadre Type |
| 1 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) | General Cadre |
| 2 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Agriculture) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 3 | Bangladesh Civil Service (ANSAR) | General Cadre |
| 4 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Audit & Accounts) | General Cadre |
| 5 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Cooperative) | General Cadre |
| 6 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Customs and Excise) | General Cadre |
| 7 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Economic) | General Cadre |
| 8 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Family Planning) | General Cadre |
| 9 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Fisheries) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 10 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Food) | General and Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 11 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Foreign) | General Cadre |
| 12 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Forest) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 13 | Bangladesh Civil Service (General Education) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 14 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Health) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 15 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Info) | General and Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 16 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Livestock) | General and Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 17 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Police) | General Cadre |
| 18 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Postal) | General Cadre |
| 19 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Public Health Engineering) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 20 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Public Works) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 21 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Railway Engineering) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 22 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Railway Transport and Commercial) | General and Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 23 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Roads and Highways) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 24 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Statistics) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 25 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Tax) | General Cadre |
| 26 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Technical Education) | Technical/Professional Cadre |
| 27 | Bangladesh Civil Service (Commerce) | General and Technical/Professional Cadre |
BCS Direct Recruitment Exam
The first step to joining the BCS is passing the BCS Preliminary and Written exams conducted by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC). The exams consist of the following stages:
BCS Preliminary Exam
- Multiple choice questions on English, Analytical Ability, Mathematical Ability, General Knowledge and Bangladesh Affairs.
- 200 marks exam with 100 questions.
- Pass mark is 50%.
- Around 300,000-400,000 candidates appear.
- Around 20,000 candidates pass to the written exam.
BCS Written Exam
- Descriptive written exam with compulsory and optional subjects.
- 900 marks with 9 compulsory and 3 optional subjects.
- Compulsory subjects – Bangla, English, Bangladesh Affairs, International Affairs, Mathematics, Computer Studies etc.
- Optional subjects – Accounting, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry etc.
- Pass mark is 50%.
- Around 20,000 candidates appear.
- Around 2,000 candidates pass.
The written exam is extremely competitive with only about 10% of candidates passing to the next stage. Excellent preparation through coaching, guide books and previous test papers is essential to pass.
Viva Voce
Candidates who pass the written exam are called for a viva voce (interview). The viva panel evaluates candidate’s personality, leadership skills, ethics, intelligence, diligence, public commitment, communication skills etc.
- 100 marks viva.
- Separate vivas for general and technical cadres.
- General cadre viva tests leadership qualities, ethics, IQ etc.
- Technical cadre viva tests core skills for cadre like accounting, engineering etc.
BCS Cadre Choice Process
After the viva stage, the final merit list is prepared combining written exam and viva marks. Based on merit position and vacant posts, candidates are allocated cadres through the cadre choice system.
The BCS Cadre Choice process happens in several iterations:
1st Iteration
- Candidates submit a choice list ranking desired cadres.
- The top ranked candidates get 1st choice cadres.
- Lower ranked candidates get what is left over.
2nd Iteration
- Candidates who did not get their 1st choice are given a 2nd chance.
- Candidates submit new choice list from among available cadres.
- Higher ranked leftover candidates get preference again.
The process continues until all vacant cadre posts are filled up. Typically it takes 4-5 iterations to complete the cadre allocation. Candidates who do not get any cadre are placed in the waiting list.
Important BCS Cadre Choice Strategy Tips
Here are some useful tips to employ the right strategy during BCS Cadre Choice:
- Rank cadres according to preference: Candidates should thoroughly research about the roles, prospects and lifestyles of different cadres to determine their preference. Rank only cadres you are willing to work in.
- Avoid over choice: Do not list too many unreferred cadres just to get any cadre. You may end up being placed in a low preference cadre. Maintain a focused list of 3-5 ideal cadres only.
- Be flexible: Keep altering your choice list in each iteration based on learning which cadres are getting filled up. Remain open to related cadres if you don’t get your top choice.
- Know your competition: Analyze the merit list after prelims and written exam to gauge your ranking and chances of getting popular cadres against the competition. Set expectations accordingly.
- Utilize network: Connect with BCS seniors and mentors to get insights on the cadre demand-supply situation. This can help determine choices with best probability of success.
- Apply multiple times: BCS exam can be attempted unlimited number of times. If you don’t get your desired cadre, apply again in next BCS batch to improve your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions about BCS Cadre Choice
How many cadre choices can we give?
- There is no limit on how many cadres you can choose. However it is advisable to maintain a focused list of 3-5 preferred cadres only in order of priority.
Can we change the BCS Cadre Choice list?
- Yes, candidates can change their BCS Cadre Choice list before each iteration. You should modify your list based on learning which cadres are getting filled up.
What are the best cadres in BCS?
- Some of the most popular BCS cadres include Administration, Police, Foreign service, Taxation, Audit & Accounts. But choose cadres based on your own interests and skills.
How to get a high chance of getting my 1st cadre choice?
- The only way to maximize your chances of getting the top preferred cadre is to score extremely well in the BCS exams. Candidates with higher merit position will get their 1st choices.
What if I don’t get any of my chosen cadres?
- If you are not allocated any of your selected cadres, you will be placed in the waiting list. You can then apply again in the next BCS batch and try the BCS Cadre Choice process again.
Can we change cadres after joining?
It is possible but very difficult to change cadres after joining service through cadre transfer. It is recommended to thoroughly research cadres before making choices to avoid this situation.
The BCS Cadre Choice process can make or break your BCS career. By using the right cadre choice strategy and being well prepared to get a high merit position, you can maximize your chances of starting your civil service journey in your ideal cadre. Research thoroughly, assess your competitiveness and employ a dynamic yet focused approach to cadre selection.