An empirical study on the existing selection process for the recruitment of BCS officers

Abstract

The present study deals with the existing officer selection process for direct recruitment to civil service, especially in the cadre service (BCS). It includes, BCS examination system, distribution of marks for written and viva, exam curriculum, barriers to the merit, duration of the selection procedure, eligibility criteria, etc. This study has made a number of findings to examine the above-mentioned areas of BCS officer selection process. Almost all the respondents of this study are dissatisfied with the existing selection process for the recruitment of officers in BCS. They think that the existing figure of quota (55% of the posts) should be reduced drastically, and that at least 75% posts should be distributed purely on the basis of merit. The existing BCS officer selection process has been considered as a lengthy process. So, most of the respondents have suggested maximum one year for the completion of the whole selection process. Almost all the respondents think that the preliminary examination for making a short list of candidates should continue. A significant number of respondents think that the curriculum for the written examination should be modified. In this study, the major portion of respondents suggested that 800-1000 marks for BCS written examination does not show the significant difference with the existing pattern of marks. On the other hand, most of the respondents proposed maximum 100 marks for BCS viva-voce in place of the existing 200 marks. A significant number of respondents think that political interference and corruption have also an important role on the existing officer selection process. Most of the respondents are satisfied with the existing eligibility criteria required for the BCS applicants. They don't support the idea of special consideration on the age limit; and they recommend similar age limit for all applicants. 32 years of age limit has been suggested by the majority of the respondents. On the basis of the above-mentioned findings, this study has made a number of recommendations to get rid of this situation, thus create equality in job opportunity and build a merit-based civil service for ensuring better governance in Bangladesh.