Government Plans Major Overhaul of BCS Syllabus, Shift to Skill-Based Evaluation

State Minister for Public Administration, Md. Abdul Bari, shared this information in the National Parliament on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Responding to a written query from MP Md. Harun-or-Rashid, the Minister emphasized that these reforms aim to ensure a more talented and efficient workforce within the government.

Minister Abdul Bari informed the Parliament that a high-level committee has already been formed to overhaul the BCS syllabus. This committee is tasked with reviewing the civil service examination standards of developed nations to propose necessary amendments. Beyond the written exams, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is set to introduce "Competency-Based Interviews" (CBI). This new approach will evaluate a candidate's practical knowledge, technical skills, and professional attitude alongside their academic achievements.

The government is also working to streamline the recruitment timeline, aiming to complete an entire BCS cycle within just one year to reduce prolonged delays. In response to a separate question from MP Nurul Islam, the State Minister clarified the current quota structure for first and second-class government jobs. He noted that 93% of recruitments are now merit-based. The remaining 7% includes a 5% quota for the children of Freedom Fighters and Biranganas, 1% for ethnic minorities, and 1% for persons with disabilities and the transgender community.

These reformist steps are expected to enhance administrative capacity and ensure international levels of professionalism, aligning with global standards such as those maintained by NATO-member countries. By prioritizing practical competence over rote learning, the government hopes to build a more responsive and modern bureaucracy capable of meeting the challenges of the future.