About BCS MCQs
The BCS process has three stages: an MCQ preliminary test, a written examination and a viva voce. The preliminary is a screening test covering Bangla language and literature, English language and literature, Bangladesh affairs, international affairs, geography and disaster management, general science, computer and information technology, mathematical reasoning, mental ability, and ethics, values and good governance. Only candidates who pass the preliminary can sit the written papers.
The subject cards below cover most of these areas. Bangladesh Affairs and World Current Affairs match the national and international affairs sections, while English supports the English language part. Aptitude (Maths) and Reasoning map to mathematical reasoning and mental ability, and Everyday Science and Computer match the science and ICT sections. Bangla and ethics are not covered here, so pair this page with other material for those parts.
Key facts to remember
- The BCS examination is conducted by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC).
- Selection has three stages: an MCQ preliminary test, a written examination and a viva voce.
- For the 50th BCS, the published preliminary syllabus set a total of 200 marks, with 25 marks each for Bangladesh affairs and international affairs.
- In the 43rd BCS (2021), the preliminary had 200 questions to be answered in two hours, with 0.5 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- The preliminary is a screening test, and only qualifying candidates go on to the written examination.
Exams that include BCS MCQs
Bangladesh
- BCS
- Bank Job Exams
- NTRCA
- Primary Teacher Recruitment
How to prepare for BCS MCQs
- Check the marks distribution in the latest BPSC syllabus, as subject weights have changed between BCS cycles.
- Keep up with Bangladesh and world affairs every week, since these sections reward recent knowledge.
- Practise maths and mental ability in timed sets to save time for the knowledge sections.
- Use separate material for Bangla language and literature and for ethics, which this page does not cover.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects are in the BCS preliminary?
The preliminary covers Bangla, English, Bangladesh affairs, international affairs, geography and disaster management, general science, computer and ICT, mathematical reasoning, mental ability, and ethics and good governance. Marks for each subject are set in the syllabus for each BCS cycle.
Is there negative marking in the BCS preliminary?
In the 43rd BCS (2021), 0.5 marks were deducted for each wrong answer in the preliminary. Check the BPSC notice for the cycle you are taking to confirm the current rule before the exam.
How should I prepare for the BCS preliminary?
Start with the latest BPSC syllabus and its marks distribution, then practise subject by subject on this page. Keep current affairs up to date, build speed in maths and mental ability, and use separate resources for Bangla and ethics.
Last reviewed October 2026