BCS Exam Should Be Made Harder: Dr. Zahed

Policy and Strategy Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, has called upon the young generation to come out of the “BCS disease” and focus on more productive career paths.

He also suggested reducing the age limit for the BCS examination and making the exam significantly harder.

Dr. Zahed made these remarks on Monday (13 April) at the launch of the report titled “Renewal of Governance from Gridlock: BPSC Reform” held at Sonargaon in the capital.

He said the current structure of the BCS examination is causing a large portion of talented young people to waste several years of their productive life preparing for a single exam. Many students start preparing for BCS from their first year at university, while others leave good jobs to try their luck in the civil service.

Dr. Zahed, who has also served as a BCS viva examiner, shared his experience: “I asked many candidates questions from their major subjects, but many could not answer properly.”

He stressed that the BCS examination needs to be made more competitive. “We must reduce the age limit and make the exam much harder,” he said, adding that if candidates realise early that they are not suited for BCS, they will move to other productive sectors.

He further remarked, “Not just small changes — sometimes surgical and painful decisions are needed. Many may become displeased, but it is necessary for the greater good.”