SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 4

(Compulsory Subjects)

১। াকরণ - ৫ x ৬= ৩০
ক) শ গঠন
খ) বানান/ বানােনর িনয়ম
গ) বাক ি / েয়াগ-অপ েয়াগ
ঘ) বাদ- বচেনর িনিহতাথ কাশ
ঙ) বাক গঠন
২। ভাব-স সারণ - ২০
৩। সারমম - ২০
৪। বাংলা ভাষা ও সািহত -িবষয়ক ে র উ র - ৩০

১। অ বাদ (ইংেরিজ থেক বাংলা) - ১৫

২। কা িনক সংলাপ - ১৫
৩। প িলখন - ১৫
৪। -সমােলাচনা - ১৫
৫। রচনা - ৪০
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 5

ENGLISH
(COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 003
Total Marks-200

Part-A
Marks-100

1. Reading Comprehension
An unseen passage dealing with a topic relevant to our times will be set. Candidates will be required to answer (a) a
number of thematic questions that will test their understanding of the passage (30 marks), and (b) a number of questions related to
grammar and usage. (30 marks)

2. Candidates will be required to write a summary of the given passage in their own words within 100 words. (20 marks)
3. Candidates will have to write a letter relating to the thematic issue of the given passage to the editor of an English newspaper.
(20 marks)

Part-B
Marks-100

1. Candidates will be required to compose an essay on a topic related to an issue of topical relevance. The essay must conform
to the word limit set and must convey a candidate’s ability to express his or her ideas clearly and correctly in English as well
as reflect and analyze a topic of contemporary interest. (50 marks)

2. Translation from English into Bangla and Bangla into English

Candidates will be required to translate a short passage from Bangla into English and another from English into Bangla.
(25+25=50 marks)
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 6

BANGLADESH AFFAIRS
(COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 005
Total Marks: 200
This paper is designed to cover various issues/topics concerning Bangladesh affairs which include history, geography,
environment, society, culture, economy and politics.
The topics/areas that should be covered are stated below:

1. Geography of Bangladesh that should include topographical features of different areas/regions and their developments over
time.

2. Demographic features including ethnic and cultural diversity.

3. History and culture of Bangladesh from ancient to recent times.

4. Economy, society, literature and culture of Bangladesh with particular emphasis on developments including Poverty
Alleviation, Vision- 2021, GNP, NNP, GDP etc. after the emergence of the country.

5. Bangladesh’s environment and nature and challenges and prospects with particular emphasis on conservation, preservation
and sustainability.

6. Natural resources of Bangladesh with focus on their sustainable harnessing and management.

7. The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh: Preamble, Features, Directive Principles of State Policy,
Constitutional Amendments.

8. Organs of the Government:

a) Legislature: Representation, Law-making, Financial and Oversight functions; Rules of Procedure, Gender Issues,
Caucuses, Parliament Secretariat.
b) Executive: Chief and Real executive e.g., President and Prime Minister, Powers and Functions; Cabinet, Council of
Ministers, Rules of Business, Bureaucracy, Secretariat, Law enforcing agencies; Administrative setup- National and
Local Government structures, Decentralization Programmes and Local Level Planning.
c) Judiciary: Structure: Supreme, High and other Subordinate Courts, Organization, Powers and functions of the Supreme
Court, Appointment, Tenure and Removal of Judges, Organization of Sub-ordinate Courts, Separation of Judiciary from
the Executive, Judicial Review, Adjudication, Gram Adalat, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

9. Foreign Policy and External Relations of Bangladesh:

Goals, Determinants and policy formulation process; Factors of National Power; Security Strategies; Geo-Politics and
Environment Issues; Economic Diplomacy; Man-power exploitation, Participation in International Organizations; UNO
and UN Peace Keeping Missions, NAM, SAARC, OIC, BIMSTEC, D-8 etc, and International Economic Institutions,
Foreign Aid, International Trade.

10. Political Parties: Historical development; Leadership; Social Bases; Structure; Ideology and Programmes; Factionalism;
Politics of Alliances; Inter and Intra-Party Relations; Electoral Behaviour; Parties in Government and Opposition.

11. Elections in Bangladesh. Management of Electoral Politics: Role of the Election Commission; Electoral Law; Campaigns;
Representation of People’s Order (RPO); Election Observation Teams.

12. Contemporary Communication; ICT, Role of Media; Right to Information (RTI), and E-Governance.

13. Non-formal Institutions; Role of Civil Society; Interest Groups; and NGOs in Bangladesh.

14. Globalization and Bangladesh: Economic and Political Dimensions; Roles of the WTO, World Bank, IMF, ADB, IDB and
other development partners and Multi National Corporations (MNCs).

15. Gender issues and Development in Bangladesh.

16. The Liberation War and its Background: Language Movement 1952, 1954 Election, Six-Point Movement, 1966, Mass
Upsurge 1968-69, General Elections 1970, Non-cooperation Movement, 1971, Bangabandhu’s Historic Speech of 7 th
March. Formation and Functions of Mujibnagar government, Role of Major Powers and of the UN, Surrender of 50
Pakistani Army, Bangabandhu’s return to liberated Bangladesh. Withdrawal of Indian armed forces from Bangladesh.
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 7

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
(COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 007
Total Marks 100

Brief Description
International Affairs is a compulsory paper for candidates of competitive examinations under the Public Service Commission,
Bangladesh and applicable to both general and professional cadre. This paper deals with conceptual issues and actors in the study
of international affairs. It starts with a basic understanding of international affairs, its nature and evolution. It focuses on both
conceptual and empirical issues in international affairs. Under this paper basic concepts and theories such as power, balance of
power, realism, liberalism/neo-liberalism, foreign policy, security, trade, and environment will be addressed. The empirical focus
of the paper is on understanding bilateral and multilateral relations, processes, functions, and politics of regional and global
institutions. The paper is divided into two sections: conceptual and empirical issues.

Objective
The paper strives to understand a basic knowledge about international affairs. It aims to examine whether the candidates are well
equipped with the key concepts, perspectives and theories for explaining global phenomena to deal with policy matters
effectively. Another purpose of the paper is to examine analytical capacity of the candidates about global issues and events that
are closely linked with domestic arena.

Proposed Distribution of Marks:

1. Short Conceptual Notes : 10 out of 12 10 x 4 =40

2. Analytical Questions: 3 out of 4 questions 3 x 15 =45

3. Problem-solving question 1 x 15 =15

Section A: Conceptual Issues

Introduction to International Affairs: Significance of international affairs; meaning and scope of international affairs; linkage
between international affairs and international politics

Actors in the World: Modern state, types of state, sovereignty, non-state actors, international institutions, relations between state
and non-state actors

Power and Security: power, national power, balance of power, disarmament, arms control, geopolitics, terrorism

Major Ideas and Ideologies: Nationalism, imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, post-modernism, globalization and new
world order

Foreign policy and Diplomacy: concepts of foreign policy and diplomacy, decision-making process, determinants of foreign
policy, diplomatic functions, immunities, and privileges

International Economic Relations: International trade, free trade, protectionism, foreign aid, debt crisis, foreign direct
investment (FDI), financial liberalization, regionalism, regionalization, North-South gap, global poverty, MDGs

Global Environment: Environmental issues challenges, climate change, global warming, climate adaptation, climate diplomacy
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 8

Section B: Empirical Issues

The United Nations System: The UN and its organs, importance and limitations of the UN, Reforms of the UN, Role of the
Security Council, UN Peacekeeping and peace-building functions, Human rights agenda, Environmental agenda, International
Court of Justice, and Women empowerment

Foreign Relations of Major Powers: USA, Russia, UK, China, France, Germany, India, Japan etc.

Global Initiatives and Institutions: World Bank, IMF, ADB, G8, G-77, WTO, Kyoto Protocol, COP etc.

Regional Institutions: SAARC, BIMSTEC, EU, ASEAN, NATO, APEC, OIC, AU, GCC

Major Issues and Conflicts in the World: The Palestine Problem, the Arab Spring, the Kashmir Issue, the Syrian Crisis, Persian
Gulf Conflict, nuclear issue and Iran, the North Korean issue, territorial disputes in Southeast and East Asia, Nuclear proliferation
and other contemporary issues.

Politics in South Asia: India-Pakistan relations, Bangladesh-India relations, regional integration, water dispute, border problems
and terrorism

Bangladesh in International Affairs: Major achievements, challenges, future directions

Section C: Problem-solving
The candidates may be asked to come up with an analysis of a problem and its solution on any aspect of global developments and
security issues, such as trade, climate change, foreign aid, arms proliferation etc.
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 9

MATHEMATICAL REASONING
(COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 008
Total Marks-50

Mathematical Reasoning is based on the principles of Logic. A sound knowledge of Mathematical Reasoning prepares one not
only to solve mathematical problems but also develops the intellectual ability to resolve problems in all spheres of public life and
to arrive at impartial and impersonal intelligent decisions.

The examination in Mathematical Reasoning will test the ability of the candidate to apply knowledge of Mathematics and
Mathematical Reasoning acquired up to secondary level, especially to concrete application-oriented problems.

The syllabus of the examination is given below:

1. Simplification of Arithmetic and Algebraic Expressions.

2. Unitary Method, Average, Percentage, Simple and Compound interest, LCM, GCD, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and
Loss.
3. Algebraic Formulas, Factorization of Polynomials, Linear and Quadratic Equations, Linear and Quadratic Inequalities.
4. Systems of Linear Equations with two or three unknowns.
5. Exponents and Logarithms. Exponential and Logarithmic functions.
6. Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series.
7. Line, Angle, Triangle related theorems. Theorem of Pythagoras, Circle – Theorems, Corollaries.
8. Area related theorems and construction, Mensuration – plane figures and solid objects.
9. Cartesian Geometry- Distance, Equation of a Straight Line.
10. Trigonometric ratios and functions. Problems on height and distances.
11. Set theory. Venn diagram.
12. Counting Principles, Permutations and Combinations. Elementary Probability.
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 10

MENTAL ABILITY
(COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 009
Total Marks-50

The objective of mental ability test is to assess differential aptitude of the candidate. The following areas are likely to be covered:

1. Verbal Reasoning: The verbal reasoning test, as its name implies, is a measure of ability to understand concepts framed
in pairs of words. The word used in these items may come from history, geography, literature, science, or any other
content area. The item thus samples the candidate’s knowledge and his/her ability to abstract and generalize relationships
inherent in that knowledge.

Example: Man has an inborn desire to..........the unknown.

Answer:
a. Invent
b. Discover
c. Recover
d. Solve
e. fear

2. Abstract Reasoning: The abstract reasoning test is intended as a nonverbal measure of the candidate’s reasoning
ability. The series presented in each problem requires the perception of an operating principle in the changing diagrams.
In each instance, the candidate must discover the principle or principles governing the change of the figures and give
evidence of his understanding by designating the diagram which should follow.

3. Space Relations: The Space Relation test is a measure of ability to deal with concrete materials through visualization.
The ability to visualize a constructed object from a picture of a pattern has been used frequently in test of structural
visualization. The ability to imagine how an object would appear if rotated in various ways has been used effectively in
the measurement of space perception.

Example: A man travels 1 mile, then turn left and travels 1 mile, then he turns right and travels 2 miles, then again he
turns right, and travels 5 miles. How far is he from the starting point?

Answer:
a) 5 Miles
b) 1 mile
c) 9 miles
d) 6 miles

4. Numerical Ability: The test is a measure of the candidate’s ability to reason with numbers, to manipulate numerical
relationship and to deal intelligently with quantitative materials.

Example: What number has been left out?

4 √25 6 √49 ?

Ans:
A. 8
B. √81
C. 24
D. √121
E. None of these
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 11

5. Spelling and Language: The spelling and language test is intended to measure the candidate’s ability to detect errors in
grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. The items reflect the principles of present day formal writing, and the ability
measured by the test is highly predictive of success in a variety of academic courses.

Example: িনেচর অ র েরা িদেয় শ গঠন ক ন।

র লা দা প ফ ল

6. Mechanical Reasoning: The ability measured by the Mechanical Reasoning test may be regarded as one aspect of
intelligence, if intelligence is broadly defined. The person who stands high in this characteristic finds it easy to learn the
principles of operation and repair of complex devices.
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 12

GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

(COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 010
Part – A: General Science
Marks - 60

i. Light: Nature, Spectrum, Different colours and wavelengths, UV, IR, and LASER, Reflection of Light, Refraction of Light,
Total Internal Reflection of Light, Lenses, Thin converging lens, Dispersion of light, particle nature of light, Einstein’s
photoelectric equation, photocells

ii. Sound: Hearing mechanism, Decibel, Frequency, Sound machines in home and around –, Microphone, Loud speaker, Public
address system, Characteristics of a sound note, Formation of stationary waves in stretched string, Laws of vibrating strings,
Beats, Doppler Effect, Applications and limitations of Doppler Effect, Echoes, Absorption of sound wave, Reverberations,
Fundamentals of Building acoustics, Statement of Sabine's formula

iii. Magnetism: Polarity and relationship with current, Bar magnet, Magnetic lines of force, Torque on a bar magnet in a
magnetic field, Earth’s magnetic field as a bar magnet, Tangent galvanometer, Vibration magnetometer, Para, dia and
ferromagnetic substances with examples, Electromagnets and permanent magnets

iv. Acid, Base and Salt: Acid-base concepts; characteristics of acids and bases; acid-base indicators; uses of acids and bases in
daily life and caution in handling them; social effects of misuse of acids; reason for acidity in stomach and selection of the
right food; pH; measurement and importance of pH of substances; salts; characteristics of salts; necessity of salt in daily life;
uses of salts in agriculture and industries

v. Water: Properties of water; melting and boiling points of water; electrical conductivity; structure of water; hydrogen
bonding; sources of water; sources of fresh water in Bangladesh; water quality parameters (colour and taste; turbidity;
presence of radioactive substances; presence of waste; dissolved oxygen; temperature; pH and salinity); recycling of water;
role of water in conservation of nature; necessity of quality water; purification of water (filtration; chlorination; boiling and
distillation); reasons for pollution of water sources in Bangladesh; effects of water pollution on plants, animals and human
beings; effects of global warming on fresh water; strategy for preventing water pollution and responsibility of citizens or
public awareness; prevention of water pollution by industries; prevention of water pollution due to soil erosion from
agricultural land; conservation of water sources and development

vi. Our resources: Soil; types of soil; soil pH; reasons and effects of soil pollution; natural gas and its main compositions;
processing, uses and sources of natural gas, petroleum and coal; forestry; limitations and conservation of our resources

vii. Polymer: Natural and synthetic polymer; polymerization process; sources, characteristics and usage of natural and synthetic
polymers; manufacturing process, characteristics and uses of fibers, silk, wool, nylon and rayon; physical and chemical
properties of rubber and plastic; role of rubber and plastic for environmental imbalance; aware of using rubber and plastic

viii. Atmosphere: Biosphere and Hydrosphere, Ionosphere, role of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Potable and polluted
water, Pasteurization.

ix. Food and Nutrition: Elements of food; carbohydrates; protein; fats and lipid; vitamins; types and sources of carbohydrates,
proteins; nutritional value; menu of balanced diet; the pyramid of balanced diet; body mass index (BMI); fast food or junk
food; preservation of food; various processes of storing food; use of chemicals for preservation of foods and its physiological
effects

x. Biotechnology: Chromosome; shape, structure and chemical composition of chromosome; nucleic acid; deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA); ribonucleic acid (RNA); protein; gene; DNA test; forensic test; genetic disorder in human beings; Biotechnology
and Genetic Engineering; cloning; social effects of cloning; transgenic plants and animals; Use of biotechnology in
agricultural, milk products and pharmaceutics; Gene therapy; Genetically modified organism; Nanotechnology;
Pharmacology; Pharmacokinetics

xi. Disease and Healthcare: Deficiency, Infection, Antiseptic, Antibiotics, Stroke, Heart Attack, Blood Pressure, Hypertension
and Diabetes, Dengue; Diarrhoea; Drug addiction, Vaccination, Cataract, food poisoning, X-ray; Ultrasonography; CT Scan;
MRI; ECG; Endoscopy; Radiotherapy; Chemotherapy; Angiography; uses, risk and side-effects of above techniques; Basic
concept of Cancer, AIDS and Hepatitis
 SYLLABUS FOR BCS (WRITTEN) EXAMINATION 13

GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

(COMPULSORY)
Subject Code: 010

Part – B: Computer and Information Technology

Marks - 25

i. Computer Technology: Organization of modern personal computer and its major functional units, computer generations,
History of computers, central processing unit and microprocessor, computer memories and their classification and
characteristics, input and output devices with characteristics and uses. The role of BIOS. Bus architecture, Motherboard and
its components, functions and organization of microprocessors, Arithmetic Logic Unit(ALU), Control unit, Language
translator, Text editor, Compiler, Interpreter, Computer software, system software, operating system, application software
with examples of applications, Computer virus, office automation. Computational biology; Role of computer in Drug design;
Programming languages, their types and levels, steps for software development. Impacts of computer on society.

ii. Information Technology: Data communication and information, information collection, processing, and distribution, System
analysis and information systems, expert systems. Database software and structures, Database Management System (DBMS),
Basics of multimedia systems with examples of hardware and software, concept of data compression, multimedia system
development life cycle. Local area, metropolitan area and wide area computer networks,(LAN, MAN,WAN ), LAN
Topology, Networking devices(Router, Switch, HUB),TCP/IP Protocol suite, Internet, Internet services and protocols,
Internet Service Providers(ISPs) and their responsibilities, intranet and extranet, Word Wide Web(WWW) and web
technology. Popular websites. Access control security and privacy. E-mail, Social media (facebook, twitter, blog) and their
impacts. Different types of Transmission media with examples, bandwidth. Major components of telecommunication
systems,
mobile telephone systems, satellite communication systems and VSAT, importance of fibre optic communication system, Wi-
Fi, E-Commerce technology and its impact to society, examples of E-Commerce websites, B2B, B2C, M-Commerce, Smart
phones, GPS

Part – C: Electrical and Electronic Technology

Marks - 15

i. Electrical Technology: Electrical components, voltage, current, Ohm’s Law, Electrical power and energy, Electromagnet
and magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, Circuits Breakers, GFCI’s and Fuses, Power Distribution and Series circuit,
Voltage Sources in a Series, Kirchoff’s Voltage Law, Voltage Division in a Series Circuit, Interchanging Series Elements,
Voltage Regulation and the Internal Resistance of Voltage Sources, Parallel Resistors, Parallel Circuits, Power Distribution in
a Parallel Circuit, Kirchhoff’s Current Law, Open and Short Circuits, Generation of AC and DC voltages, thermal, hydraulic
and nuclear power generators. Electric motors and their applications. Transformers, AC transmission and distribution,
Electrical instruments, voltage stabilizers, IPS and UPS

ii. Electronics Technology: Electronic components, analog and digital signals, analog electronic devices, amplifiers and
oscillators, resistance, types of resistors, conductance, ohmmeters, Capacitance, Capacitors, Inductors, Inductance, Sinusoidal
Alternating, Waveforms, Frequency Spectrum, The Sinusoidal Waveform, General format for the sinusoidal Voltage of
current, Phase Relations, The Basic Elements and Phasors, Response of Basic R,L and C, Elements to a Sinusoidal Voltage or
Current, Frequency Response of the Basic Elements, Average Power and Power Factor, Complex Numbers, Rectangular
Form, Polar Form, Conversion between Forms, Impedance and the Phasor Diagram, Introduction to 3 phase Systems,
Elementary Concepts of Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, Various Levels of Power, Basic Concepts of
Transformers, radio, television, and radar. Digital devices and digital integrated circuits, impact of digital integrated circuits,
counters and digital display devices, digital instruments.