BCS craze and its impact on employment

Part 1

As we all know Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) is a prestigious and competitive examination conducted by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) to recruit government officials in various cadres. Every year, hundreds of thousands of candidates apply for the BCS exam, hoping to secure a stable and respectable job in the public sector. Most of the students, studying at the university level, are keen to land on Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) jobs these days. They are more focused on BCS preparation than their academic subjects. BCS is possibly the number one choice on their preferred job list. Obviously, this is very alarming for the nation. If everyone is busy studying Bangla, English, general knowledge, and current affairs for the BCS preliminary exam, who will study the graduation or masters level books? Teachers are losing interest in imparting education to students since the latter are more focused on the BCS examination. Even in the classroom of honors and masters students, young pupils are found to make preparations for BCS when the class is going on.

It is time the non-government sectors also modified their compensation packages by introducing a pension facility. Then job-seekers will also be attracted to non-government jobs, and competition for BCS employment will be less stiff and extensive.

There should be an awareness in society so that people also respect every profession, not just BCS officers, or just doctors, engineers and lawyers, but entrepreneurs, teachers, designers, artists, scientists, development workers and even mechanics and cleaners and so on.

However, this BCS craze has some negative impacts on the employment scenario and the quality of education in Bangladesh. In this article, we will explore why people are so interested in BCS, what are the recent trends and data, what role universities can play in encouraging research and innovation, what skill gap exists in the market, and what ways can be adopted to stop the obsession with BCS.

There are several reasons why people are so interested in BCS. Some of the common ones are: Job stability: The work security and perks enjoyed by BCS cadres are quite high and include pensions, access to medical care, housing benefits, etc. They don have to be concerned about losing their employment or dealing with a difficult economy. Social status: BCS cadres are considered affluent and powerful members of society. They can make decisions that have an impact on the lives of millions of people because they have access to resources and power. Additionally, they are respected and honored by their family, friends, and peers. Personal satisfaction: By working in various disciplines and sectors, BCS cadres can achieve their individual goals and dreams. By advancing the common good, they can also aid in the nations growth and well-being. Lack of alternatives: Since there are no other desirable or viable options in the business world or academia, many people decide on BCS as their job. They could have difficulties such as low starting pay, unpleasant working circumstances, little room for advancement, or a lack of enthusiasm for the subject of their studies.

One of the toughest tests in the nation is the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exam. With 475,000 candidates, the 41st BCS test had a record number of applications. This was an increase of 10% over the prior year. Since there were only 2,166 open positions, just 0.46% of those who applied will be allowed to join the BCS.

Even more people are vying for positions in popular cadres like the Police, Foreign Service, and Administration. For instance, there were 120,000 candidates for the administrative cadre even though there were only 100 open positions. According to this statistic, only 0.08% of the applicants will be chosen for this cadre.

The fact that many students from a variety of fields, including medical, engineering, law, etc., are choosing to pursue BCS rather than their respective professions is another indication of the BCS crazes expanding tendency. For instance, a survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics revealed a 20% rise in the number of medical graduates who applied to take the BCS test in 2019. In a similar vein, there were 15% more engineering graduates who applied to take the BCS test.

The BCS test is becoming more and more popular, and there are several causes for this. The lucrative pay and perks that come with a BCS position are one factor. BCS officers get a competitive income, a solid pension plan, and other perks including housing, health care, and education benefits.

The reputation attached to the BCS test is another factor in its appeal. In Bangladesh, a BCS position is seen as a prominent one. It is regarded as a means to help the nation and improve peoples lives.

The tutoring sector in Bangladesh has expanded as a result of the BCS exams growing popularity. Today, there are hundreds of coaching institutions that provide BCS training. Many people are ready to pay the high costs of these courses to boost their chances of landing a BCS position, even if they may be quite expensive.

Although the BCS test is difficult, it is also rewarding. If you pass the BCS test, you will have the chance to have a great career and have an impact on peoples lives. Universities are meant to be hubs of innovation and research where students may pick up information and skills that are valuable and applicable to their future employment. However, many colleges in Bangladesh fall short of giving their students access to such a setting. As a result, a lot of students get disinterested in their courses and devote more time to studying for the BCS examinations.  Universities can play a vital role in encouraging research and innovation among their students by taking some measures, such as:

Improving the quality of education: Universities should ensure that their curriculum is updated and aligned with the current needs and demands of the market. They should also hire qualified and competent teachers who can deliver effective lectures and engage students in interactive learning activities. Providing research opportunities: Universities should provide adequate facilities and funding for research projects and publications. They should also encourage students to participate in national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, etc., where they can present their research findings and network with other researchers.

Creating linkages with industry: Universities should establish linkages with industry partners who can offer internships, placements, scholarships, or consultancy opportunities for their students. They should also invite industry experts to give guest lectures or mentor students on various topics related to their fields. Promoting entrepreneurship: Universities should promote entrepreneurship among their students by providing them with training, mentoring, incubation, or seed funding for their innovative ideas for startups. They should also create platforms where students can showcase their products or services to potential investors or customers. ( To be continued )

Observer BD

BCS craze and its impact on employment