The viva voce marks for the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination are likely to be reduced from 100 to 50.
Previously, the viva marks were reduced to 100 from 200 after allegations surfaced that some examiners were awarding extra marks to certain candidates unlawfully.
There has been widespread discussion that some candidates and teachers exploit the viva marks, as they can significantly impact the final results.
Some candidates with lower marks in the written exam have managed to secure better positions due to unusually high viva scores. Conversely, others who performed well in the written exam failed to secure a cadre post due to low viva marks.
Amid this controversy, the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) requested the Ministry of Public Administration to reduce the viva marks from 200 to 100.
However, Professor Dr. Mobasser Monem, Chairman of the PSC, has stated that the commission may further reduce the viva marks from 100 to 50 if deemed necessary.
“The viva will be held out of 100 marks starting from the 47th BCS. It may be reduced to 50 if considered beneficial,” he said during a press briefing at the PSC Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon.
