Calculators banned in BCS preliminary exams

Candidates of the 35th BCS examinations will not be able to use calculators during the preliminary examinations.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission has enforced the ban from the current year, its Controller of Examinations (Cadre) AYM Nesar Uddin told bdnews24.com on Tuesday.

Previously, those taking the civil service exams could use calculators but not the scientific ones in both the preliminary and written examinations. 

Nesar Uddin said that the examiners are aware that applicants might attempt to try bring in electrical devices concealed in clothes and body.  

He added that there is a ban on taking books, bags, mobile phones, watch phones, or any sort of electrical devices to the examination halls.   

He warned that if any electrical devices is found with any candidates, they will be barred from taking the exams for life. 

Legal steps would also be taken against anybody violating the regulations. Examiners have also been allowed to verify national IDs of candidates in case of suspicion. 
 
The preliminary exams are scheduled to be held on Mar 6 from 3-5pm. The seating plan has been published on the commission’s website on Tuesday. 

Candidates competing in the 35th BCS examinations will have to face a two-hour preliminary exam for 200 marks unlike their predecessors who took a 100-mark exam for an hour. 

Like before, every correct answer will add one mark to the kitty while each error will be penalised by half a mark.