Despite a larger number of humanities students appearing for the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination, candidates from science backgrounds have consistently secured the majority of recruitment recommendations.

Analysis of the 2023 annual report of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) unveiled that 65% of selected cadres came from science backgrounds, including various disciplines like medical and engineering.

During the 41st BCS examination, which witnessed a significant turnout of 404,513 candidates, 152,492 were from humanities, 91,534 from science, 87,828 from commerce, 36,098 from engineering, 22,715 from medical science, and 13,846 from other backgrounds.

Out of the 21,056 candidates who passed the preliminary test, 6,830 were from humanities, 6,500 from science, 2,565 from commerce, 2,954 engineers, 998 doctors, and 1,209 from other backgrounds.

Further, 13,000 candidates qualified in the written exam, with 4,249 from science, 3,746 from humanities, 2,235 engineers, 1,542 from commerce, 428 doctors, and 800 from other backgrounds.

Ultimately, 2,516 aspirants were recommended for cadre positions after viva voce, with 911 from science, 588 from humanities, 426 engineers, 297 doctors, 226 from commerce, and 68 from other backgrounds.

Similarly, the 43rd BCS examination attracted a substantial number of participants, with humanities and science students leading the way. Out of 442,831 candidates, 164,058 were from humanities, 102,018 from science, and others from various backgrounds.

Unmarried candidates have shown an advantage in BCS success, with up to 85% of recommended candidates being unmarried in general BCS exams. Conversely, married candidates constituted a smaller proportion, indicating a trend favoring unmarried individuals in achieving success in these prestigious exams.