In response to criticism regarding a proposal to increase the weighting of the oral component in civil service recruitment exams, the Minister of State for Public Administration, Md. Abdul Bari, has stated that no final decision has been made on the matter.
The minister affirmed that the government would not take any measures intended to confer an advantage on anyone and that transparency and accountability would be ensured in all cases.
What Is Being Proposed
The government has taken steps to modify the weighting of written and oral test scores in direct recruitment processes for positions ranging from grade 11 to grade 20.
Currently, assessment methods and score weightings vary from one ministry to another. Under some recruitment regulations, the oral test carries significantly less weight than the written test, whereas in others, both are of nearly equal importance.
To standardize criteria, a special regulation is being drafted to cover direct recruitment across ministries, divisions, directorates, and agencies. According to the draft, the score weighting would be as follows:
- Grades 11 and 12: written 100 marks, viva 50 marks. Written covers Bangla, English, mathematics and relevant technical or general knowledge at 25 marks each, over 90 minutes. Minimum pass proposed at 35 percent in the written and 40 percent in the viva.
- Grades 13 to 16: written 60 marks, viva 40 marks. Each written subject carries 15 marks, over 60 minutes. Minimum pass 40 percent in both.
- Grades 17 to 20: written 25 marks, viva 25 marks. Bangla 10, English 5, mathematics 5, technical or general knowledge 5, over 60 minutes. Minimum pass 40 percent in both.
Where a post involves a practical examination, candidates would need to clear the written stage, then the practical, before sitting the viva — and would have to pass the viva to be appointed.
Where the Proposal Stands
The draft was approved on September 6 at a meeting of the Committee of Secretaries on Administrative Development, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani. The proposal had previously been submitted to the committee via a report from the Ministry of Public Administration dated August 31.
However, approval at this stage does not make the rules final. Further steps remain before the rules are formally drafted and established.
The Government’s Reasoning
According to a summary by the Ministry of Public Administration, some applicants in selection exams have attempted to secure employment through illicit means, such as using impostors to take the tests on their behalf and employing artificial intelligence and various electronic devices. This creates a risk that unqualified candidates might be appointed to the detriment of those who genuinely possess the necessary qualifications.
Consequently, the stated objectives of the standardized scoring system are to select truly qualified candidates, ensure a merit-based selection process, and harmonize selection exams across various government agencies.
The Minister of State echoed this concern, highlighting that in the current technological era, problems are arising in various areas as applicants use concealed devices during examinations.
The Concerns Raised
The proposal has drawn criticism. Various experts in public administration and other sectors believe that increasing the weight of the oral exam could also widen the scope for irregularities in selection processes.
The primary concern is that assigning greater weight to the oral exam could create a significant disadvantage for a candidate who had achieved better results on their own merit in the written exam. Allegations of illicit financial transactions, influence peddling, and favoritism in direct hiring have long been debated at various levels of the administration; this is the context in which the proposal has been received.
The Minister’s Response
When asked whether there was a risk of misuse should the oral exam scores be raised, the Minister of State affirmed that the government would not misuse anything and would proceed with whatever course of action was in the best interest of all. This government, he noted, believes in transparency and accountability in all areas.
There is nothing to panic about, he added, saying that what the government does is for everyone.
He also asked that criticism be withheld until a decision is reached — let the government decide first, he said, and then speak.
Rising Barta will report the final rules when they are framed.
