Your Complete Guide to the BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026

If you are preparing for the BCS Preliminary Exam 2026, understanding the latest syllabus and marks distribution for January should be your first step. The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) has structured the preliminary test as a 200-mark MCQ examination covering 10 subjects. The latest official syllabus, released on Tuesday, gives different weight to each subject, so candidates should plan their preparation according to both marks and topic importance.

In this guide, you will find the BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026 Bangladesh, subject-wise marks distribution, important topics, preparation strategy, and useful tips for scoring well.

BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026 at a Glance

The BCS Preliminary Test consists of 200 marks and covers 10 subjects. According to the latest BPSC syllabus, the marks distribution is:

The latest published BCS preliminary syllabus shows 30 marks each for Bangla and English, 25 each for Bangladesh Affairs and International Affairs, 20 for Mathematical Reasoning, and 15 marks each for General Science, Computer & ICT, Mental Ability, and Ethics/Values/Good Governance. Geography, Environment and Disaster Management carries 10 marks.

Important: Always check the latest BPSC circular/syllabus before the examination because the Commission can revise the syllabus, marks distribution, or examination rules.

Detailed BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026

1. বাংলা ভাষা ও সাহিত্য — 30 Marks

Bangla is one of the most important subjects in the BCS Preliminary examination. The syllabus broadly covers Bangla language and literature.

বাংলা ভাষা

Important areas include:

• বানান শুদ্ধি

• বাক্য শুদ্ধি

• প্রয়োগ ও অপপ্রয়োগ

• সমার্থক শব্দ

• বিপরীতার্থক শব্দ

• পরিভাষা

• ধ্বনি ও বর্ণ

• শব্দ

• পদ

• বাক্য

• সন্ধি

• সমাস

• প্রত্যয়

• কারক ও বিভক্তি

• বাংলা ব্যাকরণের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়

বাংলা সাহিত্য

Focus on: প্রাচীন বাংলা সাহিত্য মধ্যযুগের বাংলা সাহিত্য আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কবি ও সাহিত্যিক উল্লেখযোগ্য গ্রন্থ সাহিত্যিকদের ছদ্মনাম সাহিত্য পুরস্কার সাহিত্য আন্দোলন বাংলা সাহিত্যের বিভিন্ন যুগ Preparation Tip: Previous BCS questions are particularly useful for identifying recurring grammar and literature topics. For bc preliminary exam preparation, you can find MCQ sample questions based on the BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026 in various study guides, online forums, and educational websites. These MCQs often cover important aspects of বাংলা সাহিত্য, including literature history, famous writers, notable works, pseudonyms, literary awards, and movements from different eras.

• প্রাচীন বাংলা সাহিত্য মধ্যযুগের বাংলা সাহিত্য আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কবি ও সাহিত্যিক উল্লেখযোগ্য গ্রন্থ সাহিত্যিকদের ছদ্মনাম সাহিত্য পুরস্কার সাহিত্য আন্দোলন বাংলা সাহিত্যের বিভিন্ন যুগ Preparation Tip: Previous BCS questions are particularly useful for identifying recurring grammar and literature topics. For a detailed syllabus, candidates should refer to the BPSC website. As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding any change in the BCS preliminary syllabus for 2026 compared to previous years. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official BPSC website for updates, but currently, the topics listed above remain relevant for exam preparation.

• মধ্যযুগের বাংলা সাহিত্য

• আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য

• গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কবি ও সাহিত্যিক

• উল্লেখযোগ্য গ্রন্থ

• সাহিত্যিকদের ছদ্মনাম

• সাহিত্য পুরস্কার

• সাহিত্য আন্দোলন

• Preparation Tip: Previous BCS questions are particularly useful for identifying recurring grammar and literature topics. The tentative date for related examinations can be beneficial.

Preparation Tip: Previous BCS questions are particularly useful for identifying recurring grammar and literature topics.

2. English Language and Literature — 30 Marks

English is another high-value subject in the BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026.

The official BPSC syllabus covers language-related areas such as parts of speech, phrases, clauses, corrections, sentence transformation, vocabulary and composition.

English Language

Important topics include: Parts of Speech, Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Determiners, Tense, Subject-Verb Agreement, Voice, Narration, Sentence Transformation, Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences, Clauses, Idioms and Phrases. Regarding the December 2026 BCS Preliminary Syllabus, the English section covers similar areas as last year, with no major changes in the topics listed.

• Parts of Speech

• Noun

• Pronoun

• Verb

• Adjective

• Adverb

• Preposition

• Conjunction

• Determiners

• Tense

• Subject-Verb Agreement

• Voice

• Narration

• Sentence Transformation

• Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences

• Clauses

• Idioms and Phrases

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Spelling

• Word Formation

• Appropriate Word Usage

• Prefix and Suffix

English Literature

Study: Major English writers Famous poets Important literary works Literary periods Famous quotations Literary terms Major movements Important characters and works Tip: Build a vocabulary notebook and revise it regularly instead of trying to memorize thousands of words at once. For those preparing for the BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026, some recommended books for english literature include: ‘A Glossary of Literary Terms’ by M.H. Abrams for understanding literary terms; ‘History of English Literature’ by Albert or Edward Albert for a comprehensive overview; ‘English Literature: From the Restoration Through the Romantic Period’ by J. M. S. Tompkins; and ‘English Poetry and Prose’ edited selections for major poets and writers. These resources cover the major topics listed above and are highly suggested for exam preparation.

• Major English writers

• Famous poets

• Important literary works

• Literary periods

• Famous quotations

• Literary terms

• Major movements

• Important characters and works

Tip: Build a vocabulary notebook and revise it regularly instead of trying to memorize thousands of words at once.

3. Bangladesh Affairs — 25 Marks

Bangladesh Affairs is essential for BCS candidates because it covers the country’s history, politics, constitution, economy, geography, society and culture.

Important topics include:

History of Bangladesh

• Ancient Bengal

• Medieval Bengal

• British period

• Pakistan period

• Language Movement

• Six-Point Movement

• Mass Uprising of 1969

• Liberation War

• Independence of Bangladesh

Constitution and Government

• Constitution of Bangladesh

• Fundamental principles

• Fundamental rights

• Parliament

• Executive

• Judiciary

• Election system

• Constitutional bodies

• Local government

Bangladesh Economy

• GDP

• National income

• Inflation

• Budget

• Banking

• Agriculture

• Industry

• Export and import

• Remittance

• Development indicators

Geography and Society

• Rivers

• Climate

• Natural resources

• Population

• Culture

• Ethnic communities

• Important geographical locations

The official BPSC written syllabus also demonstrates the broad importance of Bangladesh’s history, geography, environment, society, culture, economy and politics in BCS preparation.

4. International Affairs — 25 Marks

International Affairs has become increasingly important because questions can come from both traditional international relations and current global developments.

Important Topics

• United Nations

• World Bank

• IMF

• WTO

• WHO

• UNESCO

• NATO

• European Union

• ASEAN

• SAARC

• OIC

• Commonwealth

• International treaties

• International organizations

• Major global conflicts

• International diplomacy

• Global economy

• Climate change

• International awards

• Important international events

Current Affairs

Pay special attention to:

• Major international agreements

• Global summits

• Wars and conflicts

• New heads of international organizations

• Important elections

• International awards

• Scientific discoveries

• Climate conferences

• Bangladesh’s international relations

Best strategy: Combine static international affairs with current affairs instead of studying them separately.

5. Geography, Environment and Disaster Management — 10 Marks

This subject carries 10 marks but should not be ignored because many questions can be answered with focused preparation.

Geography

Study:

• Bangladesh geography

• World geography

• Rivers

• Mountains

• Oceans and seas

• Climate

• Important geographical locations

• Latitude and longitude

• Natural resources

Environment

Important areas:

• Climate change

• Global warming

• Greenhouse effect

• Ozone layer

• Biodiversity

• Pollution

• Environmental conservation

• Sustainable development

Disaster Management

Focus on:

• Flood

• Cyclone

• Earthquake

• Tsunami

• Drought

• Landslide

• Disaster preparedness

• Disaster risk reduction

6. General Science — 15 Marks

General Science covers basic concepts from Physics, Chemistry, Biology and modern science.

Physics

• Measurement

• Motion

• Force

• Work and energy

• Heat

• Light

• Sound

• Electricity

• Magnetism

• Waves

• Modern physics

• Nuclear energy

Chemistry

• Atom

• Molecule

• Periodic table

• Chemical reactions

• Acid, base and salt

• Organic compounds

• Inorganic compounds

• Oxidation and reduction

• Carbon

• Chemistry in everyday life

Biology

• Cell

• Tissue

• Genetics

• Human body

• Blood

• Heart

• Nervous system

• Nutrition

• Vitamins

• Diseases

• Virus and bacteria

• Biodiversity

• Photosynthesis

Modern Science

You should also review:

• Biotechnology

• Genetics

• Space science

• Artificial intelligence

• Nanotechnology

• Renewable energy

• Nuclear technology

• Modern medical technology

7. Computer and Information Technology — 15 Marks

Computer and ICT can be a scoring subject if you understand the fundamentals.

Computer Basics

• Computer generations

• Hardware

• Software

• CPU

• Memory

• Input/output devices

• Operating systems

• Number systems

Information Technology

• Internet

• World Wide Web

• Email

• Networking

• Database

• Cloud computing

• Cybersecurity

• Artificial Intelligence

• Machine Learning

• Digital communication

Bangladesh ICT

Also study:

• Digital Bangladesh

• Smart Bangladesh

• E-governance

• ICT infrastructure

• Technology-related government initiatives

• Important ICT institutions and organizations

8. Mathematical Reasoning — 20 Marks

Mathematical Reasoning carries 20 marks, making it one of the most important scoring areas.

Arithmetic

Study:

• Number system

• Percentage

• Profit and loss

• Ratio and proportion

• Average

• Simple interest

• Compound interest

• Time and work

• Time, speed and distance

• Age problems

• Partnership

Algebra

• Algebraic expressions

• Equations

• Simultaneous equations

• Factorization

• Indices

• Surds

• Series

Geometry

• Lines and angles

• Triangle

• Circle

• Quadrilateral

• Area

• Volume

• Measurement

Other Topics

• Permutation

• Combination

• Probability

• Mathematical series

• Basic statistics

Preparation strategy: Mathematics improves mainly through practice. Solve questions every day rather than reading mathematical formulas repeatedly.

9. Mental Ability — 15 Marks

Mental Ability tests your logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Important areas include:

• Analogy

• Classification

• Series

• Coding-decoding

• Blood relation

• Direction sense

• Mathematical reasoning

• Logical reasoning

• Data interpretation

• Figure-based reasoning

• Pattern recognition

• Problem solving

The best way to improve is to solve timed MCQs regularly.

10. Ethics, Values and Good Governance — 15 Marks

This section covers concepts related to ethics, morality, values and governance.

Important Topics

• Ethics

• Morality

• Values

• Good governance

• Accountability

• Transparency

• Rule of law

• Human rights

• Democracy

• Social responsibility

• Leadership

• Integrity

• Corruption

• Public service

• Citizen rights and responsibilities

Rather than memorizing isolated definitions, understand the concepts and practice MCQs.

BCS Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026

The BCS Preliminary Test is an MCQ-based screening examination with a total of 200 marks. The current syllabus maintains the 200-mark structure across 10 subjects.

Quick Overview

• Total Marks: 200

• Questions: 200 MCQs

• Subjects: 10

• Exam Type: MCQ

• Duration: 2 hours

• Negative Marking: Check the latest BPSC examination notice for the applicable deduction before the application deadline exam.

Because examination rules can be updated, candidates should verify the final instructions in the official BPSC circular.

How to Prepare for BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026

Knowing the syllabus is only the first step. Your preparation should follow a systematic approach.

Step 1: Download and Read the Official Syllabus

Do not start preparation based only on coaching notes or guidebooks. First, understand the official syllabus published by BPSC. The Commission’s official preliminary syllabus is available as a PDF.

Step 2: Divide Subjects According to Marks

Give more study time to high-mark subjects such as:

1. Bangla

2. English

3. Bangladesh Affairs

4. International Affairs

5. Mathematical Reasoning

Then allocate regular time to Science, ICT, Mental Ability, Ethics and Geography.

Step 3: Solve Previous BCS Questions

Previous questions help you understand:

• Question patterns

• Repeated topics

• Difficulty level

• Important authors and books

• Common mathematical problems

• Frequently tested grammar rules

• International organizations

• Bangladesh-related facts

Step 4: Practice MCQs Every Day

A good daily routine can include:

• 50 Bangla MCQs

• 50 English MCQs

• 50 Bangladesh/International Affairs MCQs

• 25 Mathematics MCQs

• 25 Science/ICT/Mental Ability MCQs

You don’t have to follow these exact numbers, but daily MCQ practice is essential.

90-Day BCS Preliminary Preparation Plan

If you have approximately three months, you can divide your preparation into three phases.

Days 1–30: Build Your Foundation

Focus on:

• Bangla grammar

• English grammar

• Basic mathematics

• Bangladesh history

• Constitution

• Basic science

• Computer fundamentals

Days 31–60: Complete the Syllabus

Focus on:

• International Affairs

• Current Affairs

• Literature

• Advanced mathematics

• Mental Ability

• Geography

• Environment

• Ethics

• ICT

Start solving previous BCS questions simultaneously.

Days 61–90: Revision and Mock Tests

During the final month:

• Revise short notes

• Solve previous questions

• Take full-length mock tests

• Identify weak subjects

• Practice time management

• Revise current affairs

• Avoid starting too many new books

BCS Preliminary Preparation Tips

1. Follow One Main Book per Subject

Collecting too many books can waste valuable time. Choose reliable study materials and revise them multiple times.

2. Make Short Notes

Prepare short notes for:

• Important dates

• Authors and books

• Constitutional articles

• International organizations

• Scientific facts

• Mathematical formulas

• Current affairs

3. Revise Frequently

A simple rule is:

Study → Practice → Revise → Test → Correct Mistakes

4. Take Mock Tests

Full-length tests are important because knowing the answer is different from being able to answer it quickly under exam pressure.

5. Analyze Your Mistakes

Don’t just check your score after a mock test. Create a mistake notebook and record questions you answered incorrectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026

How many marks is the BCS Preliminary exam?

The BCS Preliminary Test is conducted for 200 marks.

How many subjects are in the BCS Preliminary syllabus?

There are 10 subjects in the current preliminary syllabus.

Which subjects carry the highest marks?

Under the latest 200-mark distribution, Bangla and English carry 30 marks each, Bangladesh Affairs and International Affairs carry 25 marks each, and Mathematical Reasoning carries 20 marks.

Is the BCS Preliminary syllabus the same as the Written syllabus?

No. The Preliminary and Written examinations have separate syllabi. BPSC publishes separate documents for the preliminary and written examinations.

Is current affairs important for BCS Preliminary?

Yes. Current affairs are particularly important for Bangladesh Affairs and International Affairs, and they can also be relevant to science, technology, environment and other areas.

Final Words

The BCS Preliminary Syllabus 2026 Bangladesh covers a wide range of subjects, from Bangla and English to mathematics, science, ICT, Bangladesh Affairs and international affairs. The key to success is not simply completing the syllabus once—it is multiple revisions, previous-question practice, regular MCQ solving and effective time management.

Start by downloading the official syllabus, divide the subjects according to marks, create a realistic study routine and regularly measure your progress through mock tests.

Most importantly, always verify the latest BPSC notice before the examination for any changes to the syllabus, marks distribution or exam rules.