Graduates from private universities continue to have a very small presence among candidates recommended for Bangladesh Civil Service appointments, with public university graduates overwhelmingly dominating recent BCS results.

According to annual reports of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, private university graduates accounted for only 1.34 percent of recommendations in the 43rd BCS.

Their share was 2.19 percent in the 41st BCS. The 42nd BCS was conducted as a special batch.

The BPSC recommended 2,163 candidates for appointment to different cadres through the 43rd BCS.

Public university graduates accounted for 92.70 percent of the recommendations. The University of Dhaka alone had 660 recommended candidates, representing 30.51 percent of the total.

A similar pattern was visible in the 41st BCS, when public university graduates accounted for 90.58 percent of recommendations and Dhaka University graduates made up 29.57 percent.

National University graduates represented 3.33 percent of recommendations in the 43rd BCS and 3.50 percent in the 41st.

Educationists say the difference reflects not only participation rates but also different career priorities among students from public and private universities.

Professor Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan of Dhaka University, a former member of the Public Service Commission, said BCS has traditionally attracted less interest among private university students.

He argued that differences in socioeconomic background, expectations about working conditions and perceptions of public service influence career choices.

Sibbir Ahmad, assistant professor of economics at North South University, said families of private university students generally spend significant amounts on higher education, which can make graduates less willing to remain unemployed for a long period while preparing for government recruitment examinations.

He said many consequently prefer private-sector employment that can provide a quicker financial return, while another group looks for opportunities abroad.

The lengthy BCS recruitment and examination process can also discourage graduates who want to enter employment quickly, he added.

Both academics pointed to the preparation environment available at major public universities as another factor.

Large groups of students preparing for BCS examinations, access to experienced alumni and established peer networks can encourage more students from institutions such as Dhaka University to pursue public service careers.

They also noted that a higher number of applicants from major public universities naturally contributes to their larger representation in final recommendations.

BPSC figures also show a substantial gender gap in recent BCS recommendations.

Men accounted for 80.54 percent of those recommended in the 43rd BCS, compared with 19.46 percent for women.

In the 41st BCS, men represented 73.29 percent and women 26.71 percent. Women also accounted for around 26 to 27 percent of final recommendations in the 38th and 40th BCS examinations.

Candidates in their twenties dominate the age distribution. Those aged 23 to 25 accounted for 29.21 percent, while candidates aged 25 to 27 represented 20.07 percent.

The figures highlight a persistent institutional divide in BCS recruitment, with public universities continuing to supply the overwhelming majority of candidates ultimately recommended for government cadre positions.