Civil Service Exam Results Stir Debate among Graduates
KINZANG DORJI TSHERING
Thimphu
Only about half of the university graduates who sat for the Preliminary Examination (PE) of the Bhutan Civil Service Examination (BCSE) earlier this month managed to clear the test.
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) declared the results this week, with the pass percentage reflecting a significant decline compared to previous years and sparking discussions among graduates about fairness, competition, and the future of youth employment in Bhutan.
Out of 3,520 graduates who appeared for the PE, only 1,726 made it to the next round. This translates to roughly 49 percent of candidates, marking a drop of over 16 percentage points from last year.
The decline has been attributed primarily to the RCSC’s decision to increase the passing cut-off score from 50 percent in 2024 to 55 percent this year. The Commission said the adjustment was made after reviewing past trends, total applicants, and the number of available slots.
In addition to the 1,726 who qualified, 698 graduates in specialized fields such as Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and MBBS—who are exempted from taking the PE—will also join the main examination.
This brings the total number of candidates competing in the next stage to 2,424 for just 696 civil service vacancies.
The vacancies are distributed across various categories. Technical services have the highest allocation with 388 slots, followed by 158 positions for B.Ed. graduates and 75 for those pursuing the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
Public Administration has 45 vacancies, while Finance Services have 30.
The figures underline a growing demand for specialized and technical expertise within the civil service, but they also highlight the stark imbalance between job seekers and available positions.
The main examination will be conducted in October. Before that, document verification for eligible candidates will be held in Thimphu from Monday until September 3.
Applicants are required to report in person with original documents for verification.
While the RCSC has justified the hike in the PE cut-off score as part of efforts to maintain quality and select the best candidates, several graduates feel blindsided by the sudden change.
Sumit Pradhan, a recent graduate who cleared the PE this year, expressed mixed feelings.
“The increase in the cut-off point for the Preliminary Examination serves as a demotivation for the majority of graduates who could not get through it. Such action by the RCSC without prior heads-up can lead to a situation where many may choose to seek opportunities abroad rather than attempt this exam again,” he said.
However, he added that if seen positively, it can strengthen the youth by pushing them to put in more effort, but the lack of prior notice was unfair.
Sumit also pointed to Bhutan’s growing unemployment problem.
“It is concerning when there are already vast numbers of youths unemployed, and now the pass percentage has dropped by a whopping 16 percent compared to last year. This clearly shows how difficult the RCSC exams have become,” he added.
The numbers paint a sobering picture. With 2,424 candidates vying for only 696 jobs, less than a third of those who have made it to the main examination will eventually secure a civil service post.
“Not even half of the candidates will be rewarded for their effort. Such a scenario shows the alarming rate of unemployment in Bhutan. No wonder many graduates are applying abroad,” Sumit said.
He also noted that the high allocation for technical services reflects broader global trends.
“Many professionals already working in technical fields go abroad for better pay, which could explain why technical services have the highest number of vacancies,” he said.
Another recent graduate, Sonam Tobden, who also sat for the PE, echoed similar concerns.
“RCSC likely wants graduates to make more effort, which makes sense. Bhutan has a small population of around 750,000, and we need hardworking people to meet the ambitious targets of the 13th Five Year Plan,” Tobden said.
He, however, added that raising the cut-off mark without notice was not a smart or fair move as it could discourage graduates from attempting the exam in the future.
Both graduates emphasized that reforms should be introduced more transparently and accompanied by better support systems.
Suggestions include specialized training programs, clearer guidance about exam expectations, mental health support, and closer collaboration between universities and the RCSC to ensure graduates are better prepared for the challenges of the civil service recruitment process.
Some observers argue that while the stricter cut-off may enhance the quality of candidates entering public service, it also reveals structural issues in Bhutan’s employment landscape.
Many say, the overwhelming focus on civil service jobs has left many graduates with limited options. As the competition grows tougher, there is a need to diversify opportunities beyond government employment.
“High competition for civil service jobs might encourage students to explore other career paths, including the private sector, entrepreneurship, or further studies,” Sumit noted. “But for that to happen, there has to be more investment and policy support for job creation outside the civil service.”
While the RCSC has defended its decision as part of efforts to maintain standards, the feedback from graduates indicates that better communication and systemic reforms are essential to avoid discouraging talented youth.
As graduates prepare for the main examination in October, thousands of them will continue their preparation with mixed feelings—hopeful about their chances yet uncertain about the future.
