Anannya Basak had dreamed of becoming a senior government official since her childhood. After passing her Higher Secondary Examination, she could not get admitted to her preferred university, which made her determination even stronger. In the 45th BCS examination, she has been recommended for the Tax Cadre.
How does it feel to become a BCS cadre?
I was extremely happy after hearing the result. I am deeply grateful to the Almighty for rewarding my hard work appropriately. Above all, I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to serve the Republic. My hard work has paid off—my dream has come true.
Tell us about your childhood and educational background.
I was born and raised in Thakurgaon district. I completed my SSC from Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School and my HSC from Thakurgaon Government College. After that, I completed my undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University. My family consists of my parents and my only younger brother.
Was there any obstacle in your journey that later became your inspiration?
After higher secondary, I did not get the opportunity to enroll in my preferred university. I did not perform very well in the admission test, which remained a regret in my life. However, at that moment I made a firm decision that I must perform well in competitive job examinations. That determination constantly inspired me.
What challenges did you face as a woman?
In our society, everything—from education to the workplace—can be challenging for women. However, personally, I did not face any specific challenges as a woman. My family and my husband were extremely supportive. They encouraged me and stood beside me throughout this entire journey. Their contribution to my success is undeniable.
What advice would you give to those who want to become BCS cadres?
One must remain steadfast in their goal. The BCS is a long-term process. Along this long journey, many obstacles and challenges will arise, but you must not give up. No matter what happens, you have to nurture your dream and continue working hard to turn it into reality. There is no substitute for hard work.
Was becoming a BCS cadre always your dream?
Yes. Since I have no plan to go abroad, I always dreamed of joining the cadre service if I stayed in the country. From a social perspective, the cadre service holds a prestigious position.
How was the journey from engineer to BCS cadre?
I enrolled in the Electrical Engineering department at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University with the dream of becoming an engineer. However, later I realized that by joining the civil service, I would have a greater opportunity to actively serve the country and its people. Moreover, in this era of information technology, I want to utilize my engineering knowledge to help make the civil service more efficient, modern, and people-friendly.
How much focus should be given to academic studies?
Achieving good academic results is very important. It creates a positive impression in the viva voce. Strong academic performance sends the message that a person has been diligent and responsible at every stage, which indicates good future performance as well. Additionally, academic knowledge can be helpful in both the preliminary and written exams of the BCS. Therefore, maintaining at least a minimum level of focus on academic studies is essential.
How was your preparation period?
After completing my graduation, I prepared entirely from my home in Thakurgaon. I studied regularly because once you lose your study momentum, it becomes very difficult to regain focus. During preparation, I tried to understand topics on my own and studied through making notes. I believe one must learn a lot, know a lot, and understand a lot. Beyond the commonly available books in the market, I collected information from newspapers and the internet and added them to my notes. Instead of writing stereotypical answers, I tried to present them neatly and attractively, using blue ink, diagrams, and charts where necessary. The number of study hours varies from person to person. One should study as long as needed to fully complete the preparation. For some, five hours may be enough; for others, it may take ten hours. I used to set daily targets and continued studying until I achieved them.
Advice for BCS aspirants
First, set a clear goal. The BCS journey is long, so you must prepare yourself mentally. Regular study is extremely important. Disorganized preparation is not very effective. Taking a lot of model tests is essential, as they help sharpen preparation. Above all, with faith in the Almighty and consistent hard work, success will eventually come. However, one should not make BCS the only goal in the present time. It is important to participate in all job examinations. The success rate in BCS is very low. Since preparation for most job exams is similar, candidates should try for other opportunities alongside BCS preparation.
Your future plans?
My future plans revolve around how I can contribute to the country’s economy. By developing various skills and working in revenue collection, I want to play an active role in strengthening the national economy. Fully dedicating myself to serving the Republic will be my ultimate success.
