BDO Full Form & How to Become BDO

BDO stands for Block Development Officer, who plays a vital role in the administration and development of a block in a district. They work with a team of officers, technical staff, and ministerial staff to oversee and coordinate various development works assigned to the Department. The BDO also ensures that the people in the block participate in the development initiatives and support them.

How to Become BDO

To become a Block Development Officer (BDO), you generally need to follow these steps:

1. Education: Obtain a bachelor’s degree: The minimum educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. It is preferable to pursue a degree in subjects such as Public Administration, Rural Development, Sociology, or any other relevant field.
2. Civil Service Exam: Prepare for and appear in the Civil Services Examination (CSE): The BDO position falls under the administrative services, so you need to qualify in the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary examination, the Main examination, and the Personal Interview.
3. Preliminary Examination: The preliminary exam consists of two objective-type papers, commonly referred to as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). This exam tests your general knowledge and aptitude skills.
4. Main Examination: If you pass the preliminary exam, you will proceed to the main examination, which consists of nine papers, including essay writing, general studies, and optional subjects. The main exam is descriptive in nature.
5. Optional Subject: Choose an optional subject for the main examination: You can select an optional subject from the list provided by the UPSC. Some popular optional subjects for BDO aspirants include Public Administration, Sociology, Geography, and History, among others.
6. Personal Interview: After clearing the main examination, you will be called for a personal interview. The interview panel assesses your personality traits, communication skills, knowledge, and suitability for the administrative services.
7. Training: After successfully clearing the interview, you will undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This training is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge required for a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
8. Allocation of Cadre: Based on your rank and the vacancies available, you will be allocated a cadre. Each state in India is divided into different administrative units known as cadres.
9. Posting and Promotion: After the training, you will be posted as a Block Development Officer in a specific district or block. With experience and successful performance, you can progress to higher administrative positions in the state or central government.

It is important to note that the selection process and eligibility criteria may vary from year to year and can be subject to change. It is advisable to regularly check the official UPSC website for the most up-to-date information and guidelines regarding the Civil Services Examination.