~~M(caps)~~any candidates, especially fresh graduates, often feel nervous about facing a viva voce or oral examination. I've received questions on how to prepare, so I’m sharing what I’ve learned from personal experience. I hope this simple guide will be helpful for others preparing to enter the professional world, particularly in the power sector of Bangladesh.

🎯 Challenge:

Responding naturally and confidently in a new environment or during your first introduction.(alert-success)

🌱 Guidance:

Speak humbly. Be confident, but not boastful.(alert-success)

✅ Step 1: Self-Introduction – Your First Impression Matters

Begin with your introduction. If not asked to speak in English, you may speak in Bangla.

Include:

Your name
District or hometown
Education background
Current activities (like job prep, training, or research)

⏱️ Keep it short – ideally 1 to 1.5 minutes.
🎯 If needed, you can mention a hobby or area of interest.
🚫 Avoid mentioning your family unless asked.

Example: In my BPDB viva, I was asked to introduce myself in English – I did. For BREB, I was told to talk “about yourself,” so I introduced myself in Bangla.

✅ Step 2: Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions

A good introduction leads to relevant follow-up questions:

The meaning of your name or if it's similar to any historical figures
Any specialty of your district
Key facts about your university (especially if it's named after a national icon)

✅ Step 3: Know About the Organization

Before your interview, visit the organization’s website and gather:

Overview of the organization
Power plants, projects, or office locations
Vision, mission, or management details

📌 Links for major organizations are provided at the end of this post.

✅ Step 4: Know the Nation

Some topics are essential for any government or public sector viva:

Liberation War history
Bir Shreshtha (war heroes)
Language Movement
Prime Minister & his party's Iconic figure and activity
Basic facts about Bangladesh (area, districts, bordering countries)

❗ Ignorance in these areas may be seen as unacceptable. Be mentally prepared to answer briefly and correctly.

✅ Step 5: Departmental Knowledge – Know Your Basics

If you're from a technical background (e.g., Electrical Engineering), some basics are non-negotiable.

It’s okay to say “I don’t know.” But don’t give wrong answers. That harms credibility.
(alert-warning)

You must know:

Current, Resistance

Capacitor and Inductor behavior in AC/DC

Resonance (RLC)

Power Factor

Active & Reactive Power

Diversity Factor, Plant Factor, Load Factor and Their importance

Transformer Knowledge:
Transformer oil (name, purpose)
Short circuit vs. open circuit test losses
Buchholz relay (fault detection)
ONAF, ONAN, AFOF cooling methods
Tap changer – what it is and where it’s found
Breather function
Synchronous vs. Induction motor – basic working principle and differences
Synchronous Generator

✅ Bonus Tips – Go Beyond the Basics

Extra knowledge often helps:

Power substation protection equipment & single-line diagram
Quick rental and captive power plant
Combined cycle power plant
Step and touch potential (important for safety)

These show you're serious and well-informed.