Does the Civil Services Examination Need Reform?, Pg10

Key Highlights: - The three-tier structure (Prelims, Mains, Interview) stems from Kothari Committee (1975), with roots in Macaulay Report (1854). - Post-RTI (2005), UPSC’s processes were opened to scrutiny, leading to changes in the Preliminary stage in 2011 and 2013. - Paper-II (CSAT) in Prelims was made qualifying-only to address bias toward English-medium and science/engineering backgrounds. - Paper-I has become highly unpredictable, often testing luck over aptitude. - Widespread use of scoring optional subjects, not aligned with aspirants’ domain expertise, undermines fairness. - Suggestions include removal of optionals and introduction of papers on Governance and Policy. Detailed Insights: - The original intent of selecting administrators via academic talent has morphed into a rigid, filtering exercise. - The Prelims stage, meant to shortlist, now acts more like a statistical elimination tool, often discouraging serious candidates due to low predictability. - Mains General Studies papers prioritize breadth over depth, reducing the scope for evaluating nuanced understanding. - A revamp could involve a shift to uniform subject papers, focus on governance-related topics, and better analytical evaluation tools. Key Concepts Involved: - Opportunity Cost: The significant trade-off civil services aspirants face in terms of time, education, and employment. - Assessment Validity: Whether an exam measures what it claims to—knowledge and aptitude for governance.

Mains Mock Question:

Critically assess the current format of the Civil Services Examination in India. What reforms are necessary to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and administrative relevance in the selection process?