Civil Services Exam Pattern Change Controversy : The Reality

The pattern change of UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam in 2013 has turned controversial leading to debates and uproars in parliament. The arguments against the notification were mainly two – the removal of regional language as a medium of mains, as well as the introduction of compulsory English paper. As a result of hot debates, Government suspended the UPSC notification 2013, leaving the speculations open.

UPSC : Efficiency vs Inclusion

If the role of UPSC is to select the most suitable candidates in accordance with the demands of 21st century (and not crammers), not every argument raised on the new pattern is with substance. Careers like IFS and IAS demands English proficiency and English as per new pattern is of only Class X standard and has less than 5% weightage on total marks. The previous pattern of minimum qualification for English was doing more damage to English-haters than this pattern. What ever be the case, people should understand that in the age of globalization, without a minimum proficiency of English, the efficiency of the service will suffer.

Weigtage for Interview in Civil Services Exam Should Have Been Reduced

The areas which needs revision were the Interview marks and Language optional papers. A person’s caliber cannot be measured during a 10-15 minute interview, and a 13.25% weigtage given for interview is more detrimental to candidate’s chances than a compulsory English paper of 10th standard.

Removal of Regional Languages – As Medium and Optional Paper

Reserving literature optional papers exclusively for literature graduates (who are very less in number) and allowing no other regional language as medium, but Hindi is not in the spirit of constitution.

Last minute changes by UPSC and Government

Exams like Civil Services are highly competitive and that requires focused preparation according to the requirements of the syllabus. Announcing syllabus change in the eleventh hour and a further suspension of the same by government due to demands from various parties is putting a lot of pressure on the poor candidates. Those who spend sleepless nights, money and effort are shattered by these sudden changes. It would have been ideal, had UPSC announced the changes giving 1 year gap before implementation.

How good are our other exams – CAT, GMAT etc?

We should also not forget that it is the UPSC which conducts the most inclusive exam of the country. Exams like CAT which selects candidates to institutes like IIMs are becoming more elite oriented, not only with the high fees, but also as the tests focus only on English and Mathematical skills. Leave the regional languages, candidates are not even tested for general awareness or their business aptitude.

Requirements of the exam vs Requirements of the job