F ew selection frameworks in India possess the charisma of the Civil Services Examination. For decades , it has been the gate way to power, prestige, and “the opportunity to serve.” Yet what was once a demanding test of intellect and judgement has become an exercise in memorisation and rehearsed answers.

Year on year, the country is losing the opportunity to select civil servants who show quick comprehension, can analyse complex problems logically, communicate effectively in speech and writing, and are imbued with a zeal for public service.

Training cannot create qualities that never existed. If the bureaucracy is to guide the nation toward the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the CSE must find capabilities — not memory. Show Full Article

The 1960s:

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