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Introduction

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), established in 1926 and made a Constitutional body under Articles 315–323, has been the bedrock of India’s meritocratic civil service recruitment. As it enters its centenary year, its credibility and efficiency face critical challenges, threatening the very principle of “equal opportunity in public employment” (Article 16).

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Challenges Threatening UPSC’s Credibility & Efficiency

A. Credibility Challenges

• Threat to Impartiality in Appointments: UPSC’s role in recommending appointments can be questioned if political interference is perceived.
  Eg: SC in Union of India v. R. Subramaniam (1975) reaffirmed UPSC’s autonomy in recruitment to prevent arbitrary executive influence (Article 315 & 320).
• Transparency Deficit in Institutional Functioning: Lack of clarity in interview evaluation and discretionary selection can raise doubts.
  Eg: Petitioners in Disha Panchal v. Union of India (2018) demanded disclosure of interview and evaluation rubrics; reflects Articles 14 & 16 on fairness and equality.
• Equity & Access Gaps Across Regions and Communities: UPSC appointments often show urban, English-medium bias; less representation of rural, vernacular candidates.
  Eg: SC in Tanu Priya v. Union of India (2019) emphasized protection of differently-abled candidates’ rights (Article 16).

B. Efficiency Challenges

• Lengthy Examination & Selection Cycle: Slow recruitment delays filling of key posts affecting governance. Efficiency is mandated under Article 320(3) (timely conduct of exams).
• Mismatch with Emerging Governance Needs: UPSC syllabus and assessment patterns lag behind new-age requirements like AI, data governance, climate policy.
  Eg: UK Civil Service exams include digital governance; SC in Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) emphasized modern, efficient public institutions.
• Institutional Overload and Administrative Bottlenecks: High applicant numbers and limited resources strain UPSC’s capacity.
  Eg: 11.3 lakh candidates for ~1000 posts in 2022; delays in evaluation affect timely appointments (Article 320(3)).
  

Measures to Ensure UPSC Remains a Trusted and Effective Institution

• Strengthen Institutional Autonomy: Safeguard against executive interference in appointments and policy advice.
  Eg: SC in State of Punjab v. Salil Sabhlok (2013) upheld UPSC’s independence in recruitment.
• Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Publish interview rubrics, evaluation guidelines, and post-exam reports.
  Eg: SSC and JEE release answer keys immediately, reducing disputes (Articles 14 & 16).
• Technological Safeguards: Use AI-based paper encryption, secure transmission, and digital evaluation.
  Eg: CAT exam and AI-secured question papers prevent leaks; aligns with SC’s emphasis on impartiality.
• Periodic Institutional Review: Expert committees to assess UPSC’s effectiveness, impartiality, and relevance.
  Eg: Kothari Committee (1976) and SC directives (Indira Sawhney case) stress continuous review for fairness.
  

Conclusion

As a Constitutional institution, UPSC’s credibility and efficiency are central not only to recruitment but to the legitimacy of governance itself. Strengthening autonomy, transparency, inclusivity, and modernization while adhering to Articles 315–323, 14 & 16 ensures UPSC remains a trusted, impartial, and effective institution in its centenary year and beyond.

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