The recent 2025 National Conference of State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), hosted by the Telangana State PSC, highlighted ongoing challenges faced by State PSCs. This conference has sparked a renewed focus on the need for significant reforms.
Public Service Commissions in India trace their roots back to the country's struggle for self-governance. Initially, the demand for merit-based entry into civil services was a key issue for early nationalists. This demand led to several historical milestones:
The UPSC operates in a politically insulated environment, ensuring independence and professionalism. Typically, members are over 55 years old, have extensive experience in public administration, and represent diverse regions of the country. The Union government bolstered recruitment processes by establishing the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions in 1985, facilitating regular manpower planning and prompt vacancy declarations.
Conversely, State PSCs operate in what can be described as a "politically osmotic environment". Appointments often reflect political connections rather than experience, and states lack dedicated personnel ministries. This results in irregular vacancy announcements and infrequent exams, contributing to a credibility crisis for State PSCs.
Unlike the UPSC, State PSCs seldom update their syllabi and heavily rely on limited academic resources within their states. This dependence often results in weak evaluation mechanisms.
State PSCs face substantial challenges with vertical and horizontal reservations, particularly in states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These challenges often lead to errors and legal disputes.
State PSCs frequently encounter issues such as paper leaks, judicial interventions, evaluation errors, and inadequate confidentiality protocols, leading many aspirants to express a preference for UPSC-like centralized examinations.
To enhance efficiency, reforms could include institutionalizing manpower planning, providing a five-year roadmap of vacancies, and ensuring predictable exam cycles.
The 41st Constitutional Amendment (1976) raised the PSC member age limit from 60 to 62. Experts suggest further amendments, including setting a minimum age of 55 and a maximum of 65, alongside mandatory qualifications, such as prior roles as State Secretaries or a minimum of ten years of professional experience. Additionally, consultations with the Leader of the Opposition could ensure bipartisan selection.
Proposed measures include periodic syllabus revisions with public consultation, objective-type testing for state-specific subjects, and mixed question formats in main exams. Enhancements in translation processes using both technology and human verification, along with frequently changing question patterns, could reduce candidate overreliance on AI tools.
Appointing a senior officer with experience in educational boards as the Secretary of State PSC could improve oversight of examination processes, emulating the UPSC's balance of confidentiality and transparency.
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