
Restore Traditional UPSC Exam Pattern
estore Traditional UPSC Exam Pattern: SP Leader’s Appeal in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav has called on the government to revert to the traditional subject-based question paper format for UPSC examinations. Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Yadav described the issue as “serious” and stressed that the purpose of education is to facilitate the holistic development of individuals.
Yadav reminisced about the previous exam pattern, which he credited for producing many of the nation’s top advocates and scientists. He lamented the shift towards the current objective question format, arguing that it has resulted in increased instances of cheating and paper leaks.
“Subjective questions are crucial for assessing an individual’s reasoning abilities,” Yadav emphasized. He voiced concern over the quality of candidates selected under the current format, stating, “As a result, such candidates after selection cannot even draft a letter correctly.”
Yadav urged the government to bring back the old system, stating, “This method needs to be changed. Bring back the old system.”
The Chair made an exception to allow Yadav to raise the issue, noting that he had submitted a physical notice instead of the required electronic submission. “As an exception, I will allow him to raise this issue with the clear understanding for him that all members will be inspired by him to avail the procedure and be technologically upgraded,” the Chair said.
Yadav’s call for a return to the traditional UPSC exam pattern comes at a time when the education system and examination formats are undergoing significant scrutiny and debate. The shift from subjective to objective questions in competitive exams like the UPSC has been a topic of discussion among educators, policymakers, and aspirants.
The traditional subjective format, which Yadav advocates, involved comprehensive essay-type questions that required candidates to demonstrate not only their knowledge but also their analytical and writing skills. This format was believed to offer a better evaluation of a candidate’s reasoning and critical thinking abilities. In contrast, the current objective format primarily consists of multiple-choice questions, which Yadav argues, do not adequately assess a candidate’s overall capabilities.
Supporters of the objective format argue that it offers a more standardized and efficient way to evaluate a large number of candidates, reducing the subjectivity in marking and potential biases. However, Yadav and other critics believe that this format fails to measure important skills such as writing, argumentation, and deep understanding of subjects.
Yadav’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate over the best methods to evaluate candidates for one of India’s most prestigious and challenging examinations. The UPSC exams are a gateway to various central government services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).
In his speech, Yadav pointed out that the traditional exam pattern had a proven track record of producing competent and capable civil servants who could handle the complexities of their roles. He expressed concerns that the current format might compromise the quality of future bureaucrats, impacting governance and public administration.
Yadav’s plea for the restoration of the traditional UPSC exam pattern reflects a broader call for reforms in the education and examination systems in India. As the country continues to evolve and face new challenges, the methods used to select and train its future leaders remain a critical area of focus.
In conclusion, Yadav’s appeal in the Rajya Sabha underscores the need for a balanced approach in evaluating candidates for competitive exams. While efficiency and standardization are important, the ability to think critically, reason effectively, and communicate clearly are essential skills for any civil servant. Restoring the traditional UPSC exam pattern, as suggested by Yadav, could be a step towards achieving this balance.