2) Although civil services examination conducted by UPSC needs several reforms, including the  performance during the Foundation Course (FC) for service allocation is fraught with many dangers. Comment.(250 words) 

Topic: Role of civil services in a democracy.

2) Although civil services examination conducted by UPSC needs several reforms, including the  performance during the Foundation Course (FC) for service allocation is fraught with many dangers. Comment.(250 words) 

Indian express

 

Why this question

The idea of including performance of the candidate during Foundation course (FC) for allocation of service in civil services exam conducted by UPSC is not new. The government has shown its keenness to implement such arrangement. However, the civil services exam conducted by UPSC needs other reforms as well. And  this suggestion of including FC, has been criticized on various fronts. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-

Role of civil services in a democracy.

Key demand of the question

The question wants us to express our opinion on -what are the reforms required in civil services exam and – what are the dangers/ pitfalls involved in including performance in FC in deciding service and cadre allocation.

Directive word

We have to brainstorm on the issue and based on the key demand of the question, frame our answer. We have to briefly discuss the areas where reform is required in civil services exam. Then we have to present our personal opinion on the issue of including FC performance.

Structure of the answer

Introduction–  Mention the change in socio-economy of India and emergence of new hopes, aspirations and expectations from civil services, which demand major reforms in civil services examination.

Body–

1. Discuss in points reforms required in civil services examination.

e.g restricting number of attempts, duration of exam is too long, problems in maintaining parity in case of optionals, changing governance paradigms, need for lateral entry etc.

1. Discuss why the recent move to include performance in FC for the purpose of allocation of service and cadre is fraught with dangers.

e.g exam process will be further lengthened, high chances of bias and favouritism during FC, dilution of the basic purpose of FC- inculcation of officer like qualities etc.

Conclusion– Frame a fair, balanced and a concise opinion on the above issue and suggest a way forward.