INDIA
The body responsible for administering India’s Federal Public Service examination wants the Government to do away with the mandatory aptitude test in comprehension, communication and decision-making skills.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has also proposed bringing in a penalty for widespread absenteeism from the examination.
The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), which was introduced in 2011, has resulted in widespread protests by some aspirants, who say it gives an advantage to those with English, maths and science backgrounds.
However, a source within the elite Indian Administrative Service said the CSAT was important to evaluate skills such as problem-solving, decision-making and leadership, which were keys to being a successful PS employee.
“It has its problems, but it also tests you on certain things that the regular exam does not,” the source said.
Additionally, the UPSC has proposed that the Government ensure there is some penalty for widespread absenteeism from the examination.
It has suggested that applying for the test and then not taking it should be classed as an “attempt”.
Most candidates are allowed up to six attempts at the highly competitive examination until they reach the age of 32, when they are permanently excluded.
The UPSC believes cracking down on absenteeism would ease the strain on its resources, because up to a million candidates initially apply for the examination each year, but on average only half of them actually attempt it.
New Delhi, 9 July 2019
