Ex-RBI Governor Calls for UPSC Reforms, Proposes Age and Attempt Limits

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Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Duvvuri Subbarao has called for significant reforms in the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination, advocating for a reduction in the maximum age limit and number of attempts allowed for aspirants. His proposals aim to optimize talent selection while addressing concerns over prolonged exam preparation cycles.

Key Proposals for UPSC Reform
1. Reduction in Age Limit and Attempts
- Subbarao suggests capping the maximum age for aspirants at 27 years, down from the current 32 years.
- He proposes limiting the number of attempts to three, arguing that excessive retakes encourage exam mastery over genuine aptitude for governance.
- The current system allows up to six attempts, which he believes leads to psychological stress and wasted productive years.

2. Structured Mid-Career Entry for Professionals
- He advocates for an annual recruitment channel for professionals aged 40–42, allowing experienced individuals to enter the Indian Administrative Service.
- Unlike sporadic lateral entries, this structured process would ensure transparency and credibility in mid-career recruitment.
- The inclusion of seasoned professionals would bring real-world expertise into governance, complementing the enthusiasm of younger recruits.

Concerns Over Existing UPSC Framework
- Subbarao highlights the psychological burden faced by aspirants who repeatedly attempt the exam despite diminishing chances of success.
- He warns against the "sunk cost fallacy," where candidates continue to invest time and resources in the exam despite low probability of selection.
- The current system, he argues, favors exam-taking skills over inherent merit, leading to inefficiencies in talent selection.

Future Outlook and Policy Considerations
- His recommendations have sparked discussions among policymakers and education experts on balancing merit-based selection with practical governance needs.
- The proposed reforms aim to create a more efficient and psychologically sustainable examination process.
- If implemented, these changes could reshape India’s civil services recruitment, ensuring a more dynamic and experienced administrative workforce.

Source: Times of India, Moneycontrol, MSN.