
In light of increasing concerns over paper leaks, delays in public examinations, and the recruitment process, the Indian government is considering introducing a common examination for Group B (non-gazetted) and Group C government posts. These positions typically require similar educational qualifications. This new approach could simplify the recruitment process and reduce the burden on candidates.
The Current Scenario
At present, several government bodies, including the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), conduct multiple exams throughout the year for various posts. Many of these posts have similar eligibility criteria, such as clearing Class 10, Class 12, or holding a graduate degree.
However, this system leads to a large number of candidates applying for multiple exams in a single year, creating a continuous cycle of examinations. An official familiar with the matter noted that this process results in lakhs of candidates competing for each post, increasing the time required for processing and recruitment.
Proposed Changes
To streamline this process, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has recommended a coordinated recruitment system. The proposal, put forward in June this year, suggests that candidates could take a single examination for posts requiring similar qualifications. Their performance in this exam would determine their eligibility for various posts across different departments.
If implemented, this system could significantly reduce the number of exams a candidate needs to take, thereby reducing the pressure on both the candidates and the recruitment bodies.
What’s Next?
The recommendation by the DoPT is currently under discussion by the cabinet secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). However, it is not yet clear whether this common exam will replace the preliminary exams, the main exams, or both. The details of the implementation will be decided if and when the proposal is accepted.
The idea of a single examination is not new. The government has been exploring this possibility since 2017, and discussions have been ongoing about whether the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) could be the body to conduct this exam.
Additional Considerations
In addition to streamlining the exam process, the DoPT is also considering other reforms, such as merging smaller civil services like the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS) and the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) to improve efficiency.
Another significant recommendation involves reviewing the Civil Service Exam (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The DoPT has suggested that the optional exam in the CSE could be removed, a recommendation also made by the Baswan Committee in 2017, based on feedback from candidates who felt the optional exam was too subjective.
The DoPT is also exploring the idea of “competency-based” promotions, where promotions and lateral deputations would be based on experience and training rather than just the number of years in service. This approach aims to recognize and reward the skills and knowledge gained through training, such as the government’s Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) program.
Embracing Modernization
Finally, the DoPT has recommended updates to the conduct rules for government employees, particularly in relation to social media use. Other proposals include redesigning the foundation course for new recruits, creating a ‘Gyan Kosh’ (a repository of government case studies), and facilitating competency exchanges between the private and government sectors.