Narayana Murthy says Civil Servants (IAS) should be hired from Management Schools instead of recruitment from UPSC

In a groundbreaking proposal, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy suggested that Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers be selected from business schools rather than exclusively through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. Speaking at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit in Mumbai on November 14, Murthy emphasized the need for a shift from an “administrative mindset” to a “management mindset” to foster economic progress and achieve India’s $50 trillion economy goal by 2047.

From Administration to Management

Murthy highlighted the limitations of the current administrative approach, which he described as focused on maintaining the status quo. Instead, he advocated for a management-driven model centered on vision, innovation, and achieving ambitious goals.

“It is time for India to move from an administrative mindset to a management mindset. Administration is about the status quo, while management is about vision, high aspirations, and achieving the plausibly impossible,” he said.

Rethinking IAS and IPS Recruitment

Currently, IAS and IPS officers are recruited through the highly competitive UPSC exams, followed by administrative training. While this system has produced generations of capable civil servants, Murthy argued that it no longer aligns with the demands of modern governance.

He proposed a new approach where candidates are trained in management disciplines at top business schools before being deployed in specialized sectors such as agriculture, defense, or manufacturing. This would ensure that future officers possess the skills needed for dynamic governance, including cost control, rapid execution, and innovation.

Murthy emphasized the importance of developing specialists who could work in their chosen fields for decades, contributing to India’s growth more effectively.

Leveraging Private Sector Expertise

Expanding on his vision, Murthy proposed integrating private-sector professionals and business leaders into key government roles. He suggested appointing such individuals to head important committees that report to cabinet ministers and influence policy decisions. This integration, he argued, would bring fresh perspectives and efficiency to public administration.

Streamlining Governance

Murthy also stressed the need for reduced government interference, faster decision-making, and the elimination of bureaucratic red tape. Citing examples from other countries that achieved rapid economic growth, he called for a governance model that is agile, result-oriented, and aligned with the realities of the modern world.

The Role of Work Ethic

During the summit, Murthy defended his earlier comments on work-life balance, reiterating the importance of long working hours for achieving excellence. Pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an example, he noted that leaders who work up to 100 hours a week demonstrate the dedication needed for transformative progress. He also expressed disappointment at India’s transition from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986.

While these remarks sparked some criticism, Murthy maintained that a strong work ethic is essential for both government officials and business leaders to drive meaningful change.

“I don’t believe in work-life balance,” Murthy said at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit.

Conclusion

Murthy’s recommendations challenge the traditional framework of India’s civil services, advocating for a management-oriented approach to governance. His vision includes integrating private-sector expertise, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and fostering leadership with a strong work ethic to meet the demands of a fast-evolving nation.