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.
This nut has gone bonkers, he has the audacity to say this because of our slave mentality. People like him should be ignored and not paid heed to.
Murthy defended importance of long working hours for achieving excellence. Murthy reiterates that who work up to 100 hours a week demonstrate the dedication needed for transformative progress.
Respected Murthy forgets the recent mishappening that a lady officer worked with dedication by 3.00 am but due to sudden cardiac arrest she found dead.
A news which Murthy sir forget that ROBOT also committed suicide due to load of work, then how can we exploit a human being.
Buddha Satiya Gaya Hai
That’s why his own company employees are fed up with him and having knowledge of this he is making all others life hell so that no one can blame him for his stupid mentality. In my opinion he shouldkept under surveillance to see if he can implement 100 hour hardest work a week to make him realise others are human too they feel pain they have emotions they have family obligations. If you have surpassed these things that doesn’t mean others should too
And in addition administrative field is open for all so that these cheap mentality people can’t take those seats . And moreover who Is this person to make other people life decision who can compete what. Because of these people there will much more gap in society in every way that can never be filled .