‘Evolution of UPSC has passed through three important phases since 1926.’ Elaborate.

1. Establishment of UPSC (1926-1947)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was established in 1926 under the Government of India Act, 1919. Initially, its mandate was limited to the recruitment of civil servants for the British Indian government. The Commission conducted its first examination, known as the Civil Services Examination, in 1926, with limited participation from Indian candidates. During this period, the focus was primarily on selecting administrative personnel to serve the colonial administration.

2. Post-Independence Period (1947-1991)

Following India's independence in 1947, the UPSC underwent significant changes to align with the democratic principles and requirements of the newly-formed nation. The Commission's role expanded to include the recruitment of civil servants for the Indian administrative services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others. The UPSC played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the administrative machinery during the transition from colonial rule to independent governance.

During this period, the UPSC introduced reforms to make the recruitment process more transparent, merit-based, and inclusive. Various examinations were added to its purview, including the Indian Forest Service Examination and Engineering Services Examination. Additionally, the Commission focused on diversifying its recruitment pool by encouraging participation from candidates belonging to marginalized communities and regions.

3. Modernization and Reforms (1991-Present)

The period since 1991 has witnessed further evolution and modernization of the UPSC to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing socio-economic and technological landscape. The Commission has embraced advancements in technology to streamline its examination processes, including the introduction of online applications, digital evaluation systems, and computer-based examinations.

Moreover, the UPSC has continued to adapt its recruitment criteria and examination patterns to reflect the evolving needs of the civil services. Reforms such as the introduction of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) and changes in the syllabus have aimed to assess candidates' analytical abilities, communication skills, and aptitude for public service.

Furthermore, the UPSC has endeavored to promote diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment process by implementing reservation policies and providing concessions to candidates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Efforts have also been made to enhance transparency and accountability through measures such as the provision of model answers and the establishment of grievance redressal mechanisms.

Conclusion

The evolution of the UPSC since its establishment in 1926 has been characterized by a progressive shift towards greater inclusivity, transparency, and modernization. From its early role in recruiting civil servants for the colonial administration to its current mandate of selecting personnel for India's democratic governance, the UPSC has adapted to the changing needs and aspirations of the nation. Through its commitment to meritocracy, diversity, and excellence, the UPSC continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India's administrative landscape and upholding the principles of public service.