Editorial Summary
Former RBI Governor D. Subbarao has strongly advocated for urgent reforms in the current UPSC Civil Services framework. He emphasizes that:
- The high upper‑age limit (up to 32/35 years) and allowance of six attempts leads many aspirants to spend their prime years repeatedly preparing without assurance of success — a pattern he terms “an abysmal waste.”
- Subbarao proposes reducing the maximum attempts (say, to 3) and age limit, thereby encouraging more efficient career timelines and decreasing preparation stress.
- He also supports introducing a lateral-entry pathway for experienced professionals aged 40-plus to join directly, blending youth and expertise in administrative services.
- His vision calls for a more dynamic, streamlined UPSC system to align with modern administrative requirements aarvamias.com+12theiashub.com+12civilserviceaspirants.in+12economictimes.indiatimes.com+1navbharattimes.indiatimes.com+1.
📌 Relevance for Aspirants
- Prelims & GS Paper‑II/IV: Discussions on civil service ethics, recruitment processes, administrative challenges.
- Mains & Interview: Critical analysis on age/attempt limits, merit versus experience, policy suggestions (dynamic entry — young versus experienced).
- TNPSC Group Exams: Though conducted by TNPSC, debates on entry-level services and public administration reforms remain pertinent for General Studies.
✅ Today’s Editorial Source
- The Economic Times/Times of India reported Subbarao’s op‑ed calling for UPSC reforms including reduced attempts and structured lateral entry.
📝 How to Use This
- Read the full op‑ed on ET or TOI for detailed arguments.
- Frame Mains answers on:
- Benefits/drawbacks of limiting attempts/age.
- Feasibility & impact of lateral entry.
- Comparative practices in other civil service systems globally.
- Practice Interview responses: Imagine being asked about civil service entry reforms — draft balanced, logical answers referencing Subbarao’s proposals.
