Clash of Opinions on CSAT Syllabus

Clash of Opinions on CSAT Syllabus

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a competitive examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The latest talk of the town Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is a mandatory part of Civil Services Examination. This examination is conducted for the recruitment of candidates to various prestigious positions of IAS, IPS, IRS and IFS. There are many students who dream of becoming a Civil Servant for which they work hard. Civil Services Examination has always been in headlines for recruiting talented candidates out of many students who sit for the examination, but at present it is in headlines because of a controversy.

Nowadays, one can see protests against CSAT syllabus change, but very few know the real reason of the controversy. Till the year 2010, CSAT used to have two papers. First paper was on general studies and the second paper was on an optional subject which the candidate chose out of 23 listed subjects. In 2011, UPSC changed the syllabus and the optional paper was replaced by a paper to test candidate’s aptitude. Candidates have alleged that the new paper is favourable for students of Science and Engineering background whereas discriminatory for students of Humanities background, especially those from Hindi medium. 

The new paper in CSAT comprises of class 10^th level logical reasoning, analytical ability, communication skills, basic numeracy, general mental ability, data interpretation and English language comprehension skills. 

Aspirants protesting against the change in syllabus are of the opinion that questions related to Mathematic are advantageous for Science and Engineering background candidates which is a partial approach from the point of Humanities background candidates, particularly those who are form Hindi medium. Protesters have claimed that after the implementation of change in syllabus the number of aspirants from Humanities background clearing the preliminary examination has decreased, while the number of Engineering and Science background candidates clearing the preliminary examination has increased. 

Looking that the matter is heating up, Government came into action and has asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to postpone the examination to 24^th of August. 

It is important to have clarity on the syllabus and exam pattern so that a balance is maintained. It is important to design the syllabus in such a way that suitable and appropriate candidates are selected. Candidates of all backgrounds should get equal opportunity in the examination and such a criteria should be implemented which selects deserving candidates with knowledge, confidence, strength and talent.

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