SP Leader Proposes Old UPSC Exam Pattern, Flays Current Objective Question Format

SP leader Ramgopal Yadav urged the Rajya Sabha to restore the traditional UPSC exam format, citing concerns over cheating and skills decline with the current objective-based system.

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav on Monday urged the Rajya Sabha to revert to the traditional subject-based question paper format for UPSC examinations. Speaking during the Zero Hour, Yadav said it is a "serious issue" and argued that the purpose of education is the overall development of an individual, as reported by news agency PTI.

He reminisced about the previous exam pattern, crediting it with producing the nation's advocates and scientists.

Yadav criticised the shift to the current objective question format, suggesting it has led to increased cheating and paper leaks. He stressed that subjective questions are essential for evaluating an individual's reasoning abilities.

Expressing concern over the quality of selected candidates, Yadav stated, "Candidates selected under the current system often struggle to draft a letter correctly." He called for a return to the old system, asserting, "This method needs to be changed. Bring back the old system."

The Chair allowed Yadav to raise the issue despite him submitting a physical notice instead of the required electronic submission.

"As an exception, I will allow him to raise this issue with the understanding that all members will be inspired to follow the procedure and be technologically upgraded," the Chair said.

Concerns about the transparency and credibility of UPSC examinations have been raised following the IAS Puja Khedkar case. A single-member panel, appointed by the Centre to investigate the allegations against the controversial IAS officer, has submitted its report to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The investigation was conducted by Manoj Dwivedi, additional secretary in the DoPT. 

The 2023-batch trainee IAS officer came into the spotlight when Pune collector Suhas Diwase wrote to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, highlighting several demands made by Khedkar that she was not entitled to during her probation.

It was found that she had availed of relaxations for physical disability and OBC candidacy, but allegations emerged questioning her eligibility for such relaxations.

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