Question : CHANGING PATTERN OF UPSC EXAMINATION

(a) whether the Government proposes to change the present pattern of UPSC, Civil Services Prelimary Examination;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor alongwith the year from which the new pattern would be implemented;

(c) the broad syllabuses proposes to be introduced and the likely departure from the old syllabus;

(d) whether the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) would be more useful for students with Maths, Science and English background;

(e) if so, the likely adverse impact upon the students hailing from backward, hilly areas and Hindi speaking regions; and

(f) the steps being taken to increase transparency in the evaluation process?

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs .(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) : Yes, Sir.

(b) : Government has approved the proposal for introduction of Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in place of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. The CSAT is expected to come into effect from Civil Services Examination, 2011. This will enable screening of candidates having a right aptitude for Civil Services.

(c) : In CSAT, one of optional subjects which a candidate could have chosen out of 23 optionals is being replaced with a common paper on aptitude test. The syllabus of CSAT is being worked out by the UPSC.

(d) & (e) : No, Sir. The CSAT is aimed at providing a greater degree of level - playing field to candidates of different backgrounds.

(f) : The new system which is expected to come into force from CSE, 2011, would be transparent.