Why does the UPSC refuse to shorten the Civil Services Examination?

The UPSC says maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the examination process is the top priority, and various checks and balances have been integrated into the system over the years to eliminate any risk.

How has the Civil Services Examination changed over the years?

The UPSC says the number of candidates, exam centers, and venues has increased significantly, but the time cycle for the exam has been optimized to the extent possible.

What did the parliamentary panel recommend regarding the civil services recruitment framework?

The panel had previously recommended a comprehensive re-examination of the framework and called for the process to be rationalized and streamlined.

Home / Education / UPSC Rebuffs Calls to Shorten Civil Services Exam, Cites Confidentiality

UPSC Rebuffs Calls to Shorten Civil Services Exam, Cites Confidentiality

14 Aug

•

Summary

UPSC says civil services exam duration cannot be curtailed
Exam process optimized despite rising applicants and centers
Maintaining confidentiality and integrity is top priority

UPSC Rebuffs Calls to Shorten Civil Services Exam, Cites Confidentiality

As of August 14, 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has firmly rejected calls to shorten the duration of the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which currently spans an entire year. In a reply to a parliamentary panel, the UPSC stated that the time cycle for the CSE has been optimized to the extent possible, despite a significant increase in the number of candidates, exam centers, and venues over the years.

The UPSC emphasized that one of the most vital factors in determining the exam's timeline is the need to maintain the utmost confidentiality and integrity of the examination process. The Commission said it has integrated various checks and balances in the system, gained through years of experience, to eliminate any risk to the confidentiality and integrity of the CSE.

The parliamentary panel had previously recommended a comprehensive re-examination of the civil services recruitment framework, stressing that the process be rationalized and streamlined. However, the UPSC has maintained its stance, stating that there is hardly any scope to further compress the time between the date of advertisement or notification of the CSE and the date of holding it.

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