A Parliamentary Panel has recommended a reevaluation of the recruitment process for civil services, as it observed that over 70% of recruits selected through the Civil Services Exam in recent years came from technical or medical backgrounds. The committee expressed concern that talented individuals who could have excelled as doctors and engineers were being lost to the civil services, which may be impacting other crucial sectors. The panel also advocated for a shorter time cycle for the UPSC to address the issue.
The department-related standing committee on personnel, public grievances, law, and justice stated in its 131st report that every year, hundreds of technocrats are being lost to other specific areas that are essential for the nation. The allure of becoming a civil servant may also be negatively impacting other fields of work. The report focuses on the review of the functioning of recruitment organizations of the government of India.
According to data from the Civil Services Exams conducted between 2011 and 2020, the number of candidates with engineering backgrounds selected has risen from 46% in 2011 to 65% in 2020. Conversely, the percentage of candidates with medical backgrounds selected has dropped from 14% in 2011 to 4% currently.
