Introduction

Public Service Commissions are constitutional institutions meant to ensure merit-based appointments insulated from political pressures. A century after the Montagu–Chelmsford report envisaged them, State PSCs face credibility challenges due to recruitment irregularities and systemic inefficiencies that affect millions of aspirants.

Why in the news?

At the 2025 National Conference of Chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions hosted by Telangana PSC, members acknowledged recruitment controversies and demanded urgent reforms. Aspirant protests in Hyderabad highlighted how even minor delays disrupt youth livelihood prospects. Persistent exam cancellations and unclear syllabi have deepened mistrust despite PSCs’ constitutional mandate of meritocracy.

Historical evolution of State PSCs :

1. Montagu-Chelmsford Report :
   1. Recommended statutory recruitment bodies for welfare-oriented administration.
   2. Laid conceptual foundation for PSCs in India.
2. First Public Service Commission (1926) :
   1. Set up for the Government of India before Independence.
   2. Marked beginning of institutionalised merit-based recruitment.
3. Constitutionalisation through Article 315:
   1. Provided for separate Public Service Commissions for Union and States.
   2. Ensured autonomy and continuity post-Independence.

Constitutional structure and organisation :

1. Appointment and tenure of members: Governor appoints chairperson and members with fixed tenure and protected service conditions.
2. Constitutional independence: PSCs function autonomously and discharge duties without executive interference.
3. Role of UPSC in relation to State PSCs: UPSC may advise State PSCs on service matters when requested.
4. Role of Ministry of Personnel: Helps maintain coherence in administrative policies across States.

Present functioning and examination framework :

1. Syllabus review mechanism: Periodic syllabus updates mandated to align with evolving administrative requirements.
2. Question paper setting and evaluation: PSC sets papers, evaluates answer scripts and prepares selection lists.
3. Cut-offs and result publication: Merit lists released after evaluation; criteria finalised by the PSC.

Current challenges and bottlenecks

1. Irregular recruitment cycles: Long gaps between notification and appointments disrupt careers and spark protests.
2. Lack of transparency: Limited disclosure on answer keys and evaluation has lowered institutional credibility.
3. Paper leaks and cancellations: Allegations of malpractice lead to cancellation, delays and erosion of public trust.
4. Outdated syllabus issues: Poor syllabus revisions fail to reflect new governance themes and legal developments.
5. Inconsistent standards across States: Divergent evaluation standards hinder mobility and generate inequality.

Proposed reforms and restructuring measures:

1. Revised manpower planning: Systematic vacancy forecasting to prevent examination delays.
2. Fixed examination calendar: Annual, predictable and uniform recruitment schedule across States.
3. Transparent evaluation policy: Mandatory disclosure of answer keys, normalisation criteria and cut-off logic.
4. Academic and administrative alignment: Regular syllabus revision to match governance and administrative reality.
5. Professional expertise induction: Inclusion of subject experts to improve paper quality and evaluation fairness.

Conclusion

State PSCs were created to provide equal opportunity in public employment. However, recruitment delays, unclear syllabi and opacity have damaged public trust. Ensuring predictability, transparency and institutional professionalism is essential to protect youth aspirations and restore confidence in constitutional recruitment bodies.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2024] What are the aims and objects of the recently passed and enforced Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations too are covered under the Act?

Linkage: The Act directly links to the PSC crisis by targeting leaks, exam fraud and loss of trust in public recruitment. It sets a future-ready template for PSC reforms through transparency, deterrence and integrity in examinations.

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