There is a hue and cry over CSAT (“IAS aspirants take to streets,” July 26). Illogical reasons are given against it; the main problem lies elsewhere. Students who have completed their education in Hindi and other regional languages are saying the introduction of CSAT in the preliminary examination gives an upper hand to those who have had English medium education. But English is taught in every board, irrespective of the main medium of instruction. If these aspirants are chosen for the Indian Foreign Service, will they decline the post? If they are given a cadre that is not in their region, will they deny the offer or will they force their language on their subordinates because they don’t know the regional language?
The other issue concerns testing of quantitative aptitude. It is laughable that someone who wants to make his career in the civil services cannot solve problems of Class 10 level. Students who have graduated in the humanities often say those from engineering and science can easily crack CSAT as they have studied these subjects earlier. But these subjects are not taught in any B.Tech course, nor are they part of science curriculum. If this is the case, then it could also be true those with a humanities background have an advantage in general studies paper. The problem lies not in CSAT but in English-to-Hindi translation in the prelims and mains. If this is rectified, the examination will offer a level playing field for everyone.
Abhishek Raghuvanshi,Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh
CSAT was introduced in 2010 replacing one optional subject of the candidate’s choice, and is compulsory. It has been copied from the pattern of entrance tests to engineering colleges and has no relevance to the job of an IAS/IFS/ IPS officer. The preliminary examination was introduced in 1979 as a screening test “to prevent overloading of the selection process by a large number of indifferent candidates” as the A.R. Kidwai committee report pointed out. However, with the introduction of CSAT in 2010, the preliminary has ceased to be a screening test and has actually become a thorny threshold which candidates with an engineering background alone can cross. Therefore, it should be scrapped to provide a level playing field to candidates with all types of educational backgrounds.
Rini Sharma,Panchkula
Recruitment to the civil services is done through an extremely competitive examination, and a candidate is selected after clearing a series of tough assessments based on his or her capabilities. It is purely “merit” that matters in the selection. Apprehensions over the medium of instruction and subject discipline are only excuses to run away from challenges.
Bhanamma Aravinda Bai,Hyderabad
