Panel asks UPSC to review CSAT paper, flags hurdles for non-science aspirants

New Delhi: A Parliamentary panel has urged the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to review the existing Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper for the Civil Services preliminary exam, saying it poses challenges for candidates from non-science and non-quantitative academic backgrounds.

The recommendation was made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice came in its report on the Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Department of Personnel and Training tabled in Parliament recently.

During the deliberations, the multi-party committee headed by senior BJP MP Brij Lal said the members felt the quantitative and analytical orientation of the CSAT paper may pose challenges for candidates from non-science and non-quantitative academic backgrounds, especially those from remote and under-served regions with limited access to specialised preparatory support.

It said the panel believes that the objective of the Civil Services Examination has historically been to attract talent from diverse academic disciplines, and feels that the design and level of the CSAT paper may warrant review to ensure a level-playing field.

While acknowledging the importance of assessing analytical ability, comprehension and decision-making skills in prospective civil servants, the committee said it was of the view that the preliminary examination should ensure a level-playing field for candidates from varied academic streams.

"Although the CSAT paper is qualifying in nature, the Committee recommends that the Union Public Service Commission undertake a comprehensive review to rationalise the CSAT component, including its syllabus and level of difficulty, so as to assess its impact across different academic backgrounds," the report said.

The review should be supported by empirical analysis of candidate performance patterns to ensure that the examination continues to uphold principles of fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity, it said.

The Civil Service Exam consists of three components -- preliminary, main exams and personality test. Apart from the CSAT paper, aspirants will also have to take an exam on general studies.

Separately on the issue of misuse of disability certificates as also certificates issued under Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category in recruitment processes, the panel said it was a "matter of serious concern", as it undermines the principles of equity, transparency and fairness that underpin public employment.

"...if fraudulent certificates are used to secure appointments, it not only affects the credibility of the recruitment system but also results in denial of opportunities to genuinely eligible candidates," it said.

It asked the DoPT to consult UPSC and other recruiting agencies and strengthen the verification mechanisms for Persons with Disability and EWS category candidates at appropriate stages of the recruitment process.

It said technology-enabled verification systems, including advanced digital scrutiny tools where feasible, be explored to detect forged or manipulated certificates in a timely manner. Such measures may include digital validation, systematic cross-verification with issuing authorities, and close coordination with the state governments and competent certification bodies, it added.