Archive · 17 Nov 2025
India's Bureaucracy: A Reset Needed for Viksit Bharat
India wants to become a super cool, developed country (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
To do this, it needs really good workers (civil servants) who are honest, skilled, and care about helping people.
But right now, many of these workers are not as good as they should be.
Some feel they deserve special treatment, some take bribes, and some don't have the right skills for the new jobs.
This article looks back at how these workers were chosen and trained a long time ago, even when British people were in charge.
It talks about many ideas for making the system better, like changing the big test everyone takes to become a helper.
But sadly, many good ideas have been ignored.
The author believes India needs to change how it picks and trains its helpers, like fixing the big test, so they can help build that super cool house for everyone.
India aims to become a developed nation ('Viksit Bharat') by 2047, requiring a robust civil service.
Current civil services are plagued by entitlement, corruption, and lack of specialized expertise.
Historical evolution of Indian civil services from the British era to present highlights key reforms and their impact.
Multiple committees have recommended reforms to the civil services examination, training, and functioning since independence, but many have been ignored.
Urgent, transformative changes are needed in the recruitment and training of civil servants to align with the nation's development goals.
- Who
- Indian Civil Servants and the Civil Services Examination system.
- What
- An analysis highlighting the current state of India's bureaucracy, characterized by entitlement, corruption, and stagnation, and arguing for a fundamental reset through reforms in recruitment, training, and functioning.
- When
- The article discusses the current situation in November 2025 and references historical events and aspirations for 2047.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enable India to achieve its aspiration of becoming a developed nation ('Viksit Bharat') by 2047, requiring a robust, transparent, and development-focused civil service.
Proponents of Status Quo
Advocates of Transformative Reforms
Civil Services Examination
Proponents of Status Quo
The current examination process is adequate and should not be significantly altered.
Advocates of Transformative Reforms
The examination process needs a complete overhaul to better assess candidates' skills and aptitude for the 21st century.
Age Limit and Attempts
Proponents of Status Quo
The current age limit and number of attempts should remain the same to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Advocates of Transformative Reforms
The age limit should be lowered, and the number of attempts should be reduced to attract more young and dynamic candidates.
Training and Capacity Building
Proponents of Status Quo
The existing training programs are sufficient and should be continued with minor improvements.
Advocates of Transformative Reforms
Training programs need to be revamped to focus more on practical skills, continuous learning, and exposure to real-life challenges.
- Author
- Akhil Vaani
- Publication Date
- November 17, 2025
- Core Issue
- Need for reform in Indian Civil Services
- Historical Context
- Reforms traced from British era to present
- Key Concerns
- Entitlement, corruption, lack of expertise, stagnation
- Aspiration
- Achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047