Archive · 3 Oct 2026
UPSC Interview Boards Urged to Prioritize Candidates’ Public Service Mindset
Ajay Kumar leads the Union Public Service Commission, which selects people for public jobs.
He said interviewers should consider whether candidates really want to serve the country and its people.
Being highly educated does not always mean someone wants that kind of work.
The commission also uses technology to make exams and other tasks faster and safer.
For example, it checks for duplicate admit cards and uses face authentication.
The internet helps people in remote places find information for their studies.
But false information can also spread quickly online.
Kumar said UPSC wants to be open about its work while keeping sensitive information private.
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar said interview boards should assess candidates’ commitment to public service.
He said academic qualifications alone do not show whether someone wants to serve the public.
The commission uses technology to improve efficiency, security, and processing times across its work.
Digital tools can widen access to information, but social media can also spread misinformation quickly.
Kumar said UPSC aims to increase transparency while protecting information that must remain confidential.
- Who
- UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar and the commission’s interview boards.
- What
- The chairman said interview boards should assess candidates’ public service mindset and discussed technology, transparency, and confidentiality at UPSC.
- When
- In an interview with DD News; no date was specified.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To select candidates willing to serve the public and to improve the commission’s efficiency, security, and public trust.
- Commission
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Chairman
- Dr Ajay Kumar
- Interview assessment
- Boards are advised to consider whether candidates have a mindset for public service.
- Technology measures
- UPSC uses deduplication and face authentication, among other digital processes.
- Other commission functions
- The commission handles matters including civil servants’ promotions, deputations, and disciplinary proceedings.
- Transparency measure
- UPSC recently began releasing provisional answer keys immediately after examinations.
- Confidentiality
- Kumar said sensitive information must remain protected while the commission increases transparency where appropriate.