History of the Indian Civil Service: A Comprehensive Overview

The Indian Civil Service (ICS) has a long and complex history rooted in the colonial administration of the British. It evolved through significant reforms and developments, with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) playing a crucial role in modern recruitment. Below is an in-depth account of the historical milestones that shaped the Indian Civil Service.

Early Recruitment of Civil Servants by the East India Company

During the early British colonial period, civil servants for the East India Company were not selected based on merit. Instead, they were nominated by the Company’s Directors and trained at Haileybury College in London. This nomination process was purely based on patronage, without competitive examinations, leaving the local Indian population largely excluded from higher administrative roles.

The Introduction of a Merit-Based Civil Service in 1854

The first major reform came in 1854 following Lord Macaulay’s report to the Select Committee of the British Parliament. The report advocated for a merit-based modern Civil Service in India to replace the existing patronage system of the East India Company. As a result, a Civil Service Commission was set up in 1854 in London to conduct competitive examinations for entry into the service.

These reforms aimed to bring a permanent Civil Service, where entry was granted through rigorous examinations. However, these exams were initially conducted only in London, and the maximum age limit for candidates was set between 18 and 23 years. The syllabus was heavily weighted towards European Classics, making it extremely challenging for Indian candidates to succeed.

First Indian to Join the Indian Civil Service (1864)

Despite the hurdles created by the examination process, Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1864. Tagore, the brother of famous poet Rabindranath Tagore, paved the way for other Indians. Three years later, four more Indians passed the exam, showing that despite the limitations, Indians could compete successfully.

Indian Efforts to Localize the Examination System

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Indians continuously petitioned the British Government to hold simultaneous Civil Service Examinations in India, as they were only held in London at that time. However, the British Government resisted, fearing that a larger number of Indians would join the ICS and gain greater control of administration. It was only after the First World War, and the implementation of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, that the British agreed to hold the Civil Service Examination in India.

Indian Civil Service (ICS) Examinations in India (1922)

The Indian Civil Service Examinations began to be held in India from 1922 onwards, with the first exam held in Allahabad, followed by later exams in Delhi. This change allowed more Indians to participate in the examination process. Simultaneously, exams continued to be held in London under the supervision of the Civil Service Commission.

Evolution of the Indian Police Service

Superior police officers during the British era belonged to the Indian (Imperial) Police, appointed by the Secretary of State through competitive examination. The first open competition for the Indian Police Service was held in England in June 1893, where 10 top candidates were appointed as probationary Assistant Superintendents of Police.

Entry into the Imperial Police Service was opened to Indians only after 1920. However, despite promises of Indianization and recommendations from the Islington and Lee Commissions, progress was slow. By 1931, Indians were appointed to just 20% of the total posts of Superintendents of Police. The percentage of Indian appointments only began to increase significantly after 1939 due to the lack of suitable European candidates.

Creation of the Imperial Forest Service (1867)

In 1864, the British Government of India established the Imperial Forest Department. To manage this department, the Imperial Forest Service was created in 1867. Initially, officers were trained abroad in France and Germany, and later at Coopers Hill in London. After 1920, recruitment for the service began both in England and India, and officers were also promoted from provincial services in India. After independence, the Indian Forest Service was formally created in 1966 under the All India Services Act of 1951.

The Aitchinson Commission and Reorganization of Services (1887)

In 1887, the Aitchinson Commission was tasked with reorganizing the civil services. The Commission recommended dividing the services into three distinct categories: Imperial, Provincial, and Subordinate. The Imperial Services were managed by the Secretary of State, and initially, these posts were filled predominantly by British candidates. The Provincial Services, on the other hand, were managed by local provincial governments, with rules approved by the Government of India. The passing of the Government of India Act in 1919 further refined the services, splitting them into All India Services and Central Services.

The Public Service Commission (1926)

The idea of establishing a Public Service Commission in India was first raised in 1919 in the Government of India’s dispatch on constitutional reforms. The 1919 Government of India Act, through Section 96(C), allowed for the establishment of a commission to oversee recruitment and control of public services. However, the body was not set up immediately, and the matter was referred to the Royal Commission on the Superior Civil Services, also known as the Lee Commission. The Lee Commission strongly recommended the creation of a Public Service Commission, and finally, on October 1, 1926, the Public Service Commission was established.

The Public Service Commission initially consisted of a chairman and four members, with Sir Ross Barker from the British Home Civil Service serving as the first chairman. Its functions were regulated by the Public Service Commission (Functions) Rules of 1926, based on Section 96(C) of the 1919 Government of India Act.

Evolution into the Federal Public Service Commission (1935)

The Government of India Act of 1935 provided for the creation of a Federal Public Service Commission and a Provincial Public Service Commission for each province or group of provinces. Following the act’s enactment on April 1, 1937, the Public Service Commission was transformed into the Federal Public Service Commission.

Establishment of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) (1950)

After India gained independence and adopted its Constitution on January 26, 1950, the Federal Public Service Commission was renamed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). According to Article 378 of the Indian Constitution, the members and chairman of the Federal Public Service Commission became the members and chairman of the newly established UPSC, which continues to regulate recruitment for the country’s civil services to this day.

Constitutional Status of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) derives its constitutional authority from Part XIV of the Constitution of India, specifically from Articles 315 to 323, which are titled “Services Under the Union and the States.” These articles provide the legal framework for the establishment of a Public Service Commission at both the Union and state levels.

According to Article 315, there shall be a Union Public Service Commission for the Union and a Public Service Commission for each state. The UPSC operates as an independent constitutional body, ensuring fair recruitment for all Union services. It is one of the few institutions in India that enjoys complete autonomy and independence, similar to the country’s higher judiciary and, more recently, the Election Commission.

The UPSC is responsible for conducting examinations and interviews for recruiting officers to the All India Services, Central Services, and other high-level positions under the Union Government. The constitutional status guarantees that the UPSC functions without any interference from the executive, thus maintaining the integrity and merit-based nature of recruitment in India.

See Also:

• Part XIV of the Constitution of India
• Articles 315 to 323 of the Indian Constitution for more details on the provisions related to the Public Service Commissions.
• UPSC – Syllabus, Full Form, Exam, Date, Notification, and Latest News
• UPSC Mains Syllabus – General Studies-II
• Important Books for UPSC Exams
• UPSC Mains Syllabus – General Studies-I
• UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024: Detailed Topics for General Studies Paper I and II (CSAT)