To offer an explanation as to why these exams used to include poetry and literature; it was to make sure that successful applicants, who would become administrators of the realm, were in tune with the values of the ruler, and that they would be more inclined to carry orders out.
Familiarity, it is hoped, would breed sympathy and loyalty.
Well spotted, and yes - part of the reason the Chinese exams survived so long (though with some starts and stops) was because they were a simple way to make sure the ruling elite of the vast realm had culture and values in common. Same reason the British adopted the system, so they could make sure their own empire had bureaucrats with the 'right' values (and also to give Classics graduates from Oxbridge something to do - not even joking, this was literally one of the reasons cited in parliamentary debates).
The educated from the most unproductive states take these exams at a higher rate.
Which further worsens the macro economic impact.
2.
The class/caste profile of successful candidates has changed. In the beginning the civil services were a preserve of certain groups like Kayasths and Brahmins from the south, Bengal, Kashmir. And similar urban communities like Nasranis.
While there was always an economic incentive, there was also a sense of public spiritedness in joining the civil services.
That has changed. Most people from these historically dominant groups today generally choose to emigrate abroad.
The class factor did create a sense of aspiration among other groups.
So general category selection is dominated now by mercantile and landholding groups. These were generally materially well-to-do communities that took up English education later and wished upward class mobility.
The selection among reserved categories is dominated by a handful of politically influential castes.
Reforming the system is tough due to entrenched lobbies but also due to a political economy that has developed around the exam.
We’re stuck in a sub-optimal but stable equilibria.
Incredible breakdown of the UPSC paradox. The comparison to China's anti-corruption push clarifying demand is sharp. I've seen talented engineers delay startups for years chasing goverment roles, and the opportunity cost compounds in ways that are hard to reverse. That protection premium angle explains alot tho.
Not too long ago, I found myself in the office of an Additional Chief Secretary, a woman known for her work on local democracy. The waiting room was full of the flotsam and jetsam of humanity: software providers looking for contracts, NGO staff looking for local democracy, every kind of favor seeker and intermediary.
I was there for a 3:00 PM meeting, but it was 4:00 PM before the first signs of her arrival came as portents on the horizon. Three junior IAS officers trickled into the room and made small talk with all and sundry. Ten minutes later, the doorman announced to the faithful: “Madam is coming,” and a few seconds later she stormed into the room, upon which, I kid you not, everyone besides me stood at attention with their hands to the side like soldiers being inspected by a visiting head of state.
Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to be part of a system where you can skim off the top and people salute you while you’re doing so?
Would it have hurt your ego so much as to offer your respects to the presiding officer by standing up in attention? Or does one have to pay you a bribe to obtain your cooperation?
I would imagine that would have been the wrong place to be a hero.
To offer an explanation as to why these exams used to include poetry and literature; it was to make sure that successful applicants, who would become administrators of the realm, were in tune with the values of the ruler, and that they would be more inclined to carry orders out.
Familiarity, it is hoped, would breed sympathy and loyalty.
Well spotted, and yes - part of the reason the Chinese exams survived so long (though with some starts and stops) was because they were a simple way to make sure the ruling elite of the vast realm had culture and values in common. Same reason the British adopted the system, so they could make sure their own empire had bureaucrats with the 'right' values (and also to give Classics graduates from Oxbridge something to do - not even joking, this was literally one of the reasons cited in parliamentary debates).
Couple of thoughts:
1.
There is a regional angle here as well.
The educated from the most unproductive states take these exams at a higher rate.
Which further worsens the macro economic impact.
2.
The class/caste profile of successful candidates has changed. In the beginning the civil services were a preserve of certain groups like Kayasths and Brahmins from the south, Bengal, Kashmir. And similar urban communities like Nasranis.
While there was always an economic incentive, there was also a sense of public spiritedness in joining the civil services.
That has changed. Most people from these historically dominant groups today generally choose to emigrate abroad.
The class factor did create a sense of aspiration among other groups.
So general category selection is dominated now by mercantile and landholding groups. These were generally materially well-to-do communities that took up English education later and wished upward class mobility.
The selection among reserved categories is dominated by a handful of politically influential castes.
Reforming the system is tough due to entrenched lobbies but also due to a political economy that has developed around the exam.
We’re stuck in a sub-optimal but stable equilibria.
Unless Trump slaps India with 500% tariffs…one can hope!
Incredible breakdown of the UPSC paradox. The comparison to China's anti-corruption push clarifying demand is sharp. I've seen talented engineers delay startups for years chasing goverment roles, and the opportunity cost compounds in ways that are hard to reverse. That protection premium angle explains alot tho.
Not too long ago, I found myself in the office of an Additional Chief Secretary, a woman known for her work on local democracy. The waiting room was full of the flotsam and jetsam of humanity: software providers looking for contracts, NGO staff looking for local democracy, every kind of favor seeker and intermediary.
I was there for a 3:00 PM meeting, but it was 4:00 PM before the first signs of her arrival came as portents on the horizon. Three junior IAS officers trickled into the room and made small talk with all and sundry. Ten minutes later, the doorman announced to the faithful: “Madam is coming,” and a few seconds later she stormed into the room, upon which, I kid you not, everyone besides me stood at attention with their hands to the side like soldiers being inspected by a visiting head of state.
Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to be part of a system where you can skim off the top and people salute you while you’re doing so?
Would it have hurt your ego so much as to offer your respects to the presiding officer by standing up in attention? Or does one have to pay you a bribe to obtain your cooperation?
I would imagine that would have been the wrong place to be a hero.