UPSC Rejects Bias Claims, Says Interview Process Leaves No Scope for Discrimination

UPSC clarification states that in the interest of full transparency, the marks (written marks, interview / personality test marks, total marks) of all recommended candidates are published on official website of UPSC.

Union Public Service Commission has issued a clarification on allegations that its interview and personality-test stage favours certain groups. UPSC response comes after allegations of bias resurfaced online and other platforms.

Concerns about fairness in UPSC interviews have appeared from time to time. Some aspirants and advocacy groups have argued that candidates from reserved categories receive lower scores despite strong written performance.

Government has now reiterated that UPSC’s system leaves little room for partiality. Candidates are allotted to Interview Boards through a random process carried out just before interviews begin. UPSC clarification reads: "Also, the identity of members of the Interview Board is not disclosed to the candidates. Thus, the question of discrimination or bias in interview against any category of candidates does not arise."

In 2021, a Delhi minister even wrote to the Commission seeking steps to prevent caste-linked prejudice. Analysts have also pointed to the subjectivity of interviews and the role that language, background or confidence may play. These claims, however have not been backed by any official audit or investigation and no authority has confirmed systemic bias.

Clarification states that the Boards do not receive information about a candidate’s category or written-exam marks. Candidates, in turn, do not know who sits on the Board. Officials say these safeguards ensure that interviews are assessed on performance during the interaction alone.

UPSC also publishes written, interview and final marks of all recommended candidates every year, a step Commission describes as a transparency measure. It maintains that personality test is designed to judge suitability for public service, not personal or social identity.