The existing Civil Services (Prelim) Examination will be replaced by Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has given approval for the proposal for introduction of the Aptitude Test for Civil Services Examination. This has been informed by Prithvi Raj Chavan, Minister of State of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions in the Lok Sabha today. According to the Minister the CSAT is expected to come into effect from Civil Services Examination, 2011.

It is notable that UPSC had recommended to replace Preliminary exam into Civil Services Aptitude Test. On November 12th last year UPSC Chairman DP Agrawal said in a function that the proposed Aptitude Test would have two objective papers for all participants of the examination. The recommendations have been made on the basis of Administrative Reforms Commission’s report.

Earlier, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her lecture at UPSC on “Governance and Public Services” on 12th November asked the commission to bring reforms in the selection process and public services. In her address she said “There are several issues on which fresh perspectives are always required so as to bring in reforms. Some of the pertinent questions are whether the selection procedure adequately looks for qualities and skills required in a changing environment in which Civil services work… Better systems of selection will in the long run have a positive effect on the quality of governance.”