All examinations are but competitive in nature, as each candidate tries to secure the maximum marks. This is prevalent not only in studies, but in every sphere of human activity, as each one strives for excellence.it is the secret of our growth and development.
However, competitive examination is an examination of candidates for selection for jobs and assignments. This is therefore a selection process that uses the procedure of elimination based on the applicant’s performance in a written exam like we do have for banks and others. The case against the present form of examination is that they are infallible test of fitness and are highly subjective in nature. They may test a candidates knowledge on a certain subject, mental ability and awareness, but they cannot judge other essential traits necessary for particular job. Like for example the Indian civil service examination held for recruiting people to Indian Administrative Service. Every year lakhs of candidates appear for examination that is designed to test their knowledge on certain subjects. This is oblivious to the fact that there are more essential attributes required by a civil servant like administrative ability, man management, tact, diplomacy and quick decision making. Thus it acts like an imperfect sieve, through which candidates are selected subjectively and not objectively.
What is further distressing is the fact that candidate can pass such examinations by selective cramming. Thus it cannot be a real test of intelligence or knowledge. The knowledge so acquired is very superficial and hence easily forgotten. We know from practical life that students who may have topped examination in schools, are not always very successful, while those who were mediocre excelled In life. A major handicap of the system is that, there is scant regard for judging the candidates personality, character and will power. There are essential attributes for any responsible position especially for a civil servant. The inadequacy of the present system makes the whole exercise appear a big farce.
Though we may concede this system to be imperfect there is however no alleviation for its malady. We all agree that there must be some sort of examination but it is difficult to device a foolproof system. Perhaps the existing system could be augmented with group discussion, group tasks and personal interviews that would enable a more realistic and objective assessment of the candidates other valuable traits, besides knowledge. There could also be a provision for a small probation period in which the applicant’s suitability for a particular job could be judged.
As of now, there is no panacea for all the ills of the present competitive examination and hence it cannot be done away with. However, there is an urgent need for making them more objective and humane, so that they achieve the purpose for which they are intended.
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