Making English language compulsory in UPSC Examination

In today’s India, administrators have to be able to communicate effectively in English. To that extent, the UPSC exam must ensure that a successful candidate has a minimum level of proficiency in the language.  But using English as a merit-ranking device may not produce an optimum outcome. While candidates who study in English-medium schools are likely to know the language better than others, there is no reason to assume their overall knowledge base or skill set is better than those who have studied in other languages. Allowing candidates to answer a common set of questions in the language they are most comfortable in is the best way to assess their suitability. Of course, the post-entrance training process can and must be used to improve standards of English.  The thrust should be laid on selecting candidates who possesses knowledge skills and above all high degree of integrity, selfless devotion to public and strict adherence to the finest ideals of our liberal, progressive and forward looking constitution.