Which Act of British Parliament introduced an 'open competition' system for the selection and recruitment of civil servants?

The correct answer is Charter Act of 1853.

Key Points

• The Charter Act of 1853 introduced an open competition system for the recruitment of civil servants in India.
• This Act marked the first time that Indians were allowed to participate in the Indian Civil Service examination.
• The recruitment process was based on merit rather than patronage or favoritism, which was a significant shift in governance.
• The system aimed to ensure the selection of the most competent individuals for administrative roles, irrespective of their background.
• The act laid the foundation for modern civil services in India, serving as a precursor to reforms in administrative systems.

Additional Information

• Charter Act of 1853:
  • It was the last of the Charter Acts passed for the governance of the East India Company.
  • It introduced the separation of the executive and legislative functions of the Governor-General's council.
  • It allowed Indians to compete in the Civil Service Examination held in London.
  • The Act extended the life of the East India Company but did not specify a fixed tenure, unlike previous Charter Acts.
• Indian Civil Service:
  • Established to create a professional administrative system for British India.
  • Initially, the service was dominated by British officials, but later reforms allowed limited Indian participation.
  • The civil service examinations were conducted in London until 1922, when they began in India as well.
• Merit-Based Recruitment:
  • The open competition system ensured the selection of candidates based on their abilities and knowledge.
  • It was a significant departure from the earlier patronage-based recruitment system.
• Impact of Administrative Reforms:
  • Led to the establishment of a centralized and professional bureaucracy in India.
  • Set the stage for later reforms, including the Indianisation of higher administrative posts.