New Delhi, May 30, 2025 — Former RBI Governor Dr. Duvvuri Subbarao has urged major reforms in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, calling the current system a “colossal waste of human potential.” He recommended reducing the number of attempts to three and lowering the upper age limit from 32 to 27. According to him, prolonged preparation for a slim chance at success traps many candidates in a cycle of financial and emotional strain, driven by the “sunk cost fallacy.”
Dr. Subbarao also proposed a new Tier-2 entry route for professionals aged 40–42, suggesting it be institutionalized as part of the UPSC system. This would allow experienced individuals to enter civil services mid-career, offering fresh perspectives and practical expertise. He clarified that his recommendations aim to complement, not replace, the traditional recruitment of young aspirants.
