Bengaluru: In a significant move aimed at addressing regional imbalance in access to civil services examinations, Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh has written to the Central Government seeking permission to establish a regional office of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in Bengaluru.
Letter Sent to DoPT for Early Action
In her letter, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh (IAS: 1989: KN) addressed the request to Rachana Shah (IAS: 1991: KL), Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), urging the Centre to initiate action at the earliest for setting up a UPSC regional office in the Karnataka capital.
The Chief Secretary underlined the need for such an office to improve administrative efficiency in conducting examinations and related processes while ensuring equitable access to UPSC services for aspirants from Karnataka and other southern states.
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Aim to Address North–South Disparity in UPSC Access
The proposal strongly argues that a UPSC regional office in Bengaluru would help address the long-standing North–South disparity in access to UPSC infrastructure, examinations, and preparatory ecosystem.
At present, most UPSC-related operations and support mechanisms are concentrated in the northern region, particularly around Delhi, creating logistical and accessibility challenges for aspirants from southern India.
Proposal Backed by Karnataka Policy and Planning Commission Member
The Chief Secretary’s letter follows a detailed proposal submitted to the State Government by S. Mohanadass Hegde, a member of the Karnataka Policy and Planning Commission. The proposal highlighted the strategic importance of Bengaluru as a national education and administrative hub and made a strong case for hosting the UPSC’s regional office.
Boost Expected for Civil Services Aspirants in Southern States
If approved, the regional office is expected to:
- Improve access to UPSC services for aspirants from Karnataka and neighbouring southern states
- Facilitate smoother conduct of examinations and administrative processes
- Encourage more students from the South to attempt UPSC examinations
Strengthen awareness and preparation culture for civil services and other UPSC-conducted exams
Coaching Centres Welcome the Proposal
The proposal has been welcomed by IAS coaching centres across Bengaluru and southern India. Coaching institutes believe that the move would mark a historic first for UPSC, as it would be the first-ever regional centre outside the national capital region.
They also feel that a UPSC regional presence would help build a stronger ecosystem of awareness, mentorship, and guidance for aspirants preparing for prestigious examinations such as the Civil Services Examination.
Need to Ensure Quality Coaching and Serious Preparation
However, stakeholders have cautioned that merely setting up a regional office will not be sufficient. Both the State and Central governments will need to ensure that quality coaching and guidance are available to serious aspirants.
Experts emphasize that sustained institutional support, credible mentoring, and disciplined preparation are essential for increasing the success rate of candidates from southern states in highly competitive UPSC examinations.
Significance of the Move
If approved by the Centre, the establishment of a UPSC regional office in Bengaluru could become a landmark step toward inclusive administrative reform, reducing regional disparities and empowering aspirants from across southern India to compete on an equal footing.
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