What has been the evolution of UPSC exam formats over the decades?
The evolution of UPSC exam formats has been significant over the decades, reflecting changing educational paradigms. Initially focused on conventional examination formats, the exam has shifted towards incorporating multiple-choice questions in the Preliminary stage for efficiency. The introduction of the Mains exam format now emphasizes written answers, assessing analytical and critical thinking. Recent changes also included a more diverse range of subjects in the syllabus, along with the CSAT to test basic numeracy and comprehension. Furthermore, evolving evaluation methods aim for a holistic assessment of candidates' potential, including personality tests.