Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
UPSC itself is a meritocratic institution designed to select civil servants based on merit. The concept is fundamental to understanding public service ethics, governance reforms, social justice issues (e.g., reservations vs. merit), and the ideals of a democratic state.
Meritocracy is a political philosophy holding that power should be vested in individuals almost exclusively based on ability and talent rather than on wealth, social class, or other arbitrary distinctions. In the context of public administration, it advocates for selection and promotion based on demonstrated competence and performance.