The most striking feature of Indian Administration is the enormous growth in the powers, functions and influence of the civil service in the post independence period. The economic and social compulsions of free India have led to the acceptance of the concept of a welfare state and a socialist society to be achieved through a planned process. Civil service is engaged in a large variety of developmental activities. The growing importance of civil service has led to a significant change in the approach to the civil service. Owing to the tremendous increase in the number of personnel of public services in the post-independence period, the issue of recruitment has assumed great significance. Prior to 1979 a single competitive examination used to be held. There were three compulsory papers: Essay, General knowledge and General English - each carrying 150 marks. But of a number of optional papers three papers of 200 marks each, and two additional subjects (for IAS and IPS only) out of another list of subjects each carrying 200 marks were to
be offered. The candidates who qualified in the, written examination were called for interview, which carried 300 marks.