Demand of including Marathi as a language for UPSC Exams

The Shiv Sena has warned that it would disrupt the UPSC exams in Maharashtra if its demand to include Marathi in the syllabus was not met.

The UPSC has notified the new pattern, which will spare candidates from compulsorily qualifying other language papers like Hindi or any of the VIII Schedule languages, which includes Marathi. Earlier, candidates had to qualify in English and another language paper whose marks were, however, not counted for short-listing aspirants.

The new pattern, which is aimed at giving more emphasis on assessing general studies and aptitude skills of aspirants of country's most prestigious exam, gives more weight to general studies and aptitude skills.

The UPSC has also introduced an English language paper, whose marks will count in final selection of aspirants for services like IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS and other sought after Central jobs. The civil services preliminary examination will be held on May 26 this year and the last date for filing online applications is April 4.