Gujarat High Court Orders GPSC to Produce Original Arthashastra Text in Exam Controversy
The Gujarat High Court has issued a directive to the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC), demanding the production of the original 1915 English translation of Kautilya's Arthashastra. This order follows a contentious courtroom debate over the accuracy of an answer in a GPSC examination, highlighting significant concerns about the commission's methods.
GPSC Fails to Provide Original Book, Submits Only PDF Copy
During a recent hearing, the GPSC was unable to present the physical edition of the century-old text. Instead, the commission provided only a PDF copy and admitted it could not identify the source of this digital file. Justice Nirzar Desai sharply criticized the GPSC for its stubbornness and failure to acknowledge its error, emphasizing the lack of authenticity in the materials used for exam framing.
The court has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of using such sources, particularly when the original book is unavailable and the PDF's origin is unknown. This has sparked a broader inquiry into the GPSC's examination practices.
Court Demands Affidavit on Exam Question Authenticity
In response to the GPSC's shortcomings, the High Court has instructed the GPSC secretary to file an affidavit addressing critical issues. The affidavit must clarify:
- Whether it is permissible to frame exam questions from a book when the original source is not accessible.
- How the authenticity of such a book can be determined if only a PDF copy exists without a known source.
- The availability of the Arthashastra to the public and the specific edition used for the question.
The court has also questioned how candidates can reasonably be expected to refer to century-old texts, seeking a reply by March 20 on these matters.
Background of the Exam Dispute and Candidate's Challenge
The controversy stems from a question in the 2025 GPSC exam that asked candidates to evaluate two statements about Kautilya's Arthashastra: its language being Sanskrit and its subject matter dealing with economics. A candidate, who missed qualifying for the next round by just one mark, challenged the official answer key, arguing it was incorrect.
The candidate's legal team presented evidence from GCERT and NCERT textbooks supporting her answer, but the GPSC maintained that the question was based on the 1915 English translation. This disagreement led the High Court to demand the identity of the paper setter who relied on this so-called original text.
This case underscores ongoing issues in public service examinations and the need for transparency in question-setting processes. The outcome could set a precedent for how educational authorities use historical texts in competitive exams.
