The results of the latest UPSC Civil Services Examination have once again brought to light a glaring anomaly — the chronic under-representation of Muslims among those who qualify. Out of 1,009 successful candidates, only 26 are Muslims, accounting for a mere 2.5 per cent. This is starkly disproportionate to their 14.2 per cent share of the national population, as per the last census.
This is not an isolated occurrence. Year after year, the figures fluctuate between a low of 2.5 per cent and a modest 5 per cent, with 2021 being a relative high point when 51 Muslims made the cut. The trend is troubling, not just for the community but for the nation at large, which aspires to be inclusive and representative in every sphere.
It is important to underscore that the Union Public Service Commission is one of the most robust and impartial recruitment agencies in the world. Its transparent procedures leave no room for bias — positive or negative. The problem, therefore, lies not with the system but with the pipeline. Access to quality education remains the biggest hurdle.
Higher education continues to elude large sections of the Muslim population, particularly women. In districts like Malappuram in Kerala, there are signs of progress, but they are exceptions rather than the rule. The lack of financial resources further exacerbates the situation.
Coaching for civil services is expensive, and the absence of affordable support mechanisms denies many aspirants the chance to even dream. The harsh truth is that poverty, compounded by social backwardness, continues to act as a formidable barrier for many young Muslims seeking to rise through merit.
The withdrawal of several government scholarships for minority students has further narrowed the path to opportunity. While some NGOs have commendably stepped in — providing free or subsidised coaching in places like Delhi — such efforts are sporadic and insufficient. These initiatives need to be replicated across the country. Corporates, too, must recognise this as a social responsibility and invest in nurturing talent from marginalised communities.
More distressing is the low participation of Muslim women in the civil services. The community must urgently prioritise women’s education. Their presence in universities and coaching centres must rise if representation is to improve. It is also important to address cultural and societal barriers that often discourage women from stepping into competitive arenas.
This is not a “Muslim problem”; it is an Indian problem. A nation that sidelines such a significant segment of its population cannot hope to prosper in a holistic sense. In times when political representation of Muslims is dwindling, it is imperative that their participation in administration be encouraged and facilitated. Nobody is asking for diluted standards or special concessions. What is being demanded — and rightly so — is a level playing field.
