Correct option is A
The correct answer is (a) India and England
Explanation:
During the freedom struggle, Moderate leaders of the Indian National Congress, such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee, demanded that the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination be held simultaneously in India and England. This demand was based on the principle of equal opportunity, as previously the exam was held only in London, making it difficult for Indians to appear due to travel and financial constraints.
Information Booster:
The ICS was the most prestigious post under British administration.
Holding exams only in England created an unfair barrier for Indian candidates.
Simultaneous exams in India and England would provide equal access to Indian aspirants.
The demand was a part of the Moderate Phase (1885–1905) of Indian National Congress.
It reflected the Moderates' emphasis on constitutional methods and reforms.
This was one of the early nationalist demands to ensure fair representation in government services.
The issue later became a rallying point for broader demands for Indianization of the services.
Additional Information:
India and Canada – Canada had no administrative role in ICS; it wasn’t part of this reform demand.
India and United States of America – USA was not involved in British colonial administration.
India and Australia – Australia had no relevance to ICS exams during British India.