Which of the following acts of the East India Company mandated that selection for civil employees in British Indian territory would be based on the competitive examinations?​

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Charter Act 1853

Explanation:

• The Charter Act of 1853 was the first act of the British Parliament that introduced the principle of open competitive examinations for the recruitment of civil servants in India.
• It ended the system of nomination by the directors of the East India Company and laid the foundation for a merit-based civil services system.

Information Booster:

• The 1853 Act was the last of the Charter Acts passed by the British Parliament before the end of East India Company rule in 1858.
• It marked the beginning of separation between legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s Council.
• The first competitive exam for the Indian Civil Service was held in 1855 in London.
• Indian participation remained limited initially due to language, location, and racial barriers.

Additional Information (Why other options are incorrect):

• (A) Pitt’s India Act 1784 – Created Board of Control to regulate Company affairs; no mention of civil services recruitment.
• (B) Charter Act 1793 – Renewed Company charter; continued nomination-based appointments.
• (D) Charter Act 1813 – Ended trade monopoly of the Company in India (except for tea and China); had no provision on civil services selection.