Housed in a heritage building that also features a library, the museum traces the PSC’s roots back to the 1930s, spanning the erstwhile princely states of Travancore and Cochin and the Madras Presidency.
Published Mar 07, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 07, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Kerala PSC Museum building.
Synopsis: Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) opened a museum, the first of its kind by any State Public Service Commission in India, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of civil services in Kerala. The museum offers a scientifically preserved and meticulously curated collection of invaluable documents spanning over a century.
Visitors to the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) headquarters in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, are now in for a journey through time.
A newly opened PSC Museum, the first of its kind by any State Public Service Commission in India, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of civil services in Kerala.
Housed in a heritage building that also features a library, the museum traces the PSC’s roots back to the 1930s, spanning the erstwhile princely states of Travancore and Cochin and the Madras Presidency.
Until now, only the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had a dedicated museum, making Kerala’s initiative a pioneering effort in preserving the legacy of civil service.
The museum offers a scientifically preserved and meticulously curated collection of invaluable documents spanning over a century.
Among the major highlights are original appointment records, government gazettes, recruitment notifications, and rare newspaper articles documenting the civil service selection process.
One of the most prized exhibits is the authentic version of the Constitution of India, presented to the Kerala PSC by the UPSC.
Kerala PSC Museum.
Visitors can also explore early recruitment documents, including applications, appointment recommendations, and notifications issued by the erstwhile Travancore and Cochin Public Service Commissions.
Adding to the experience, the museum features a kiosk facility where digital versions of historical documents can be accessed.
Exhibits include admission tickets for the Travancore Civil Service Examination, question papers, answer sheets, examination syllabi, and letters of appointment signed by key figures such as Dr Gerald Dacre Nokes, the first Travancore Public Service Commissioner.
Inside the museum
A particularly intriguing artifact is a letter from C Kesavan, a social reformer and political leader, who later became the Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin State, addressed to Dr GD Nokes regarding civil service appointments in 1935.
According to Dr VK Mathur, a UPSC Museum consultant who provided technical assistance in setting up the facility, the historical materials have been scientifically arranged to ensure accessibility and visibility.
“We have utilised natural lighting wherever possible and installed special lighting to enhance the display. The museum offers a comprehensive view of the commission’s history and will serve as an educational resource for those interested in civil service history,” he said.
With its collection of rare and original documents, the Kerala PSC Museum is set to become a significant knowledge hub, offering a deep dive into the evolution of civil service recruitment in the state.
The foundation of structured civil service recruitment in Kerala dates back to the erstwhile princely states of Travancore and Cochin.
On 14 June 1936, the Travancore government appointed G.D. Nokes as the first Public Service Commissioner, tasked with direct recruitment for various government posts. This office functioned until the merger of Travancore and Cochin.
Inside the museum
Meanwhile, in Cochin, a Staff Selection Board was set up in 1936 to oversee appointments to lower posts. In 1947, a three-member Cochin Public Service Commission was constituted under state legislation, enhancing the recruitment process.
With the unification of Travancore and Cochin on 1 July 1949, the Travancore-Cochin Public Service Commission was established, aligning its functions with the Government of India Act, 1935. Following the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 January 1950, the commission continued under constitutional provisions.
Letter from C Kesavan to G D Nokes
The birth of Kerala on 1 November 1956, through the reorganization of states, led to the transformation of the Travancore-Cochin Public Service Commission into the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC). Over time, its strength expanded, growing from five members in 1959 to the present eighteen in 2005, marking a journey of evolution and efficiency in public service recruitment.
In a striking turn of events, the Cochin Legislative Council in February 1933 saw a unique resolution opposing the formation of a Public Service Commission in the state.
Moved by TK Nair, the resolution was a protest against the existing flawed recruitment methods.
Supporting the motion, KG Nayar voiced strong concerns about nepotism and manipulation in public service appointments, stating:
“More often than not, it so happens that either the members who constitute the Commission or those who are responsible to see that their own people enter into the public services, have already decided the names of persons who are to be given these posts; and it is only a waste of time, labour, and money for all concerned.”
A recruitment notice from the Cochin princely state in 1948
After intense discussions, the resolution was withdrawn. However, by January 1934, the Council reversed its stance, questioning the government’s delay in setting up the Commission despite prior assurances.
Meanwhile, in Travancore, a Public Service Recruitment Committee was formed in 1931 to assess the necessity of a Public Service Commission.
The committee concluded that, given the state’s small size and limited workload, an expensive Commission was unnecessary.
Instead, the Budget Estimates of 1111 ME (1936) proposed appointing a high-ranking officer as the Public Service Commissioner for three years, with a review planned at the end of the term.
These early debates and hesitations reflect the complexities surrounding the establishment of a structured recruitment system.
Inaugurating the museum on 3 March, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared that Kerala has once again set a model for other states to follow.
“This museum is more than just a collection of rare documents — it is a window into the legacy and workings of the Kerala PSC, helping the public gain a deeper understanding,” he said.
Emphasising its significance beyond preservation, he added, “Museums are not just spaces where history is displayed; they are powerful mediums in this post-truth era, where misinformation often masquerades as fact. This museum will serve as a beacon of truth, countering falsehoods with authentic records.”
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
