Understanding Commissions and Administrative Services

The question asks which specific commission proposed that a university degree should not be considered a mandatory requirement for entry into administrative services.

Historical education commissions in India have often reviewed the education system and its connection to employment, including public services. Let's look at the options provided:

• Dr. Radhakrishna Commission: Also known as the University Education Commission (1948-1949), this commission extensively studied higher education in India after independence. It made recommendations on various aspects of universities, including standards, teaching, and the link between university education and public service examinations. This commission did, in fact, suggest delinking university degrees from administrative service requirements, proposing alternative entrance examinations.
• Kothari Commission: The Education Commission (1964-1966), headed by D.S. Kothari, was a landmark commission that provided a comprehensive review of education from primary to higher levels. While its recommendations were far-reaching, its primary focus was on restructuring the education system itself, including proposals like the 10+2+3 pattern. It did not specifically make the statement about the non-essential nature of university degrees for administrative services in the same prominent way as the Radhakrishna Commission.
• Hunter Commission: Also known as the Indian Education Commission (1882), this commission was appointed by Lord Ripon to review the progress of education in India following the 1854 Despatch. It focused primarily on primary and secondary education and the state's role in education, not on the requirements for administrative services based on university degrees.
• None of the above: Based on the historical records of these commissions, one of them did make the stated recommendation.

Based on the historical context and the specific recommendations of these bodies, it was the Dr. Radhakrishna Commission that notably suggested that a university degree should not be the sole requirement for administrative services, advocating for a system of competitive examinations.

Therefore, the Commission that stated that the University degree need not be essential for the administrative services is the Dr. Radhakrishna Commission.