During the period of which British Governor General was the modern Indian Civil Service system, based on open competitive examinations, introduced for the administration of British India?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with administrative history and the evolution of the higher civil services under British rule in India. The Indian Civil Service, often abbreviated as ICS, became the backbone of British administration. Examinations frequently ask under which Governor General or in which period the ICS, based on open competitive examinations, was introduced. The question requires identifying the correct administrator associated with this important institutional development.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question is about the introduction of the Indian Civil Service system.
- It focuses on the Governor General under whom this system took shape in its modern form.
- The options list prominent British Governors General and Viceroys associated with different reforms.
- We assume the question refers to the mid nineteenth century introduction of competitive recruitment to the civil services.

Concept / Approach:
The earlier civil service under British rule was closed and largely reserved for British patrons. The Charter Act of 1853 opened the door to recruitment through open competitive examinations held in London. The practical shaping and acceptance of this new system is associated with Lord Dalhousie, who was Governor General of India during the period when major administrative reforms took place, including steps towards a merit based civil service. Lord Cornwallis had earlier reformed the Company service and is known for the Cornwallis Code, but the fully developed ICS based on open competition is linked to the era of Dalhousie. The approach is to distinguish between early reforms and the later, more formal introduction of the ICS pattern.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that the Indian Civil Service refers to the higher bureaucracy recruited through competitive exams, especially after the mid nineteenth century. Step 2: Recall that the Charter Act of 1853 allowed open competitive examinations for recruitment to civil services, to be conducted in London. Step 3: Note that Lord Dalhousie served as Governor General from 1848 to 1856, a period that saw significant administrative and infrastructural reforms. Step 4: Recognize that while Lord Cornwallis introduced earlier administrative reforms and codes, the fully developed ICS system based on competitive examinations is associated with the period of Dalhousie. Step 5: Compare the roles of Curzon, Bentinck and Canning, who are mainly linked with later or different reforms, and select Lord Dalhousie as the best match.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative way to verify is to build a timeline: Cornwallis in the late eighteenth century, Bentinck in the early nineteenth century, Dalhousie mid nineteenth century, Canning around the time of the revolt of 1857 and Curzon at the turn of the twentieth century. The Charter Act of 1853 and the subsequent competitive examination system fit squarely into the tenure of Dalhousie. Standard administrative history notes emphasise Dalhousie as the Governor General during the introduction of the Indian Civil Service based on open competition, which supports this answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lord Curzon: Known for later imperial policies, university reforms and the partition of Bengal, not for the initial introduction of the ICS.
Lord William Bentinck: Remembered mainly for social reforms like abolition of Sati and other measures, not for the competitive ICS system.
Lord Cornwallis: Introduced earlier civil service reforms and codes but did not oversee the later competitive ICS structure.
Lord Canning: Associated with the revolt of 1857 and the transfer of power to the Crown, not with the introduction phase of competitive ICS recruitment.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse Cornwallis and Dalhousie because both are linked with administrative reforms. Some also incorrectly select Curzon simply because he is famous and associated with civil administrative issues. The key is to associate Cornwallis with earlier Company reforms and Dalhousie with the period of the Charter Act of 1853 and the formalisation of the ICS competitive exam system. Keeping the chronology clear avoids these errors.

Final Answer:
Therefore, the Indian Civil Service in its modern form was introduced during the period of Lord Dalhousie.