New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is completing 100 years on October 1, 2026.
Its journey began on October 1, 1926, when the first Public Service Commission was set up in then British-ruled India. Sir Ross Barker, a member of the Home Civil Service of the United Kingdom, was its first chairman.
When it was first established, the body was called the Public Service Commission. It was later renamed the Federal Public Service Commission in 1937.
After India adopted its Constitution and became a Republic on January 26, 1950, the commission became the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This is the name students know today.
UPSC conducts examinations for recruitment to various services under the Union government. Its constitutional functions also include advising the government on recruitment methods, appointments, promotions and disciplinary matters.
Journey of Faith, says Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday participated in the centenary celebrations of the UPSC at Bharat Mandapam and applauded the institution’s century-long legacy, describing its journey as a celebration of the aspirations of millions of young Indians and the trust placed in it by the people. This celebration “is of that faith”, which “every Indian has in this institution”, the prime minister noted.
The commission on Wednesday commenced its two-day centenary celebrations, titled ‘Manthan’, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the completion of 100 years of the institution’s journey.
Modi said the country must bring youth into public services who are not attracted to public office. Addressing the event, he said it is essential that the recruitment examination does not just test what a candidate knows but also sees “why that youth wants to come into civil services”.
According to a report by PTI, Modi also released a commemorative coin, a stamp and a book titled ‘100 Landmark Judgements: Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India’.