Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Modi Urges UPSC Reforms as Commission Marks 100 Years
The Union Public Service Commission, or UPSC, has completed 100 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said its exams should be conducted on time because young people depend on them.
He said the people selected should put the country and citizens first.
He also said exams should check whether candidates truly want to serve the public.
Technology and artificial intelligence are making citizens expect faster government services.
Modi said civil servants should be helpful, creative and able to put plans into action.
He noted that more people from villages, small towns and women are now joining public services.
The UPSC marked its anniversary with a stamp, a coin and discussions about future reforms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the UPSC to reform examinations and recruitment processes continuously.
He said recruitment should follow the principles of “Nation First” and “Citizen First.”
Modi called for time-certainty in examinations, warning that delays can harm young aspirants.
He said future recruitment should assess candidates’ motivation for public service, not only academic knowledge.
The UPSC launched centenary celebrations with a commemorative postage stamp, coin and two-day ‘Manthan’ event.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Public Service Commission.
- What
- The UPSC marked its 100th anniversary, while Modi called for reforms to its examinations and recruitment processes.
- When
- October 2, 2026; the centenary celebrations were scheduled as a two-day event.
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, India.
- Why
- To mark the UPSC’s 100-year journey and prepare recruitment and civil services for changing national needs and public expectations.
- Centenary
- The Union Public Service Commission completed 100 years.
- Recruitment principles
- Modi identified “Nation First” and “Citizen First” as key benchmarks.
- Examination standard
- He urged examination bodies to follow the principle of “time certainty.”
- Women’s participation
- Women represented around 3% of civil services candidates in 1952 and more than 30% today, according to Modi.
- Exam participation
- Modi said the number of UPSC exam takers has increased more than 45 times since 1976.
- Centenary event
- The two-day celebrations, titled “Manthan,” focused on civil services, public administration, technology and institutional reforms.
- Commemorative items
- Modi launched a postage stamp and coin marking the UPSC’s 100-year journey.