Archive · 1 Oct 2026
UPSC Chairman Calls for Reasoning-Based Assessment of Candidates
The Union Public Service Commission, or UPSC, chooses people for important government jobs.
Its chairman, Ajay Kumar, said exams should test how candidates think and make decisions.
He said candidates should not only memorize answers or repeat coaching-model responses.
The UPSC wants to use technology while keeping exams fair.
It is using tools such as digital admit cards and face authentication.
The Commission held a two-day event called ‘Manthan’ to mark 100 years of its journey.
Speakers discussed how civil servants can solve problems and improve public services.
They also talked about using artificial intelligence and data to make government work better.
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar said exams should assess reasoning, spontaneous thinking and judgment under ambiguity.
He said merit, fairness and equal opportunity must remain central as examination technology evolves.
The UPSC began two-day centenary celebrations titled ‘Manthan’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Kumar highlighted digital e-admit cards, face authentication and other measures to strengthen examination integrity.
Officials discussed artificial intelligence, data analytics, administrative innovation and a future-ready civil service.
- Who
- UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar, UPSC officials and participants in the centenary deliberations.
- What
- The UPSC outlined examination reforms and its future priorities, including reasoning-based assessment, transparency and technology.
- When
- Wednesday, September 30; the centenary celebrations were scheduled as a two-day event.
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Why
- To mark the UPSC’s centenary and discuss improvements in recruitment, public administration and civil-service work.
- Event
- Two-day centenary celebrations titled ‘Manthan’
- Institutional milestone
- The first Public Service Commission in India was constituted on October 1, 1926
- Annual recruitment processes
- Approximately 250 distinct processes
- Examination planning
- The UPSC examination calendar is prepared 18 months in advance
- Integrity measures
- Digital e-admit cards and face authentication
- Recent reforms
- Universal Registration Number introduced in 2025, randomised interview boards and a 30-channel Candidate Helpdesk
- Recruitment scope
- Civil services examinations select officers for the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service and Indian Police Service, among others