4 hrs ago
UPSC Marks 100 Years With Manthan and Exam Reform Push
The Union Public Service Commission, or UPSC, is celebrating 100 years of selecting people for important public jobs.
It held a two-day event called Manthan in New Delhi.
Leaders discussed how civil servants can help solve problems and improve government services.
They said exams should test reasoning, quick thinking and good judgment, rather than memorized or coached answers.
The UPSC said trust, transparency and technology will guide its future work.
Speakers also wanted more applicants from smaller cities and districts.
They said government officials should focus on real results and be accountable to people at the local level.
New technology, such as digital admit cards and face authentication, is being used to make exams safer.
The Commission also discussed artificial intelligence, data tools and stronger cybersecurity.
The Union Public Service Commission began its two-day centenary programme, Manthan, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Chairman Ajay Kumar said future exams should assess reasoning, spontaneous thinking and judgment under ambiguity, not coached answers.
The Commission’s next phase is guided by Trust, Transparency and Technology, while retaining merit, fairness and equal opportunity.
Speakers urged outcome-focused administration, broader recruitment from smaller cities and stronger grassroots accountability.
UPSC highlighted digital reforms, including e-admit cards, face authentication, a Universal Registration Number, expanded centres and cybersecurity measures.
- Who
- The Union Public Service Commission, Chairman Ajay Kumar, public officials and invited speakers; Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to attend on Thursday.
- What
- A two-day centenary celebration and policy discussion titled Manthan, including discussions on examination reform and public administration.
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- When
- The articles describe the programme as beginning on Wednesday, with dates variously reported as September 30 and October 1, 2025; Narendra Modi was scheduled to attend on Thursday.
- Why
- To mark the UPSC’s 100-year institutional journey and discuss the future of recruitment, civil services and public administration.
Reform and Adaptation
Continuity and Constitutional Safeguards
How candidates should be assessed
Reform and Adaptation
Examinations should test reasoning, spontaneous thinking and judgment under ambiguity instead of predictable or coached answers.
Continuity and Constitutional Safeguards
Any new examination formats must continue to uphold merit, fairness and equal opportunity.
How administration should operate
Reform and Adaptation
Speakers called for proactive, outcome-driven administration, intelligent risk-taking and stronger grassroots accountability.
Continuity and Constitutional Safeguards
Institutional reforms should preserve the constitutional role of public service commissions and their emphasis on impartial, transparent selection.
Key facts
- Event
- Manthan centenary celebrations
- Institution
- Union Public Service Commission
- Duration
- Two days
- Venue
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Guiding principles
- Trust, Transparency and Technology
- Annual recruitment activity
- Around 250 distinct recruitment processes
- 2023-24 records
- 24,581 promotion records processed and 532 officers inducted into the All-India Services
- Technology measures
- E-admit cards, face authentication, Universal Registration Number, randomised interview boards, expanded examination centres and cybersecurity improvements
Quotes
Ajay Kumar
Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission
“While technology and examination formats can evolve, the core constitutional principles of merit, fairness and equal opportunity remain enduring.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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