Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking 100 years since the establishment of India’s first Public Service Commission in 1926. The year-long centenary celebrations began in October 2025.
During the event, PM Modi said the occasion was not only a celebration of UPSC completing 100 years but also a recognition of its institutional legacy and the aspirations of millions of young people who appear for competitive examinations each year.
PM Modi Highlights UPSC’s 100-Year Journey
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said that generations have changed during UPSC’s century-long journey, along with government systems, technology and examination patterns. However, he noted that public trust in the institution has continued.
100 years of UPSC is a proud milestone. For a century, it has played an important role in administration and serving people. https://t.co/8mLKPv4jXU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of people associated with UPSC throughout its 100-year journey.
The first Public Service Commission in India was established on October 1, 1926. It later evolved into the Federal Public Service Commission and became the Union Public Service Commission after the Constitution came into force in 1950.
PM Modi Recalls Subhas Chandra Bose
One of the notable moments of the event came when PM Modi referred to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose while viewing the UPSC centenary exhibition.
Modi recalled that Bose had appeared in the Indian Civil Service examination in 1920. He pointed out that Sanskrit was among the subjects available during that period and noted that Bose had written a Sanskrit paper.
Bose qualified for the Indian Civil Service but later resigned from the service and joined India’s freedom movement.
Commemorative Coin and Stamp Released
As part of the centenary celebrations, a commemorative coin and postage stamp marking 100 years of UPSC were released.
The Prime Minister also released a book titled “100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India.” The event brought together UPSC officials, members and chairpersons of State Public Service Commissions, government officials and academics.
Focus on the Future of Civil Services
The two-day UPSC centenary programme, titled “Shatabdi Samaroh – Manthan,” focused on the changing role of civil services, public administration, technology and institutional values.
UPSC Chairman Dr Ajay Kumar has outlined Trust, Transparency and Technology as guiding principles for the commission’s next phase.
The centenary celebration therefore combines a look back at UPSC’s historical journey with discussions about how India’s public recruitment and civil services system can evolve in the years ahead.
