Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Centenary Celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on October 1, 2026. The event marked 100 years of UPSC's establishment in 1926, with the release of a commemorative postage stamp, special coin, and compilation of 100 significant case laws.
Modi highlighted UPSC's transformation from its British Raj origins to serving independent India's needs, crediting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for establishing the "steel frame" of administration. He emphasized that the institution must now focus on the next 25 years to achieve Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
The Prime Minister outlined fundamental reforms needed in recruitment processes, stating that selection parameters must evaluate not just academic knowledge but also candidates' motivation for public service. He proposed two key touchstones for selection: Nation First and Citizen First, and advocated for a new governance mantra of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' (citizen as divine).
Modi defined the new work culture for 21st-century India as based on three principles: Pro-People, Pro-Active, and Good Governance. He urged recruitment of professionals who can anticipate problems, find innovative solutions, and evaluate law impacts on citizens. Future recruitment should test complex problem-solving and foresight to address challenges like information warfare, deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and climate justice.
Significant statistical highlights included a 45-fold increase in exam takers since the institution's 50th anniversary in 1976, and female candidate participation rising from 3% in 1952 to over 30% currently. Post-2014, three out of four UPSC Chairpersons have been women. Modi emphasized reducing exam cycles through Time Certainty principles to address financial burdens on candidates from coaching fees, rent, and transport.
The Prime Minister recommended utilizing the i-GOT platform under Mission Karmayogi for capacity building and encouraged state commissions to share best practices through national conferences. He stressed that UPSC must maintain its core values of independence, impartiality, merit, confidentiality, and fair processes while adapting to future challenges.