100th year of Union Public Service Commission

Why in News?

A 2-day national centenary celebration, titled Shatabdi Samaroh – Manthan, was organized at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (September 30 – October 1, 2026), to commemorate the 100^th year of UPSC.

Key Highlights of the event

• During the event, the Prime Minister released
  • A UPSC Centenary Commemorative Coin.
  • A Commemorative Postage Stamp.
  • A compilation book titled "100 Landmark Judgements—Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India".

Core Principles for the Next Century

• Three Pillars - During the Manthan sessions, the Commission framed its future operational roadmap around 3 pillars:
  • Trust- Upholding non-partisan integrity, constitutional neutrality, and meritocracy in civil recruitment.
  • Transparency- Standardized grievance redressal systems, biometric authentication, and digital evaluation workflows.
  • Technology- Advanced AI-driven logistics, paperless administrative promotion committees, and digital infrastructure suited for Viksit Bharat.

Historical Evolution

• Lee Commission (1924) – Recommended the immediate establishment of a statutory public service commission to eliminate political influence in civil service recruitment.
• Formed following recommendations from the Lee Commission under the Government of India Act 1919.
• Establishment (October 1, 1926) - Set up under the Public Service Commission (Functions) Rules, 1926, with Sir Ross Barker as its first Chairman and four members.
• Federal Public Service Commission (1937) - Reconstituted under the Government of India Act, 1935 with expanded responsibilities.
• Constitutional Transition (January 26, 1950) - Renamed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution as an independent constitutional body.

Constitutional Safeguards

Reference

PM India | PM’s address at the Centenary Celebrations of UPSC