UPSC turned 100 on October 1

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. The journey began on October 1, 1926, marking 100 years since its establishment.

It has played its part in nation-building by delivering qualified candidates to the nation so that they could take our nation forward

Major Exams

Civil Service

NDA NA

CDS

Engineering Service Exam

CAPF AC LDCE exam

Combined Medical Service Exam

IES/ISS Exam

History

According to the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919, and the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924), the Public Service Commission established in India on 1st October 1926. Later it got its name the Federal Public Service Commission (1937), it again got its new name as the Union Public Service Commission with the adoption of India’s Constitution on 26th January 1950.

First Competitive Exam

The first exam conducted related to what is today UPSC was the Indian Civil Service (ICS) Examination, held in India for the first time in 1922 at Allahabad under British rule. Before that, candidates used to travel to London for the exam that began in 1855.

The Union Public Service Commission itself was founded later, on October 1, 1926, initially called the Public Service Commission, with Sir Ross Barker as the first chairman. It was established following the recommendations of the Lee Commission in 1924 to bring merit-based recruitment within India.

Key Highlights of UPSC’s Centenary:

The celebration will continue for one year until October 1, 2026.
UPSC is releasing a special centenary logo and tagline symbolizing its century-long commitment to merit, integrity, and excellence.
The Commission will launch several new initiatives and reforms during this period, including enhanced engagement with candidates and modernization of recruitment processes.
UPSC has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s civil services by upholding transparency and meritocracy through its rigorous selection system.
The centenary festivities include a focus on institutional reform, expanding inclusivity, and leveraging digital tools for better service.

As part of its 100th anniversary centenary celebrations starting from October 1, 2025, the UPSC has launched several new initiatives and reforms including:

A special centenary logo and tagline symbolizing UPSC’s century-long service to the nation.
The launch of portals such as “My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality” to engage with aspirants and civil servants by collecting personal stories about their UPSC interview experiences.
Pratibha Setu App launced before its centenary occasion for candidates of Civil Servant who could not make to the final stage.
It is yielding result many government enterprises are recruiting candidates through this process

First Chairper after Independence