New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam, marking 100 years since the commission was established in 1926.
The event concluded a year-long commemoration and formed part of a two-day programme titled ‘Shatabdi Samaroh – Manthan’.
Modi’s Message to Aspirants
Modi said civil services should attract young people motivated by public service rather than public office. He said recruitment examinations should assess not only what candidates know but also “why that young person wants to enter the civil services”.
हमें दो कसौटियों को हमेशा याद रखना है।
एक – Nation First.
दूसरी – Citizen First: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 1, 2026
He also said public servants should follow two principles: “Nation First” and “Citizen First”, describing citizen service as the highest priority.
हमें ऐसे युवाओं को Public Services में लाना होगा, जो Public Office से नहीं, Public Service से आकर्षित हों।
इसलिए जरूरी है कि Recruitment की परीक्षा… सिर्फ यह न परखे कि Candidate कितना जानता है।
बल्कि वो यह भी देखे कि… वह युवा Civil Services में आना क्यों चाहता है: PM…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 1, 2026
The Prime Minister released a UPSC centenary commemorative coin, a postage stamp and the book 100 Landmark Judgements: Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India.
The celebrations brought together State Public Service Commission members, senior government officials, academicians and UPSC officials for discussions on public administration, recruitment and institutional values.
The UPSC was established on October 1, 1926, and later became a constitutional body responsible for recruitment to India’s higher civil services.
