The event marked 100 years since the first Public Service Commission was established in India in 1926. It also closed a year-long celebration that began in October 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission at Bharat Mandapam, setting out the principles he believes should guide recruitment into public service and calling for closer coordination among the country’s recruitment bodies.
Earlier reporting noted: Must bring youth into public services who are not attracted to public office: PM Modi at UPSC centenary celebrations Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 1, 2026) said the country must bring youth into public services who are not attracted to public office. He said every selection should be judged against both, so that those entering public service understand their responsibility towards the country and its people.
The PM said two principles should always be kept in mind while selecting candidates for public service. The first is “Nation First” and the second is “Citizen First. He said greater collaboration, wider use of technology and sharing of best practices can make recruitment more efficient and better suited to the needs of a changing India. Earlier reporting noted: Addressing an event in New Delhi, he said it is essential that the recruitment examination does not just test what a candidate knows but also sees that “why that youth wants to come into civil services”. For us, the service of the citizen is paramount,” he said.
Modi also asked whether the processes and procedures followed by different public service commissions can be standardised where appropriate. Meaning, the citizen of the country is no less than a deity to us.
Earlier reporting noted: “Our mantra is… citizen is God.
Why commissions matter for a developed India
On the occasion, Modi released a UPSC Centenary Commemorative Coin, a Commemorative Stamp and a book titled 100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India.
Speaking about the larger goal of a “Viksit Bharat,” the PM said the country needs effective governance to get there. He said the UPSC and the State Public Service Commissions have an important role in this effort. The PM said those chosen through these institutions will play a significant role in building a developed India and will also be among its biggest beneficiaries. The first day, September 30, featured “Shatabdi Samaroh – Manthan”, with addresses by eminent speakers and panel discussions.
The celebrations ran over two days at Bharat Mandapam. Thursday’s programme brought together UPSC members, representatives of State Public Service Commissions, senior officers and academics.
