Celebrating 100 Years of the Union Public Service Commission

 Celebrating 100 Years of the Union Public Service Commission

This article, likely written by the UPSC Chairman, is not just a commemorative piece but a foundational text for any UPSC aspirant. It encapsulates the philosophy, history, and evolving role of the very institution that conducts the examination.

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1. Why in the News?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its establishment on October 1, 2026 (marking its origin from 1926). This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on its role as the bedrock of India's merit-based, impartial civil services.

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2. Historical Evolution: From Colonial Roots to Constitutional Pillar

Understanding this evolution is crucial for GS Paper I (History) and GS Paper II (Constitution).

Year	Event	Significance
1919	Government of India Act, 1919	First provided for a statutory civil service commission.
1924	Lee Commission Recommendations	Recommended setting up an independent commission to shield the civil service from "political or personal influences."
1926	Public Service Commission Established	Set up as an experimental measure under colonial rule. Sir Ross Barker was the first Chairman.
1935	Government of India Act, 1935	Elevated it to the Federal Public Service Commission, providing a greater role for Indians.
1950	Adoption of the Constitution	Assumed its present status as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution define its composition, powers, and functions.

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3. Core Philosophical Principles: The "Pillars" of UPSC

This is essential for GS Paper IV (Ethics & Integrity) and for building a personal ethos for the exam.

• Meritocracy: The cornerstone. Selection is based solely on intellectual caliber, analytical ability, and personality traits, not on birth, wealth, or connections.

• Impartiality & Integrity: The institution is designed to be independent of political and executive pressures. This ensures that recruitment is objective and confidential.

• Fairness & Equity: The exam provides a "level playing field" for candidates from diverse backgrounds—urban/rural, English/non-English speakers, privileged/underprivileged. The provision of 22 languages for the Mains exam is a testament to this.

• Duty without Attachment (Nishkama Karma): The article quotes the Bhagavad Gita to highlight that the UPSC performs its duty with rigour and fairness, without attachment to the outcomes. This is an ideal for civil servants as well.

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4. The Magnitude and Complexity of the Operation

This demonstrates the administrative and logistical prowess of the institution, relevant for GS Paper II (Governance).

• Scale: The world's biggest and most sophisticated competitive examination.

  • Applicants: 10-12 lakhs for the Preliminary exam.

  • Venues: Over 2,500 centres across India.

• Diversity & Inclusion:

  • Subjects: 48 optional subjects.

  • Languages: Answers can be written in English or any of the 22 scheduled languages.

  • Accessibility: Special arrangements for differently-abled candidates.

• Logistical Challenge: Managing the entire process—from setting papers in multiple languages, ensuring their secure distribution, to the anonymous evaluation by top academic experts—within a strict timeline, even during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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5. Recent Reforms and Future Outlook

Staying updated on these reforms is key for the Mains and Interview.

• Technological Integration:

  • Online application portal for ease of use.

  • Face-recognition technology to eliminate impersonation.

  • Proposed use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency (while safeguarding integrity).

• PRATIBHA Setu Initiative: A socially innovative step. It acts as a bridge for candidates who reach the interview stage (and are thus deemed competent) but don't make the final list, by facilitating employment opportunities for them in other sectors. This reduces the societal cost of the exam and values the talent acquired by aspirants.

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6. Probable UPSC Questions

A. Prelims (Factual)

1. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was established as a Federal Public Service Commission under which of the following acts?
   a) Government of India Act, 1858
   b) Government of India Act, 1919
   c) Government of India Act, 1935
   d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
   Answer: c) Government of India Act, 1935

2. The constitutional provisions regarding the composition, functions, and powers of the UPSC are mentioned in:
   a) Part X
   b) Part XIV
   c) Part XVI
   d) Part XX
   Answer: b) Part XIV (Articles 315-323)

B. Mains GS (Analytical)

GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution)

1. "The UPSC has been a guardian of meritocracy and a key institution for ensuring a capable and impartial civil service in India." Discuss the constitutional provisions and institutional mechanisms that have enabled the UPSC to play this role effectively.

2. The PRATIBHA Setu initiative of the UPSC is a novel step towards leveraging the potential of civil services aspirants. Examine its significance and potential benefits.

GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude)

1. Impartiality, integrity, and fairness are the three pillars of the UPSC. As a prospective civil servant, how would you embody these values in your own professional conduct?

2. The philosophy of Nishkama Karma (disinterested action) is cited as a guiding principle for the UPSC. Explain its relevance in the context of public service.

C. Interview

• "The UPSC exam is often called the world's toughest exam. Do you believe the process is too arduous, or is this rigor necessary to select the right individuals for the country's highest services?"

• "With the proposed use of AI in the UPSC's functioning, what are the potential benefits and risks, and how can the integrity of the process be maintained?"

• "The socio-economic profile of successful candidates has been changing over the decades. What does this tell you about the 'Indian Dream' and the role of the UPSC in shaping it?"

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