UPSC Centenary Celebration: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam today, October 1, 2026 (Thursday). He described the organization's 100-year legacy as a reflection of public trust and the aspirations of millions of youth.
The Prime Minister stated that we need to bring young people into public service who are driven by a spirit of serving the people, rather than merely seeking a position. Therefore, it is essential that recruitment examinations... do not merely test a candidate's knowledge. They should also reveal... why these young people wish to join the civil services.
"Citizen Is God": The Guiding Mantra
Modi said service to citizens is paramount, calling the citizen "no less than a deity." He asked officers to remember two touchstones always: "nation first" and "citizen first" in every public duty they perform.
Recruitment Must Test Motivation
The Prime Minister said recruitment should assess not only what candidates know but also why they want civil services. He stressed bringing in youth who are not attracted to public office merely for its power.
Coin, Stamp and Book Released
Modi released a commemorative coin, a stamp and a book titled 100 Landmark Judgements. The two-day "Manthan" event brought together senior functionaries and speakers to discuss civil services' evolving role, innovation and institutional values.
As per the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the celebrations brought together senior public functionaries and eminent speakers for deliberations on the evolving role of civil services, innovations in public administration, and the institutional values that underpin public service.