Introduction

The year 2026 marks a pivotal milestone in the history of India’s civil services system—the centenary of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) (100 Years of UPSC). Established in 1926 on the recommendations of the Lee Commission during the late colonial period, the UPSC has evolved from a modest recruitment authority into one of the most credible and competitive public institutions in independent India. Across the span of a century, it has helped shape the modern administrative state, professionalize public service, and safeguard the meritocratic ethos central to India’s governance architecture.

For aspirants of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and State Public Service Commissions, understanding this long arc of institutional evolution is not merely historical. The UPSC’s reform cycles, examination patterns, and governance-linked mandates offer analytical insights into how the Indian state has adapted to democratization, economic transformation, and technological change. From structural reforms following independence and the integration of All India Services to the adoption of new evaluation methodologies—objective testing, personality assessment, and technology-enabled conduct—the Commission’s evolution reflects broader shifts in public administration and state capacity.

As the UPSC enters its second century, debates around transparency, inclusiveness, competence, digital governance, and future-ready bureaucracy have gained renewed prominence. Against this backdrop, a centenary review offers valuable perspective for students, scholars, and aspirants alike—situating preparation strategies within the wider institutional, constitutional, and administrative landscape of Indian civil services.

The Colonial Genesis and the Lee Commission (1919–1926)

The administrative architecture of modern India is rooted in the early 20th-century struggle for a representative and meritocratic bureaucracy. While the British Raj initially utilized the civil services as a tool for colonial maintenance, the rising tide of Indian nationalism necessitated a transition toward institutionalized recruitment. The Government of India Act of 1919 provided the first statutory basis for a Public Service Commission, yet it was the Royal Commission on Superior Civil Services in India, chaired by Lord Lee of Fareham in 1923, that catalyzed its actual formation.

The Lee Commission, established with an equal distribution of British and Indian members, addressed a critical imbalance in the ethnic composition of the superior services. Previous attempts, such as the 1917 Islington Commission, had failed to materialize into substantive change, leaving a void that the Lee Commission sought to fill with its 1924 report. The commission’s findings proposed a structured pathway for the “Indianization” of the services, a move that was both a political necessity and an administrative reform.

The establishment of the Public Service Commission on October 1, 1926, under the leadership of Sir Ross Barker, marked the official commencement of merit-based recruitment on Indian soil. However, this nascent body operated under significant constraints, primarily serving an advisory role with limited jurisdiction over the elite Indian Civil Service (ICS). Indian leaders of the time frequently criticized this limited scope, arguing that the Commission lacked the teeth to ensure true administrative independence from the British executive.

Institutional Transition: From FPSC to the Sovereign UPSC (1935–1950)

As the demand for self-governance grew, the British Parliament enacted the Government of India Act, 1935, which remains a foundational document for India’s current constitutional framework. This Act expanded the scope of public service commissions by introducing a federal structure, leading to the reconstitution of the central body as the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in 1937.

The 1935 Act was revolutionary in that it not only strengthened the central body but also mandated the creation of Provincial Public Service Commissions, thus decentralizing the recruitment process and acknowledging the administrative needs of India’s diverse provinces. This era saw the first real attempt to provide some autonomy to the governments of the provinces, expanding the electorate and necessitating a more robust bureaucratic recruitment mechanism.

The transition from the FPSC to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) occurred on January 26, 1950, with the adoption of the Constitution of India. Under the visionary leadership of the founding fathers, the UPSC was elevated from a statutory body to a supreme constitutional authority, shielded from executive interference through dedicated constitutional provisions. This transformation ensured that the “Steel Frame” of India would remain a merit-driven, impartial guardian of the nation’s administrative integrity.

The Constitutional Framework: Articles 315 to 323

The independence and functionality of the UPSC are enshrined in Part XIV, Chapter II of the Constitution. These articles provide a comprehensive safeguard for the Commission, ensuring it can perform its duties without political or executive pressure.

Article 315: The Establishment of the Commission

Article 315 mandates the existence of a Public Service Commission for the Union and a Public Service Commission for each State. It also allows for a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) if two or more states agree to have a common body, subject to Parliamentary approval. This article establishes the Commission as a permanent constitutional entity, rather than a body that exists at the pleasure of the government.

Article 316: Appointment, Composition, and Tenure

The President of India appoints the Chairman and other members of the UPSC. A unique requirement of Article 316 is that at least half of the Commission’s members must be persons who have held office for at least ten years under the Government of India or a State Government. This ensures that the Commission benefits from a wealth of practical administrative experience.

Members hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Furthermore, a person who has held office as a member is ineligible for reappointment to the same office, although a member (other than the Chairman) may be appointed as the Chairman of the UPSC or a State Public Service Commission. These restrictions are critical to preventing the pursuit of personal gain through re-appointment.

Article 317: Removal and Suspension

To maintain the highest standards of integrity, Article 317 provides a rigorous procedure for the removal of a member. A member can only be removed by the President on the grounds of “misbehavior” after an inquiry by the Supreme Court of India. The advice tendered by the Supreme Court in such cases is binding on the President. Other grounds for removal include being adjudged an insolvent, engaging in paid employment outside the duties of the office, or being deemed unfit by reason of infirmity of mind or body.

Article 318: Regulations for Service Conditions

Article 318 empowers the President to determine the number of members of the Commission and their conditions of service. Crucially, the conditions of service of a member cannot be varied to their disadvantage after appointment, a provision modeled after the safeguards provided to the higher judiciary to ensure financial independence.

Article 320: Functions of the Commission

The primary duty of the UPSC, as outlined in Article 320, is to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union. Beyond this, the Commission serves as an advisory body on a wide range of personnel matters.

Article 322 and 323: Independence and Accountability

Article 322 specifies that the expenses of the Commission, including salaries and pensions, are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India. This prevents the executive from using budgetary cuts to intimidate the Commission. Finally, Article 323 requires the UPSC to submit an annual report to the President. The President then lays this report before Parliament, along with a memorandum explaining any cases where the Commission’s advice was not accepted. This public accountability ensures that while the Commission’s advice is not strictly binding, the government must provide valid reasons for any deviation.

Constitutional Guardrails and Laxmikanth Nuances for Prelims

The UPSC is defined as an independent constitutional body created directly by the Constitution. For Prelims, specific nuances regarding its structure and members’ post-retirement status are critical:

• Acting Chairman (Article 316): The President can appoint a member of the UPSC as an acting chairman if the office of the chairman falls vacant or if the chairman is unable to perform duties due to absence.
• Post-Retirement Employment (Article 319): To ensure impartiality, the Chairman of the UPSC is ineligible for any further employment under the Government of India or any state government. A member of the UPSC is eligible for appointment as the Chairman of the UPSC or a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), but not for any other government employment.
• Financial Autonomy (Article 322): The entire expenses of the UPSC, including salaries, allowances, and pensions of members and staff, are “charged” on the Consolidated Fund of India. This means they are not subject to the annual vote of Parliament, ensuring financial independence from political cycles.

UPSC vs. SPSC: Comparative Analysis for Aspirants

While both bodies share Articles 315-323, there are significant differences in their administration that frequently appear in Prelims questions.

A critical distinction is that although the Governor appoints SPSC members, they can only be removed by the President following a Supreme Court inquiry, mirroring the process for UPSC members.

A Century of Administrative Reforms (1976–2026)

The UPSC has never been a static institution. It has evolved its examination processes and recruitment strategies through various committees to keep pace with the changing needs of Indian governance.

The Kothari and Satish Chandra Eras (1976–1989)

The D.S. Kothari Committee (1976) introduced the formal three-stage structure of the Civil Services Examination—Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test—that persists today. This was a move toward testing the “whole person” rather than just intellectual attainment. Later, the Satish Chandra Committee (1989) refined this by introducing the Essay paper and increasing the weightage of the Personality Test to better evaluate the candidates’ suitability for leadership.

The Hota and Alagh Transitions (2001–2004)

In the early 2000s, the Alagh Committee recommended testing common subjects to ensure a level playing field. Following this, the Hota Commission (2004) advocated for the introduction of an aptitude test in the preliminary stage, which eventually materialized as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in 2011. The Hota Commission also emphasized the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in transforming government and advocated for a Code of Ethics for civil servants.

The Baswan Committee and Contemporary Challenges (2016–Present)

The Baswan Committee (2016) addressed some of the most pressing contemporary issues, including the shortfall of IAS officers and the age limit of candidates. It recommended a fixed annual recruitment of 180 officers to ensure cadre stability. While its recommendations on reducing the upper age limit and removing optional papers from the Mains remain under deliberation, they continue to influence the discourse on the “future-ready” civil servant.

Prelims Spotlight: PYQ Trends and Recurring Themes

Analysis of the 2015–2025 Prelims papers indicates that the “Polity” section consistently comprises approximately 15% of the total questions. Key recurring themes include:

• Constitutional Amendments & Procedures: Frequent questions on the requirement for state ratification in specific amendments.
• Executive Powers: High focus on the pardoning powers of the President versus the Governor and the ordinance-making powers under Articles 123 and 213.
• Legislative Procedures: Deep dives into the role and composition of the Rajya Sabha, anti-defection laws, and parliamentary privileges.
• Merit Watchdog Nuances: Questions often test the advisory nature of UPSC’s recommendations, noting that while the government is not legally bound to follow the advice, it must explain its reasons for non-acceptance to Parliament under Article 323.

Regional Alignment: The Jammu and Kashmir Perspective

For aspirants from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the evolution of the UPSC is intrinsically linked to the reforms within the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). The JKPSC’s Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), commonly referred to as the JKAS, has undergone a radical transformation to align its pattern with that of the UPSC.

The SRO 103 Alignment (2018)

The alignment of the JKAS with the UPSC pattern was codified via SRO 103 of 2018. This shift ensured that aspirants from the region could utilize a unified preparation strategy for both national and regional services. The JKAS pattern now mirrors the UPSC’s three-stage process, including the qualifying nature of the CSAT and the descriptive format of the Mains.

The 2025–2026 Cycle in Jammu and Kashmir

As of January 2026, the JKPSC has successfully completed the Preliminary Examination for the 2025 cycle, with results declared on January 22, 2026. Shortlisted candidates are now preparing for the Mains examination, which serves as the final gateway to the Junior Scale of J&K Administrative Service, Police Service, and Accounts Service. The 2025 cycle identified approximately 80 vacancies, attracting thousands of graduates from across the Union Territory.

Modern Governance & Mission Karmayogi (2025–2026)

The UPSC’s recruitment is increasingly viewed through the lens of Mission Karmayogi (National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building), launched in 2020. This initiative represents a paradigm shift from “rule-based” to “role-based” competency.

• iGOT Karmayogi Platform: A digital backbone providing continuous learning opportunities for officers throughout their careers, rather than just at the entry point.
• Impact on Recruitment: The program emphasizes identifying “Domain-Expert Generalists” who can manage modern challenges like AI ethics, cybersecurity, and digital health. For aspirants, this underscores the importance of the Personality Test in assessing behavioral competencies and “Seva Bhav” (spirit of service).

The Centenary Year Celebrations (2025–2026)

On October 1, 2025, the UPSC officially entered its 100th year of service. Under the chairmanship of Dr. Ajay Kumar, the Commission launched a year-long series of events titled “Shatabdi Sammelan” to honor its legacy and chart a roadmap for the next century.

Visual Identity and Symbolism

The centenary year is marked by the unveiling of a new institutional logo and a dedicated Centenary Emblem. These visual identifiers are more than cosmetic; they represent the Commission’s core values.

• The Centenary Logo: Features a “wave motif” symbolizing the progressive and adaptive journey of the Commission over the last 100 years. The final ‘0’ in ‘100’ houses the UPSC logo, emphasizing that the institution has been at the center of every milestone in India’s administrative evolution.
• The Institutional Logo: Redesigned to include the national emblem (authority), surrounded by a wreath of banyan leaves. The banyan tree, known for its longevity and expansive canopy, represents the wisdom, resilience, and institutional stability of the UPSC.
• The Ribbon: Anchoring the design is a ribbon bearing the words “Sangh Lok Seva,” reinforcing the ethos of accountability and public duty.

Digital Outreach: “My UPSC Interview” Portal

To bridge the gap between the institution and the youth, the UPSC launched the portal “My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality” (innovateindia.mygov.in/upsc/). This platform allows serving and retired civil servants to share their personal anecdotes and experiences of appearing before the UPSC Interview Board. The initiative aims to demystify the interview process and showcase the human journey behind the “Mother of all Exams”. Selected stories will be published in a commemorative volume later in 2026.

2026 Updates: Notification Postponement and Future Outlook

The start of the 2026 examination cycle has been marked by significant administrative developments. In January 2026, the UPSC announced the postponement of the official notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026.

Analysis of the 2026 Postponement

While originally scheduled for January 14, 2026, the detailed recruitment notice was deferred citing “administrative reasons”. Historically, such delays are rare but can occur due to pending vacancy finalizations from various ministries or the integration of new technical systems such as the mandated Face Authentication at venues.

Aspirants are advised to ensure their One-Time Registration (OTR) profiles are updated, as the application window is expected to be relatively short once the notification is released.

Eligibility and Age Calculations for 2026

Despite the postponement, the reference date for age eligibility remains August 1, 2026. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and not have attained the age of 32 for the General/EWS category.

Digital Reforms and the Role of Artificial Intelligence (2026)

As the UPSC enters its second century, it is embracing a “Whole-of-Government” approach toward digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The 2026 landscape is defined by the integration of technology with trust.

India AI Governance Guidelines 2026

In early 2026, India released new AI Governance Guidelines emphasizing “innovation with guardrails”. These guidelines advocate for the ethical use of technology in public institutions, a principle that the UPSC is integrating into its selection processes. The focus is on countering misinformation and ensuring that AI-driven tools in recruitment are transparent and accountable.

Strategic Adaptation for Aspirants

The civil servant of 2026 is expected to be a “Domain-Expert Generalist” capable of navigating digital economies, cyber warfare, and AI ethics. For aspirants, this means moving beyond rote learning to “Search Intent Depth”—understanding the context and implications of policies in an interconnected world. Answer writing strategies now emphasize the use of high-impact keywords to demonstrate contemporary knowledge and analytical clarity.

Strategic Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The 100-year evolution of the UPSC is a journey from a colonial tool to a constitutional vanguard. Its resilience lies in its ability to adapt—from the limited advisory role of 1926 to the digital-first, AI-ready institution of 2026. For UPSC and JKAS aspirants, the centenary year is not just a celebration of the past but a signal of a more rigorous, transparent, and technology-driven future.

As the Commission introspects and innovates, the fundamental principle remains unchanged: meritocracy as the sole gateway to public service. The 2026 cycle, despite its initial notification delay, represents the first step into the next century of “Sangh Lok Seva,” challenging the youth to lead with vision, integrity, and competence in a rapidly evolving national and global landscape.