Centenary Celebrations of UPSC

Why in News?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) completed 100 years on 1 October 2026, marking a century since the establishment of India’s first Public Service Commission on 1 October 1926. The first Commission had limited advisory powers and consisted of a Chairman and four Members appointed by the Secretary of State in Council. Sir Ross Barker was its first Chairman.

The institutional journey of public service recruitment in India, however, dates back further. The Government of India Act, 1919 provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission, while the Lee Commission (1924) recommended its early establishment. The first Commission was eventually constituted in 1926 under the Public Service Commission (Functions) Rules, 1926.

About UPSC

The first Public Service Commission was established in Delhi at Metcalfe House. In the colonial period, access to the civil services was highly restricted for Indians. The Indian Civil Service examination was initially conducted only in London, although the examination was held in India as well from 1922, with the Indian centre later shifting from Allahabad to Delhi.

Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to enter the Indian Civil Service after clearing the examination in 1863. Other early Indian entrants included Surendranath Banerjee, Behari Lal Gupta and Romesh Chunder Dutt.

After Independence, the constitutional status of the Public Service Commission was significantly strengthened. On 22 August 1949, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar moved the draft provisions concerning Union and State Public Service Commissions in the Constituent Assembly. These provisions became Part XIV of the Constitution, comprising Articles 315–323.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 315 provides for a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State and also permits the creation of a Joint State Public Service Commission for two or more States.

Article 316 deals with the appointment and tenure of the Chairman and Members, while Article 317 provides safeguards relating to their removal and suspension. Article 319 prescribes restrictions on further employment after ceasing to be a Member.

Article 320 specifies the principal functions of Public Service Commissions, including conducting examinations for appointments to Union and State services and consultation on recruitment methods, appointments, promotions, transfers and disciplinary matters.

Article 321 enables Parliament or a State Legislature to extend the functions of a Public Service Commission, while Article 322 provides that its expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. Article 323 deals with the submission of the Commission’s reports.

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