Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 October 2026 attended the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking exactly 100 years since India's first Public Service Commission was constituted on 1 October 1926. Calling the occasion a milestone beyond mere institutional anniversary, Modi described the UPSC's journey as 'a celebration of the aspiration that millions of young people live every year' and 'the trust that every Indian has in this institution.'

Commemorative Releases at the Event

On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi released three commemorative items: a UPSC Centenary Commemorative Coin, a commemorative postage stamp, and a book titled '100 Landmark Judgements — Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India'. The book compiles a century's worth of significant legal and administrative rulings that have shaped how the UPSC and state commissions operate.

The Prime Minister also visited a gallery set up at the venue tracing the commission's history, urging other attendees to do the same. 'It will take only 10–15 minutes, so please do take a look,' he said.

PM Modi Pays Tribute to Bose and Sardar Patel

Reflecting on the institution's pre-Independence roots, Modi recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose appeared in the civil services examination in 1920 — a record he noted was preserved in the gallery — and that Bose had written his paper in Sanskrit, even under British administration. 'At that time, there was British rule, but they used to have papers in Sanskrit,' Modi observed.

He also invoked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, crediting him with forging the 'steel frame' of independent India's civil services. 'Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had given that steel frame. He made this institution a main pillar of independent India and empowered it,' the Prime Minister said.

Modi Hails Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar

In a notable departure from the UPSC theme, PM Modi used the platform to publicly praise Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national employed with flydubai — the budget carrier affiliated with Emirates Airlines — for an act of bravery on Wednesday that reportedly averted a major airborne incident. Modi described the act as preventing 'a 9/11-style tragedy,' citing a remark attributed to the Prime Minister of Israel on the matter.

'Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind and courage,' Modi said. He added that he had personally spoken with the pilot's father Bhupendra, mother Gita, and wife Sonal, and noted that Machchhar was 'currently undergoing treatment.' Modi called on citizens to pray for his recovery and 'salute Smit, who has brought glory to India.'

UPSC's Century: From Advisory Body to Constitutional Institution

According to the Press Information Bureau, the UPSC's institutional journey began on 1 October 1926, when India's first Public Service Commission was established as an advisory body under the British administration, with its chairman and members appointed by the Secretary of State in London. Over the following century, the commission evolved significantly in structure, status, and responsibilities, ultimately becoming an independent constitutional body.

The centenary programme drew stakeholders from across the country, including chairmen and members of State Public Service Commissions, senior Government of India officers, academicians, UPSC officials, and other dignitaries. The event was part of a two-day programme held on 30 September and 1 October, culminating year-long centenary celebrations that began on 1 October 2025.

As the UPSC enters its second century, the occasion prompted reflection on how the institution must adapt — balancing the demands of a rapidly changing public administration landscape while preserving the merit-based neutrality that has been its defining feature.