Why in News: UPSC completes 100 years (1926–2025) as India’s constitutional body ensuring merit-based recruitment. It represents fairness, trust, and integrity, key pillars of good governance.
Historical Evolution
- 1919: Govt of India Act first provided for Public Service Commission.
- 1924: Lee Commission recommended independent recruitment free from political influence.
- 1926: Public Service Commission established under colonial rule (Sir Ross Barker, Chairman).
- 1935: Became Federal PSC under Govt of India Act, 1935.
- 1950: Constitutional status as UPSC under Article 315.
- Post-independence expansion: Beyond civil services → engineering, forest, defence, medical, statistical services.
Pillars of UPSC
- Trust: Millions of aspirants assured outcomes depend only on merit.
- Integrity: Resistance to political pressure, strict confidentiality.
- Fairness: Equal access for rural–urban, privileged–underprivileged, English–vernacular candidates.
- Transparency: Anonymous evaluation, impartial procedures.
- Level playing field: A national institution bridging India’s inequalities.
Role in Nation-Building
- Conducts world’s largest exam (10–12 lakh prelim applicants annually).
- Complexity handled: 2,500+ prelim centres; 48 optional subjects; 22 constitutional languages; provisions for PwD candidates.
- Produces administrators who:
- Steered India through crises & reforms.
- Managed infrastructure, economy, environment.
- Contributed silently to governance across sectors.
- UPSC embodies Bhagavad Gītā’s nishkama karma principle — duty without attachment.
Reforms
- Technological reforms: Online portals, face-recognition for impersonation control.
- PRATIBHA Setu initiative: Employment support for interview-cleared aspirants.
- Adoption of AI & digital tools: Efficiency without compromising integrity.
- Maintaining neutrality in era of rising populism and digital disruptions.
Conclusion
UPSC is a gold standard of integrity, fairness and excellence. A century later, it continues to inspire faith in meritocracy as the foundation of governance.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, International relations)
- Role of constitutional bodies (UPSC under Art. 315–323).
Mains Practice Question
Q.1. “The UPSC, as it enters its centenary year, stands as a guardian of meritocracy and a symbol of institutional integrity in Indian democracy.”Discuss the historical evolution, core principles, and contemporary reforms of UPSC. (250 words)