UPSC Completes 100 Years: From ICS to Civil Services Examination, History and Women's Participation

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) completes 100 years on October 1, 2026, marking a century since India's first Public Service Commission was established during British rule. Over this period, the country's civil services recruitment system has evolved from the colonial Indian Civil Service (ICS) framework into a constitutional recruitment mechanism conducting examinations for administrative, police, foreign and other government services.

The centenary celebrations, which began on October 1, 2025, will conclude with a programme at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The occasion also highlights changes in examination accessibility, recruitment procedures and women's representation in India's civil services.

UPSC 100 Years: Key Highlights

UPSC History: From ICS to Modern Civil Services

The origins of India's competitive civil services examinations predate the establishment of UPSC. Competitive recruitment for the Indian Civil Service began in London in 1855. The system initially presented substantial barriers to Indian candidates because examinations were conducted in Britain and followed an education framework that favoured candidates familiar with British academic traditions.

Following the recommendations of the Lee Commission in 1924, the first Public Service Commission was established on October 1, 1926. Its responsibilities were initially limited, but subsequent reforms expanded the institutional framework for public service recruitment.

Major Milestones in UPSC's 100-Year Journey

Women's Participation in Civil Services Increases

One significant change in India's civil services recruitment history is the growing representation of women among successful candidates. In 1952, women accounted for just three of the 83 candidates recommended for appointment, representing approximately 3.6%.

In the Civil Services Examination 2025, whose final results were declared in March 2026, UPSC recommended 958 candidates, including 299 women. Women therefore accounted for approximately 31.2% of the recommended candidates.

Women in UPSC: Then and Now

How UPSC Examinations Have Changed

• Expansion of examination centres across different regions.
• Introduction of online application systems.
• Changes to preliminary and main examination patterns.
• Greater accessibility for candidates using Indian languages.
• Improved provisions for candidates with disabilities.
• Digital systems for recruitment information and candidate services.
• Additional examination-security measures, including identity verification.

UPSC Centenary Celebrations on October 1

The concluding centenary programme will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on October 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend and release a commemorative coin, a postage stamp and a publication examining 100 landmark judgments concerning UPSC and public service commissions.

The celebrations also include discussions involving public service commission representatives, government officials and academics. These activities provide an opportunity to review recruitment developments and institutional challenges after a century of operation.

What UPSC's Centenary Means for Aspirants

UPSC's 100-year history reflects major changes in access to competitive examinations, administrative recruitment and the representation of different groups in public service. For present-day aspirants, the centenary provides historical context for the examination system through which officers are recruited to several important government services.

The anniversary also brings attention to continuing priorities, including examination accessibility, transparency, technological improvements and maintaining consistent recruitment standards as applicant numbers and administrative requirements evolve.