New Delhi: In a landmark initiative to commemorate its Centenary Year (1925–2025), the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a special portal titled “My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality.” The portal aims to capture and document the memoirs and first-person narratives of officers who appeared in the UPSC Personality Test (Interview) during their journey to becoming public servants.
The initiative was officially announced by UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer, who shared the launch update via social media on October 1, 2025, marking the beginning of the year-long Centenary celebrations.
Reflecting on 100 Years of Legacy
Established on October 1, 1926, following the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924) under the Government of India Act, 1919, UPSC has been the bedrock of India’s civil services system. Over the past century, it has stood for trust, impartiality, fairness, integrity, merit, and excellence in public service recruitment.
As the UPSC enters its 100th year, the “My UPSC Interview” initiative is not just a celebration of history – it is a bridge between the past, present, and future of Indian governance and administration.
About “My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality” Portal
The newly launched portal is intended to gather personal memoirs, learnings, and anecdotes from those who have appeared before the UPSC Interview Board. These real-life accounts will capture the emotional, intellectual, and aspirational aspects of the interview process.
“As part of centenary year celebrations, UPSC launches ‘My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality’– a portal to capture memoirs of officers’ interview journeys,” said Chairman Ajay Kumar.
Key Objectives
- To document diverse and inspiring experiences of candidates who appeared for the UPSC Personality Test.
- To build a repository of memorable moments from the selection process.
- To highlight the life-changing nature of the UPSC Interview and how it shaped public service careers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all serving or retired members of services/organisations under the Government of India.
- Must have appeared in the Interview/Personality Test of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) or other UPSC exams in any year.
- Submissions must be self-written; entries on behalf of others will not be accepted.
Submission Guidelines
- Format: First-person narrative in English or Hindi (typed only; scanned documents not accepted).
- Word Limit: Minimum 250 words and up to 2,000 words.
Focus Areas –
- The experience of appearing before the UPSC Interview Board.
- Key moments, impressions, or turning points.
- The personal significance of the interview.
- Any interesting or motivational anecdote.
- Content must be original, non-defamatory, and plagiarism-free.
Review & Publishing Process
All submissions will be reviewed by a dedicated Screening Committee set up by the Commission. UPSC reserves the right to –
- Edit content for clarity and language, without altering the core message.
- Publish selected entries in digital or print formats.
- Use extracts in official outreach, events, and publications.
- The Commission’s decision on selection and publication will be final and binding.
Recognition for Selected Entries
- Authors of shortlisted entries may receive UPSC Centenary Memorabilia or a Special Centenary Postage Stamp.
- No monetary compensation or honorarium will be provided.
- UPSC disclaims liability for any disputes arising from submitted content.
Timeline
- Start Date: October 1, 2025
- Last Date to Submit: December 31, 2025
How to Participate
Eligible individuals can submit their entries via the official portal. For any technical assistance or queries, participants can contact:
About UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a Constitutional Authority under Article 320 of the Constitution of India, is tasked with recruiting officers for India’s civil services through a transparent and rigorous selection process. Its functions include:
- Conducting competitive exams like the Civil Services Examination.
- Direct recruitment through interviews.
- Advising the Government on recruitment rules, disciplinary matters, promotions, and deputations.
From its inception as the Public Service Commission in 1926 to its evolution into the Federal Public Service Commission (1937) and finally UPSC in 1950, the Commission has maintained its stature as a symbol of meritocracy and trust in India’s democratic framework.
Centenary Year Celebrations: A Vision for the Future
The year-long celebrations from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026, aim to –
- Reflect on a century of contribution to nation-building.
- Encourage innovation and introspection in public service selection.
- Inspire future generations to pursue careers of purpose and integrity.
The launch of the “My UPSC Interview” portal is among many such events planned to honour the past, celebrate the present, and envision the next 100 years of UPSC’s journey.
