New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), India’s premier civil services recruitment body, has officially entered its Centenary Year, marking 100 years of service to the nation since its establishment in 1926 under the chairmanship of Sir Ross Barker.
The milestone year was launched with a historic virtual Town Hall, where for the first time, the UPSC Chairman, Ajay Kumar, directly interacted with government job aspirants across India. The live interaction, held from 12 PM to 1 PM, set the tone for a series of initiatives planned to celebrate the Commission’s 100-year journey.
A New Identity for a New Century: UPSC Unveils Modern and Centenary Logos
To commemorate this historic occasion, UPSC revealed a new institutional logo along with a special centenary logo. Both logos reflect the Commission’s legacy and its evolving role in nation-building.
- The modern logo represents UPSC’s progressive outlook and continued emphasis on merit, integrity, fairness, and transparency.
- The centenary logo will feature prominently throughout the celebratory year, symbolizing the Commission’s unwavering commitment to excellence in public service recruitment.
“My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality” – A Groundbreaking Initiative for Aspirants
As part of the centenary celebrations, UPSC has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative titled “My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality.” This digital platform aims to collect and share real-life UPSC interview experiences of serving and retired officers who once walked the same path as today’s aspirants.
“This initiative will demystify the UPSC process and serve as a beacon for aspirants, especially those from non-metropolitan backgrounds,” said Chairman Ajay Kumar during the launch.
Key Features of the Initiative
First-Person Stories: Candidates can submit personal narratives detailing their UPSC interview experience – highlighting emotions, challenges, and learnings.
Language Options: Submissions are accepted in both Hindi and English, in a typed format (minimum 250 to maximum 2000 words).
Wider Reach: Selected entries will be published digitally and in print, making them accessible to aspirants across the country.
Mentorship Through Experience: These stories serve as a repository of practical knowledge, offering real insights into facing the UPSC Personality Test.
Empowering Aspirants with Real Stories
This initiative serves multiple purposes –
Breaking Myths: Making the interview stage feel less intimidating by showcasing relatable stories.
Educational Resource: Offering guidance on preparation, mindset, communication, and stress management.
Inspiration & Motivation: Highlighting stories of perseverance to inspire the next generation of civil servants.
Real Talk: Featuring insights on handling tough interview questions, turning points, and key takeaways.
Who Can Contribute?
Eligibility: Any serving or retired officer who has appeared in a UPSC Interview for Civil Services or other exams is eligible.
Submission Window: From October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
Where to Submit: The portal is accessible via upsc.gov.in under the Centenary Celebrations section.
Support Email: For assistance – support[dot]upscinnovate[at]digitalindia[dot]gov[dot]in
What Happens to Selected Entries?
- A UPSC screening committee will review all submissions.
- Selected stories may be edited for clarity and brevity, without altering their core message.
- Chosen entries will be published and shared widely.
- Contributors of selected entries will receive exclusive UPSC Memorabilia or a Centenary Year Postage Stamp (no monetary reward).
Legacy of UPSC: 100 Years of Trust and Nation-Building
Founded in 1926, and renamed after the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, UPSC has played a foundational role in selecting competent and ethical leaders for the Indian bureaucracy. The Commission’s journey has been rooted in the values of –
- Meritocracy
- Transparency
- Impartiality
- Service Excellence
From conducting examinations to advising on recruitment rules and disciplinary matters, UPSC has shaped the machinery that runs the government at the highest levels.
Looking Forward: UPSC’s Vision for the Next Century
The Centenary Year (Oct 1, 2025 – Oct 1, 2026) will be filled with –
- Webinars and panel discussions
- Interactive sessions with former and current officers
- Awareness campaigns across digital platforms
- Policy reforms and process innovations
UPSC also plans to explore technology-driven solutions and adaptive assessment strategies to make its selection process future-ready.
“My UPSC Interview”
The launch of the new logo and the “My UPSC Interview” initiative marks a transformative step in UPSC’s journey. Not only does it honor the past, but it also empowers the future. By sharing personal stories of civil servants who made it through the UPSC grind, the Commission is ensuring that aspirants – especially those from underrepresented regions – feel seen, heard, and supported.
The next generation of civil servants will walk in with more than just ambition – they’ll walk in with confidence, clarity, and community.
