New Delhi: Marking a historic milestone, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) stepped into its 100th year of service today. Established in 1926 under Sir Ross Barker, the Commission has evolved into India’s most prestigious institution for civil service recruitment.
The centenary celebrations began with a first-of-its-kind virtual town hall where Chairman Ajay Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer, directly interacted with UPSC aspirants across the nation.
The event, live-streamed from 12 PM to 1 PM on DD News’ YouTube channel, allowed thousands of students to ask questions via social media under the hashtag #AskChairmanUPSC.
Chairman Ajay Kumar’s 5 Success Tips for UPSC Aspirants
During the live interaction, Chairman Kumar emphasized five core principles for aspirants aiming to crack the civil services exam –
Stay Curious
“Never stop questioning or learning. Curiosity is the foundation of civil service.”
Be Consistent
“Regular, disciplined study beats occasional intense efforts. Build momentum over time.”
Focus on Your Goal
“Don’t get distracted by trends or peer pressure. Know why you started and stick to it.”
Adopt a Positive Mindset
“Failures are part of the journey. Learn from them and move ahead with renewed energy.”
Manage Your Time Wisely
“There is enough time – it’s how you use it that makes the difference.”
A Powerful Message from the UPSC Chairman
Ajay Kumar also delivered an inspiring message to students – one that resonated beyond exam preparation –
“Aspirants are not just candidates preparing for an exam – they hold the real potential to contribute to the nation. Our aim is to provide you with a platform, because each one of you has the capacity to become a true warrior for our beautiful country.”
He encouraged aspirants to dream big, stay disciplined, and never lose sight of their values. Importantly, he reminded them –
“Not clearing UPSC is not the end of the world – there are always other paths and opportunities waiting for you.”
A Year of Reflection and Celebration
The centenary year will be observed through a series of initiatives, including lectures, outreach programmes, and publications that highlight the UPSC’s journey and its role in shaping India’s governance.
Ajay Kumar, the current Chairperson, symbolically bridges 100 years of UPSC’s legacy – from colonial-era roots to a modern, transparent, and technology-driven recruitment system.
