Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for more young people to join public services with a focus on serving citizens rather than seeking public office.
Speaking at the UPSC centenary celebrations in New Delhi on Thursday, Modi said recruitment should look beyond a candidate’s knowledge and skills. He said the process should also consider why a person wants to join the civil services.
Modi said the two key values for public service should be “nation first” and “citizen first.” He also said serving citizens should remain the main priority.
The event marked 100 years of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The commission was established on October 1, 1926.
During the programme, Modi released a commemorative coin, a stamp and a book titled 100 Landmark Judgements: Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India.
The centenary celebrations began on October 1, 2025, and concluded with Thursday’s programme.
