From colonial roots to constitutional status: The history of UPSC

UPSC was established on October 1, 1926. Its Centenary Year is being celebrated in 2026. Here are some key facts about it:History of UPSC• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier constitutional body for recruiting civil servants.• Its origin goes back to the colonial era. The idea of a Public Service Commission in India was first recommended by the Lee Commission (1924) to ensure merit-based recruitment.Lord Cornwallis: The architect of modern civil services in IndiaContributions of Father of Civil Services in India:Merit-based recruitment: Introduced a system where appointments were based on merit, ensuring a more efficient and effective administration.Salary fixation: Fixed salaries for civil servants to reduce corruption and promote integrity.Ethical standards: Established a code of conduct for civil servants, promoting professionalism and discipline in the administration.Impact: Lord Cornwallis’ reforms transformed the civil services in India, creating a more organised, disciplined and professional bureaucracy that served as a model for future administrations.First IAS exam• The first Civil Services Examination in India was conducted in 1922 under British rule, in Allahabad.• Before that, Indians had to travel to London (UK) to appear for the exam (from 1855 onwards).First IAS officer• Satyendranath Tagore (elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore) became the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Services (ICS) in 1863.• After Independence, ICS was replaced by the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).Acts under which UPSC was created1. Government of India Act, 1919 – Provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission in India.2. Government of India Act, 1935 – Provided for the establishment of Federal Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commissions.3. Constitution of India (1950) – Articles 315 to 323 (Part XIV) provide for UPSC and state PSCs.Public Service Commission• First Public Service Commission was set up on October 1, 1926 in India.• It had a Chairman Sir Ross Barker and 4 other members.• After Independence, it was renamed Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), with constitutional status from 26 January 1950.Summary for UPSC exams• First ICS exam in India: 1922 (Allahabad)• First Indian ICS officer: Satyendranath Tagore (1863)• First Public Service Commission: 1926 (Ross Barker)• UPSC created under: Government of India Act 1919, strengthened by 1935 Act, constitutionalized in 1950• Centenary year of UPSC: 2026UPSC history – Quick revision table YearEventSignificance1855ICS (Indian Civil Services) exam started in LondonIndians had to travel to UK1863Satyendranath Tagore became first Indian ICS officerBroke the British monopoly1919Govt of India Act 1919 provided for setting up a Public Service CommissionFirst legal basis1922First Civil Services exam conducted in India (Allahabad)Beginning of Indian exams1924Lee Commission ReportRecommended PSC for India1926(Oct 1)First Public Service Commission set up in India (Chairman: Sir Ross Barker)Precursor of UPSC1935Govt. of India Act 1935 created Federal & Provincial PSCsExpanded role1950(Jan 26)Constitution of India came into force – UPSC given constitutional status under Articles 315-323Final structure2026UPSC Centenary Year100 years since creation (1926–2026)Key takeaways for Prelims & Mains• First exam in India – 1922 (Allahabad)• First Indian ICS officer – Satyendranath Tagore (1863)• First PSC in India – 1926, Ross Barker (Chairman)• UPSC Centenary – 2026

From colonial roots to constitutional status: The history of UPSC

Explainer

Ravneet Kaur

TNS

From colonial roots to constitutional status: The history of UPSC

Explainer

Ravneet Kaur

TNS

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article