From colonial roots to constitutional status: The history of UPSC
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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 India
Contributions 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 created
1. 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: 2026
UPSC history – Quick revision table
Year | Event | Significance |
1855 | ICS (Indian Civil Services) exam started in London | Indians had to travel to UK |
1863 | Satyendranath Tagore became first Indian ICS officer | Broke the British monopoly |
1919 | Govt of India Act 1919 provided for setting up a Public Service Commission | First legal basis |
1922 | First Civil Services exam conducted in India (Allahabad) | Beginning of Indian exams |
1924 | Lee Commission Report | Recommended PSC for India |
First Public Service Commission set up in India (Chairman: Sir Ross Barker) | Precursor of UPSC | |
1935 | Govt. of India Act 1935 created Federal & Provincial PSCs | Expanded role |
1950 (Jan 26) | Constitution of India came into force – UPSC given constitutional status under Articles 315-323 | Final structure |
2026 | UPSC Centenary Year | 100 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
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