UPSC Centenary: PM Modi Pushes For Faster Examination Reforms

At the UPSC Centenary celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for faster and more efficient reforms in the country’s examination system, stressing the importance of “time certainty” in recruitment cycles. He said examinations should not be treated merely as events because delays can increase the financial and emotional burden on aspirants through coaching, rent and transportation costs. He also urged UPSC and State Public Service Commissions to share best practices, study international models, use technology to improve efficiency and consider standardising processes. Modi also highlighted the changing profile of civil-service aspirants, pointing to greater participation from women and candidates from smaller towns and rural areas. Official UPSC data shows women accounted for 3.6% of candidates recommended in 1952 and 31.2% in CSE 2025. The Commission is completing 100 years since its establishment in 1926, with its centenary celebrations focused on merit, fairness, transparency, technology and future-ready public services.