PM Modi Releases ₹100 Coin on Union Public Service Commission

The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, released the ₹100 commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the Centenary of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) today, on October 1, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also released a book titled ‘100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India’.

The release ceremony was attended by the Union Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Shri Jitendra Singh, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Shri P. K. Mishra, Cabinet Secretary Shri T. V. Somanathan, Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, Dr. Ajay Kumar, Members of State Public Service Commissions, senior officers of the Government of India, academicians, UPSC officials, and other stakeholders from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described the UPSC’s centenary as a celebration of the aspirations of India’s youth and the trust placed in the institution. He paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for strengthening the administrative framework of independent India and highlighted the UPSC’s transformation from its origins in 1926 to its role in a free and democratic nation.

Looking ahead to 2047, Shri Modi emphasized that recruitment processes must evolve with the changing aspirations of citizens and the challenges posed by technology, artificial intelligence, information warfare, deepfakes, climate change and other emerging issues. He stressed that selection should assess not only academic knowledge but also motivation for public service, foresight, empathy and complex problem-solving abilities.

The Prime Minister called for a shift from the traditional ‘Mai-Baap’ approach to governance towards ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’, placing the citizen at the centre of administration. He identified the principles of being “Pro-People, Pro-Active, Good Governance” as the foundation of the administrative culture required for 21st-century India.

He also emphasized the need to reduce examination timelines through greater use of technology and the principle of ‘Time Certainty’, noting that prolonged examination cycles impose financial and other burdens on candidates and their families. He encouraged the UPSC and State Public Service Commissions to strengthen institutional capacity, share best practices, adopt global standards and make greater use of digital platforms such as i-GOT under Mission Karmayogi.

Highlighting the expanding participation of women and candidates from rural areas, the Prime Minister noted the significant widening of opportunities in civil services. He reminded the commissions that their responsibility extends beyond selecting candidates, as those selected will eventually represent the government and serve citizens at the grassroots level.

As the UPSC enters its second century, Shri Modi called for continued modernization while safeguarding the institution’s core values of independence, impartiality, merit, confidentiality and fairness.

This release marks the 13th commemorative coin of the year 2026, minted by the India Government Mint, Mumbai. The bookings for the commemorative sets are expected to open soon on the official India Government Mint website and will be updated under the current and upcoming bookings section.