Coaching unnecessary for exams, declares UPSC chief at centenary celebration

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), celebrating the start of its centenary year on Wednesday, launched its new logo and centenary emblem to commemorate 100 years of history, and also launched the "My UPSC Portal."

Dr Ajay Kumar, the incumbent chairman of UPSC, who has brought in meaningful change in the systems and services of the commission through innovative ideas and their execution, gave a vision for the future for the role of the commission in nation-building. For the first time, UPSC has started directly engaging with civil service aspirants nationwide through a virtual town hall hosted by its chairman.

During this session, Dr Kumar pointed out some initiatives and mentioned that the UPSC syllabus is so conceptualized that coaching isn't required. He also emphasized that UPSC has taken a firm stand with a zero-tolerance approach against cheating.

While posting on LinkedIn, Ajay Kumar wrote, "Excited about organising UPSC town halls for the first time.". Aspirants from all over the country may directly reach me on October 1 between 12 and 1 pm on the YouTube channel of DD News." He also said that UPSC will make itself more accessible to aspirants through efforts like the anecdote portal "My UPSC Interview" and by introducing new visual identities in the shape of the UPSC and centenary logos.

He reiterated that UPSC is committed to modernisation going beyond the examination system with an intent to forge stronger links with the youth and ensuring the values of merit, transparency, and service remain abiding commitments in the future.

Referring to the targets of the centenary year, Dr Kumar stated that UPSC would be engaging more closely with the state public service commissions, exchanging best practices, and making its feedback mechanisms more robust so that its selection process is even more inclusive and responsive. He further emphasized inclusivity, digitalization, and interaction with a new generation of candidates as major priorities since a significant proportion of candidates are increasingly hailing from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Increasing usage of digital technology and AI is making the Commission ready to serve Gen-Z and the next generation of aspirants, while it continues to maintain its foundational values of fairness, transparency, and integrity," Dr Kumar said.

As a part of the centenary year celebrations, UPSC also introduced a special anecdote website, "My UPSC Interview: From Dream to Reality." The project encourages current and former civil servants to come forward and write about their experiences in front of the UPSC interview panel.

The entries, to be submitted on or before December 31, 2025, will document the defining moments of candidates' paths to public service. A collection of winning entries will be published during the centenary year in 2026," an official explained.