‘Three of Four Women UPSC Chairpersons Appointed After 2014’: PM Modi Highlights Rising Participation

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Modi also noted that four women have served as chairpersons of the commission in its history, with three of the appointments taking place after 2014.

“Women’s participation is also increasing day by day in the civil services examination. In 1952, there was only 3 per cent participation of women, but today it is 30 per cent. In the entire history of the UPSC, there have been four women chairpersons, of whom three were appointed after 2014,” he said.

The four women to have headed the UPSC are Rose Millian Bathew, the first woman chairperson of the commission, followed by Rajni Razdan, Preeti Sudan and Alka Sirohi.

“This change is not only about numbers; it shows that the opportunities have increased,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi also pointed to the growing number of candidates appearing for the civil services examination, describing the expanding pool of aspirants as an important source of talent for the country.

Referring to the increase in the number of candidates over the decades, he said the larger pool also placed greater responsibility on the commission when selecting candidates who would go on to represent the government in public administration.

“This means that there is a big pool of talent, and it is a proud thing for the country. Now we have a bigger responsibility. When there is a bigger pool of talent, and you select one candidate, you are selecting someone who will become a representative of the government. At the ground level, people will consider them as the government,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister also underlined the UPSC's role in maintaining credibility and reliability throughout its century-long history.

“UPSC, in its 100 years, has strengthened its reliability,” he said.

During the event, Modi released a commemorative coin and stamp, along with a book titled *100 Landmark Judgements: Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India*.

The programme marked the conclusion of year-long celebrations that began on October 1, 2025, to commemorate a century since the establishment of the UPSC in 1926.