UPSC Chairman to Host First-Ever Live Virtual Town Hall for Civil Services Aspirants

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is all set to create history by hosting its first-ever live virtual town hall with Civil Services aspirants across India. This initiative is part of the Commission’s centenary celebrations, providing a unique platform for aspirants to engage directly with UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar, gain insights into the examination process, and understand the evolving frameworks of civil service recruitment.

A Landmark Engagement for Aspirants

For the first time, UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar will interact directly with aspirants in a one-hour live session scheduled on October 1, 2025, from 12 noon to 1 pm. The session will be broadcast live on DD News’ YouTube channel, ensuring accessibility to candidates nationwide. This initiative reflects UPSC’s commitment to transparency and aspirant engagement, creating an unprecedented opportunity for direct communication with the top authority of the Commission.

In a LinkedIn post, Chairman Kumar expressed his excitement:
"Excited to host the first-ever UPSC Virtual Town Hall! Aspirants across India can engage with me directly on 1 Oct 2025, 12–1 PM, live on DD News YouTube."

How Aspirants Can Participate

UPSC has made provisions for pre-submitted and real-time questions during the live interaction. Aspirants and stakeholders can send their queries via email to interactwithupsc@gmail.com between September 28 and 30, 2025, with a strict deadline of 10 am on September 30. Questions can be submitted in text or video format, allowing participants flexibility in engaging with the Commission.

In addition to email submissions, real-time questions can be posed during the live session using social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram. The official hashtag #AskChairmanUPSC has been designated to facilitate live interaction. This dual-channel approach ensures that aspirants from all corners of India, including remote areas, can participate actively in the discussion.

A Unique Insight into the Examination Process

The virtual town hall is not merely a Q&A session; it is designed to offer aspirants direct insights into UPSC’s examination and selection process. Participants can expect to learn about reforms, evaluation methods, examination policies, and the Commission’s vision for enhancing transparency and fairness in recruitment. Chairman Kumar has emphasized that this engagement aims to clarify aspirants’ queries, address their concerns, and foster a better understanding of the civil services examination process.

This interactive format also allows candidates to hear directly from the highest authority in the Commission, making it a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between aspirants and policymakers. By participating, candidates gain firsthand knowledge that can shape their preparation strategies and provide clarity on procedural and policy-related aspects of civil service examinations.

Commemorating 100 Years of UPSC

This year marks the centenary of the Union Public Service Commission, established on October 1, 1926, under the Government of India Act, 1919, following the recommendations of the Lee Commission. Originally named the Public Service Commission, the body was later renamed the Federal Public Service Commission in 1937 and finally became the Union Public Service Commission after adopting the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950.

To celebrate 100 years of service, UPSC has planned a year-long centenary celebration from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2026. This milestone highlights UPSC’s journey in shaping India’s civil services and continuing commitment to recruitment excellence and administrative integrity.

UPSC will also launch a Centre of Excellence (CoE) as part of the centenary initiatives. This CoE will act as a repository of best practices for UPSC and State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), promoting learning, research, and innovation in public service recruitment. The establishment of this Centre reinforces the Commission’s focus on modernizing processes while maintaining fairness, efficiency, and transparency.

Importance of the Town Hall in Aspirants’ Journey

The virtual town hall offers multiple benefits for aspirants:

• Direct Engagement: Aspirants can interact with the UPSC Chairman personally, asking questions and receiving clarifications on examination procedures, reforms, and policy updates.
• Transparency: UPSC demonstrates its commitment to transparency in recruitment processes by providing a live platform.
• Centenary Significance: The event coincides with UPSC’s 100-year celebrations, emphasizing the Commission’s historic role in shaping India’s administrative landscape.
• Guidance for Preparation: Aspirants gain insights that can help refine their preparation strategies, understand evaluation methods, and navigate the complexities of civil service examinations.

Chairman Kumar has highlighted the event as a unique opportunity for candidates to understand how UPSC evaluates, reforms, and implements policies, directly from the source. Such engagement also encourages aspirants to be more informed and confident about their journey in the civil services.

How to Access the Virtual Town Hall

• Date & Time: October 1, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
• Platform: DD News YouTube channel
• Email for Questions: interactwithupsc@gmail.com (Sept 28–30, 10 AM deadline)
• Social Media Interaction: Use #AskChairmanUPSC on X, Facebook, or Instagram for live questions

By offering multiple channels for participation, UPSC ensures that aspirants nationwide, regardless of location, can benefit from this historic interaction.

Conclusion

The first-ever UPSC Virtual Town Hall represents a significant step toward greater transparency, aspirant engagement, and modernized communication between the Commission and candidates. Coinciding with UPSC's 100th anniversary, the initiative reflects the Commission’s vision of a forward-looking, aspirant-centric approach. Through this live session, aspirants will have a rare opportunity to engage with Chairman Ajay Kumar, clarify their doubts, and gain valuable insights into the examination process and civil service recruitment in India.