National Civil Services Day 2025: History, significance, celebrations — all you need to know

While inaugurating the newly created Indian Administrative Service, Patel said, “The days when the foreigners could be masters are over, and the officers must be guided by the real spirit of service in their day-to-day administration, for in no other manner can they be fit in the scheme of things.”

On this day, the Prime Minister of India honours civil service officers with the PM Awards for Excellence in Public Administration in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions.

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Additionally, the PM also encourages civil servants throughout India to be dedicated to the public interest, be dedicated to public service, and strive for excellence in their work.

This year (2025) marks the 17th Civil Services Day. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address civil servants today, on Monday, 21st April, at around 11 AM, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. He will also confer the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, as stated by the PIB.

The Prime Minister will also present 16 awards to federal personnel this year in the areas of innovation, aspirational blocks programme, and holistic development of districts. Through this, they will be acknowledged for their contributions to the well-being of regular people.