First Indian to Join Indian Civil Services

Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service. He was the elder brother of Guru Dev Rabindranath Tagore. Before 1861, only British officers were appointed to all covenanted posts. The ICS Act of 1861 established the Indian Civil Service. But it was not an easy task for the Indians to go to England and compete with the British for a position. Satyendranath Tagore went to England in 1862 to prepare for and compete in the civil service examinations. Satyendranath was selected for the Indian Civil Service in June, 1863. He completed his probationary training and returned to India in November 1864. His first posting was at Bombay Presidency. During the course of his service, Satyendranath Tagore traveled throughout the country. His posting outside Bengal helped him to learn several Indian languages. Satyendranath Tagore took keen interest in the activities of Brahmo Samaj and Prarthana Samaj. He retired from ICS in 1897.