Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS), breaking barriers in a system previously dominated by British officers. Before 1861, only British candidates held covenanted posts, but the ICS Act of 1861 allowed Indians to compete. In 1862, Satyendranath traveled to England to prepare for the rigorous civil service examinations. His dedication paid off when he was selected in June 1863, becoming a pioneer for Indians in the ICS.

After completing his probationary training, Satyendranath returned to India in 1864 and was first posted in the Bombay Presidency. His various postings across the country helped him learn several Indian languages. Besides his official duties, he was actively involved with the Brahmo Samaj and Prarthana Samaj reform movements. Satyendranath retired from the ICS in 1897, leaving a legacy of service and social reform.