UPSC proposes to Establish Centre of Excellence as Repository of Best Practices

Newdelhi:3/9/25:The Union Public Service Commission proposes to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) as a repository of best practices of UPSC and various State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), as part of its upcoming Centenary year Celebrations (1st October 2025 – 1st October 2026). This was announced by UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar while chairing a meeting with Chairpersons and Members of State PSCs, in the presence of UPSC Members Dr. Dinesh Dasa and Ms. Anuradha Prasad. This meeting was organized via video conference to seek participation and cooperation of State PSCs for UPSC’s Centenary year celebrations.

Dr. Ajay Kumar informed that the idea of the Centre of Excellence will serve as a knowledge hub of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), innovations, and key takeaways from UPSC and State PSCs. He emphasized that while UPSC would take the lead in setting up this CoE, the active contribution of State PSCs in knowledge-sharing and best practices will be crucial. He also invited inputs and suggestions from all the Chairpersons of the PSCs for the proposed CoE. The CoE, Dr. Kumar added, will not only benefit UPSC and State PSCs but also assist other national recruitment bodies in strengthening their examination and selection processes.

Highlighting the shared vision of recruiting efficient, impartial, and competent civil servants, Dr. Kumar recalled the unique, robust character of India’s recruitment system, under which lakhs of talented youth have been selected over decades to serve the nation through both UPSC and State PSCs. He also reminded participants that UPSC was established on 1st October 1926, and the centenary celebrations provide a moment to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future of public service recruitment.

During the meeting, the Chairman also recalled the success of the ‘Pratibha Setu’ portal, through which candidates who reached the interview stage but could not make it to the final list were given opportunities for recruitment in semi-government, quasi-judicial, and private organizations—reflecting UPSC’s commitment to wider talent utilization.

Several valuable suggestions emerged from the State PSCs, particularly the need to increase awareness about public service examinations in aspirational districts, many of which still witness low participation. Members highlighted that despite the immense talent pool in these regions, limited access to information, guidance, and resources often acts as a barrier for deserving youth. It was emphasized that greater outreach, awareness campaigns, and mentoring initiatives are essential to bridge this gap and ensure that aspirants from every corner of the country, including the most remote and underrepresented districts, feel motivated and empowered to compete. Such efforts, the members agreed, would make the recruitment system truly inclusive, equitable, and reflective of India’s diversity, while strengthening the pipeline of future civil servants.

Dr. Dinesh Dasa, Member, UPSC, invited the State Public Service Commissions to participate in exhibitions showcasing the best practices adopted in their respective states and to organize awareness programmes as a part of the centenary celebrations. He emphasized that the active participation of both the UPSC and the State PSCs in these initiatives would not only demonstrate the collective trust reposed in the recruitment system but also inspire aspirants across the country, who continue to look towards these institutions with great faith and hope. He also added that for the first time, members of the State Public Service Commissions, along with their Chairpersons, have been invited to participate in the centenary celebrations.

The Chairpersons and Members of 27 State PSCs participated in the meeting via virtual mode. All State PSCs assured their wholehearted cooperation and enthusiastic participation in the centenary events. The meeting was also attended by Shri Shashi Ranjan Kumar, Secretary, UPSC; Shri Jai Prakash Pandey, Additional Secretary; Shri Santosh Ajmera, Joint Secretary; and Ms. Hansha Mishra, Joint Secretary, UPSC.