Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to act as a repository of best practices, SOPs, innovations, and learnings from UPSC and State Public Service Commissions (PSCs). This initiative aims to strengthen recruitment systems, promote knowledge-sharing, and benefit UPSC, state PSCs, and other national recruitment bodies.
Key Highlights
Purpose of CoE
- A knowledge hub for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), innovations, and lessons learned.
- To standardize recruitment practices and enhance credibility across national/state-level recruitment agencies.
- To inspire aspirants by reinforcing public trust in examination systems.
Collaboration
- UPSC to lead, with active participation from state PSCs.
- Chairpersons and members of 27 state PSCs participated in the planning meeting (virtual).
- Inputs and suggestions from all state PSCs are invited for shaping CoE.
Benefits
- Improved transparency, fairness, and uniformity in recruitment.
- Wider adoption of innovative practices across India’s examination ecosystem.
- Support to other national recruitment bodies like SSC, RRB, IBPS, etc.
Significance of CoE
- Strengthens federal collaboration between UPSC and State PSCs.
- Promotes uniform recruitment standards across India.
- Enhances credibility, transparency, and trust in the recruitment ecosystem.
- Supports the Centenary Year (1926–2026) celebrations of UPSC, by reflecting on past achievements and envisioning future reforms.
Past Successes: The Pratibha Setu Model
- Launched to provide opportunities to UPSC interview-qualified candidates who could not make it to the final list.
- Such candidates were considered by semi-government, quasi-judicial, and private organisations, ensuring talent is not wasted.
- Reflects UPSC’s focus on wider talent utilisation.
UPSC’s Robust Anti-Malpractice Mechanisms
- Sensor-enabled AI-based surveillance in exam centres.
- Aadhaar-linked fingerprint authentication to detect impersonation.
- Facial recognition for candidate identity cross-checking.
- QR-code scanning of admit cards for secure entry.
- Mobile jammers to block unauthorized communication.
- Police personnel deployed for exam paper and hall security.
These innovations reinforce UPSC as India’s most credible recruitment agency. The proposed CoE will document and propagate these practices across other bodies.
About UPSC
- Established: October 1, 1926 (as Public Service Commission); reconstituted as Federal Public Service Commission under Government of India Act 1935; renamed Union Public Service Commission post-Independence.
- Constitutional Status: Part XIV (Articles 315–323), “Services under the Union and the States”.
- Headquarters: Dholpur House, New Delhi.
- Reports to: The President of India.
- Motto: “सत्यमेव जयते” (Truth Alone Triumphs).
- Minister Responsible: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
- Scale of Operations: In 2023, around 13 lakh candidates applied for ~1,255 posts, showing its selectiveness.
- Functions:
- Conducts exams for All India Services, Central Services (Group A & B).
- Advises government on appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary matters.
- Current UPSC Chairman (2025): Ajay Kumar
About State PSCs
- Each state has a State Public Service Commission under Article 315.
- They conduct recruitment for state civil services.
- Function independently, but on similar lines to UPSC.