UPSC to Establish Centre of Excellence; Centenary Celebrations from October 2025

New Delhi, September 3, 2025:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to serve as a repository of best practices and innovations in recruitment, as part of its Centenary Celebrations beginning October 1, 2025.

UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar, while addressing a meeting with State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), said the CoE will act as a knowledge hub containing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), key innovations, and learnings from both UPSC and State PSCs. He invited suggestions and active contributions from PSCs to strengthen the initiative.

Highlighting UPSC's shared vision of recruiting efficient, impartial, and competent civil servants, Dr. Kumar recalled the robust recruitment system that has selected lakhs of youth over decades. He emphasized that the centenary year is an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future of India's civil service recruitment.

A key highlight of the meeting was the 'Pratibha Setu' portal, which enables wider talent utilization by offering opportunities to candidates who reach the interview stage but are not selected in the final list. Through this, semi-government, quasi-judicial, and private organizations can access a pool of skilled candidates.

State PSC members also stressed the need for greater outreach in aspirational districts, where participation in public service examinations remains low due to limited access to information and resources. They suggested awareness campaigns and mentoring programs to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunity for all aspirants.

Dr. Dinesh Dasa, UPSC Member, urged State PSCs to participate in exhibitions of best practices and awareness initiatives as part of the centenary events. For the first time, Chairpersons and Members of State PSCs will actively join the UPSC's centenary celebrations.

A total of 27 State PSCs participated virtually in the meeting and assured full cooperation for the upcoming celebrations. Senior officials of UPSC, including Shri Shashi Ranjan Kumar (Secretary), Shri Jai Prakash Pandey (Additional Secretary), Shri Santosh Ajmera (Joint Secretary), and Ms. Hansha Mishra (Joint Secretary), were also present.

The Centenary Celebrations (Oct 2025 - Oct 2026) will mark 100 years of UPSC, showcasing its role in shaping India's governance through transparent, merit-based recruitment.