• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the creation of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to serve as a repository of best practices in recruitment.
• The initiative, revealed by UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar during a virtual meeting with the Chairpersons and Members of 27 State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), aims to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and innovation in India’s recruitment system.
• The CoE will act as a knowledge hub, consolidating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), innovative measures, and successful models of recruitment to ensure uniformity and improved standards across UPSC and State PSCs.
• It will also encourage modern tools, digital practices, and transparency in examinations.
• Key highlights included the mention of Pratibha Setu Portal, which provides employment opportunities to candidates who cleared the UPSC interview stage but could not find a place in the final merit list.
• The CoE is expected to function as a collaborative platform, fostering cooperation between UPSC and State PSCs, thereby promoting cooperative federalism in recruitment.
• Significance:
• For aspirants: Fairer recruitment policies, more opportunities, and transparent exams.
• For governance: Uniform standards across states, efficiency in recruitment, and improved knowledge sharing.
• Constitutionally, the UPSC is established under Articles 315–323 of the Indian Constitution.
• Its functions, under Article 320, include conducting examinations, recruitment, and advising on appointments to Union services.