New Delhi

A three-member delegation from Bhutan’s Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) on Tuesday visited the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to gain insights into its examination management system and technology-driven processes.

The visit focused on understanding how UPSC conducts one of the world’s largest merit-based recruitment examinations with efficiency, transparency, and integrity. According to an official statement, the delegation was briefed in detail about the Commission’s examination cycle, including pre-examination planning, post-examination evaluation systems, and the use of advanced technology to streamline operations.

Officials explained the logistical complexity of organizing examinations across hundreds of centres nationwide, ensuring fairness and consistency in the process. Discussions also highlighted the Commission’s commitment to maintaining high standards of credibility while handling a vast number of candidates each year.

A key area of interest for the Bhutanese delegation was UPSC’s increasing reliance on digital and AI-enabled tools. These include innovations such as live face-matching technology, Aadhaar-based authentication for candidate verification, and de-duplication software to eliminate redundancies in applications. The delegation also examined the use of AI-based features in application processing and evaluation.

Particular attention was given to the Pratibha Setu portal, an initiative designed to connect non-recommended but qualified candidates with potential employers, thereby expanding opportunities beyond government recruitment.

The visiting team comprised Tshering Cigay Dorji, Commissioner of the RCSC; Tashi Tobgay, Head of Bhutan Civil Service Examination Services; and Dorji Wangchuk, Senior HR Assistant. They interacted with senior UPSC officials to understand best practices and explore areas of collaboration.

UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar emphasized the Commission’s long-standing commitment to fairness and excellence. He noted that UPSC’s systems have evolved over the years into a robust and reliable model. “Our practices reflect the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and merit, and can serve as a benchmark for institutions globally,” he said.

RCSC Commissioner Tshering Cigay Dorji described the visit as highly informative and beneficial. He said the delegation gained valuable insights into how UPSC maintains rigorous standards despite handling examinations on such a large scale. “We could understand the robustness of processes at UPSC. Among other initiatives, we are particularly interested in adapting elements of the Pratibha Setu initiative for Bhutan,” he said.

As part of their visit, the delegation also toured a UPSC examination centre and visited the Commission’s museum, which showcases its history and evolution.

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The visit underscores the growing cooperation between UPSC and Bhutan’s RCSC. Officials noted that the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions is at an advanced stage, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening public service recruitment systems through collaboration and knowledge exchange.