Guwahati: In a bid to strengthen local representation in the higher bureaucracy, the All Assam Students’ Union, in collaboration with the North East Students’ Organization, has launched Pratyasha 2.0, an initiative aimed at nurturing indigenous candidates for the civil services.
The programme seeks to prepare students from Assam and other northeastern states to succeed in the Union Public Service Commission examinations and join elite services such as IAS and IPS.
Push for Local Representation in Bureaucracy
Speaking on the initiative, Samujjal Bhattacharjya highlighted concerns over limited local representation in top administrative positions.
He noted that unless students from the region make significant inroads into civil services, key posts such as Chief Secretary and Director General of Police may continue to remain out of reach for indigenous candidates.
Addressing Low Success Rates in UPSC
The initiative comes against the backdrop of relatively low success rates of candidates from the Northeast in UPSC examinations, while aspirants from other parts of the country continue to perform strongly.
Pratyasha 2.0 aims to bridge this gap by providing structured guidance, mentorship, and financial support.
Selection Process and Key Details
Under the programme:
- 40 candidates will be selected
- 26 from Assam
- 14 from other northeastern states (selected by NESO)
- Applications are open until May 15, 2026 via online and offline modes
- An entrance examination will be held on May 31, 2026
- Exam centres: Guwahati, Tezpur, Sivasagar, and New Delhi
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo a viva voce
Selected candidates will be sent to New Delhi for coaching at Next IAS.
Financial Support and Training
AASU will bear the entire cost of coaching and stay, along with providing a monthly stipend of ₹12,000 to each selected candidate.
This comprehensive support system aims to remove financial barriers and allow aspirants to focus entirely on their preparation.
Call to Aspirants
Dr. Bhattacharjya urged UPSC aspirants from Assam and the Northeast to take advantage of this opportunity and contribute to governance and development in their home states.
Strengthening Regional Governance
The Pratyasha 2.0 initiative reflects a broader push to build a cadre of administrators with deeper local understanding, which could enhance policy implementation and governance outcomes in the region.
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