Why in the news?

  • October 1, 2025, marks 100 years since the establishment of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

  • What is it?: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the central recruiting agency in India. 
  • Historical Background:
    • Origin traced to Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms) → recommended a Public Service Commission.
    • First Public Service Commission set up on October 1, 1926 under the chairmanship of Sir Ross Barker.
    • Government of India Act, 1935 → provided for a Federal Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commissions.
    • After Independence, the UPSC was given constitutional status under Part XIV of the Constitution.
  • Constitutional Provisions: UPSC is a constitutional body and its provisions are dealt under Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution.
  • Functions of UPSC
    • Recruitment
      • Conducts exams for All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) and Central Services (Group A & B).
      • Direct recruitment through Civil Services Examination, Engineering Services, Combined Defence Services, NDA, CAPF, etc.
    • Advisory Role:
      • On recruitment methods, promotions, transfers, disciplinary matters.
      • On framing/amending recruitment rules.
      • On matters referred by the President.
    • Other Functions:
      • Joint recruitment with State PSCs if required.
      • Present annual report to the President.
  • Power to Extend Functions: The Legislature of a State may provide for the exercise of additional functions by the UPSC or the SPSC as respects the services of the Union or the State and also as respects the services of any local authority or other body corporate constituted by law or of any public institution.
  • Compositions of Members:
    • Chairman and Members (number decided by President).
    • At least half of the members must have held a government office for 10 years.
  • Appointment of Members: The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India.
  • Term of Office: Six years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Reappointment: Any person who has once held the office as a member of a Public Service Commission is ineligible for reappointment to that office.
  • Resignation: A member of the Union Public Service Commission may resign from his/her office by submitting the written resignation to the President of India.
  • Removal:
    • Removed by President
    • Condition for Removal
      • Is judged an insolvent.
      • Engages during his/her term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his/her office.
      • Is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.
  • Regulating the Conditions of Service: Regulated by the President.
  • Restriction of Power: The conditions of service of a member of UPSC shall not be amended after his/her appointment that may lead to his/her disadvantage.
  • Expenses of UPSC: Charged on Consolidated Fund of India
  • Report: Submits a report to the President.

 

 

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