Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Latest News

Recently, Dr. Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Articles 315 to 323 of the Indian Constitution.
• It was initially formed on October 1, 1926, and acquired constitutional status on January 26, 1950.
• Article 315 provides for the establishment of a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State.

Composition and Appointment

• The UPSC comprises a Chairman and other members, whose number is determined by the President of India.
• Members are appointed by the President, and at least half of them must have held office under the Government for at least 10 years.
• The Chairman and members hold office for a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Resignation and Removal Provisions

• A UPSC member or Chairman may resign by writing to the President of India.
• They may be removed by the President on specific grounds mentioned in the Constitution.
• In case of ‘misbehavior’, the President must refer the matter to the Supreme Court for inquiry.
  • If the Supreme Court upholds the charges, the President can remove the individual based on its advice.

Post-Tenure Employment Restrictions

• The UPSC Chairman is not eligible for any further employment in the Government of India or any State.
• Members (excluding Chairman) may be appointed as:
  • Chairman of the UPSC, or
  • Chairman of a State Public Service Commission,
  • But they are not eligible for any other office of profit under the Government.
• The Chairman or any member cannot be reappointed for a second term.

Duties and Powers of UPSC

• The UPSC is India’s central recruitment agency, responsible for conducting:
  • Civil Services Examination (CSE),
  • Engineering Services Examination (ESE),
  • Combined Medical Services (CMS), and others.
• It advises the President and Governors on matters related to: Appointments, transfers, disciplinary actions, and Framing recruitment rules and procedures.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) FAQs

Q1: Under which article of the Indian Constitution is UPSC constituted?
Ans: UPSC is constituted under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.

Q2: What is the main function of UPSC?
Ans: UPSC conducts examinations for recruitment to All India Services, Central Services, and Group A & B posts under the Government of India.

Q3: Who appoints the Chairman and members of the UPSC?
Ans: They are appointed by the President of India.

Source: HT