Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to Celebrate 100 Years of Service

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will mark its 100th year of existence with a year-long series of events and initiatives.

About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Constitutional Body: UPSC is an independent constitutional body created under Part XIV of the Indian Constitution (Article 315–323).
• Role: Responsible for conducting merit-based examinations for the direct recruitment of officers to the All India Services and Central Civil Services (Group A and B).
• Historical Background
  • Established: On October 1, 1926, as the Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act, 1919.
    • It was established on the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924).
  • Reconstitution: Became the Federal Public Service Commission in 1937 under the Government of India Act, 1935.
  • Renaming: Renamed to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) post-independence in 1947.
• Composition of UPSC
  • The Chairman and other members are appointed by the President of India.
  • At least half of the members should have held office for at least 10 years under the Government of India or a state.
  • Term of Office: A member holds office for 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Resignation: Members can resign by submitting a written resignation to the President.
• Removal of Members
  • Grounds for Removal (Article 317): Insolvency, paid employment outside duties, infirmity (physical or mental), or misbehavior (as per a Supreme Court recommendation).
• Functions of UPSC (Article 320)
  • Examinations: Conducting examinations for the appointment to Union services.
  • Direct Recruitment: Selection through interviews for civil services.
  • Promotion Appointments: Appointments on promotion, deputation, or absorption.
  • Recruitment Rules: Framing and amending rules for various government services.
  • Disciplinary Cases: Handling disciplinary issues within civil services.
  • Advisory Role: Advising the Government on matters referred by the President of India.
• Expenses: The expenses of UPSC, including salaries and pensions, are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Submission of Report: UPSC presents an annual report to the President, detailing its work.
• Eligible Appointments Post-Term
  • Chairman (UPSC): Ineligible for any further employment under the Government of India or a state after leaving UPSC.
  • Members (UPSC): Members are eligible for appointment as Chairman of UPSC or any SPSC but not for any other government job.

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