Dr. Ajay Kumar, a 1985 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

• The appointment is made under Article 316(1) of the Constitution of India.

Eligibility for UPSC Chairmanship

• Appointing Authority: The President of India.
• Tenure: Up to six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
• A person must have:
  • Served as a member of the UPSC, or
  • Held significant experience in public service (as in the case of Dr. Ajay Kumar, a former Defence Secretary).

Also Read: UPSC Chairman List

About UPSC

• Established: As the Public Service Commission on October 1, 1926; reconstituted as Union Public Service Commission in 1950.
• Constitutional Status: Provided under Articles 315–323 in Part XIV of the Constitution.
• Mandate: Recruitment to All India Services and Central Services Group A and B.
  

Composition of UPSC

• Chairman + typically 9 to 11 members.
• Members are appointed by the President of India.
• Tenure of each member: 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
• Conditions of service and number of members are determined by the President under Article 318.

Key Functions of UPSC

1. Conducting Examinations for:
   • All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS)
   • Central Services (e.g., Civil Services, NDA, CDS, IFS exams)
2. Direct Recruitment:
   • Through interviews, written tests, or a combination of both.
3. Advisory Role to Government on:
   • Recruitment methods for various posts.
   • Promotions and transfers in civil services.
   • Disciplinary cases involving civil servants.
4. Framing and Amending Recruitment Rules:
   • Consultation in drafting and updating rules for recruitment to government services.
5. Handling Disciplinary Matters:
   • Including penalties, departmental inquiries, and legal cases involving misconduct by civil servants.