Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Background

• Established: 1st October 1926 (under Government of India Act, 1919) as Public Service Commission.
• Later became the Federal Public Service Commission (1935 Act).
• After Independence, it was given a constitutional status as UPSC under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.

Constitutional Provisions

1. Article 315 – Establishment of UPSC and State Public Service Commissions.
2. Article 316 – Appointment and term of office of members.
3. Article 317 – Removal and suspension of members.
4. Article 318 – Power to make regulations regarding conditions of service.
5. Article 319 – Prohibition on reappointment after tenure.
6. Article 320 – Functions of UPSC.
7. Article 321 – Extension of functions by Parliament.
8. Article 322 – Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of India.
9. Article 323 – Reports of UPSC submitted to the President.

Composition

• Chairman + other members appointed by the President of India.
• Strength: Not fixed; President determines the number.
• Tenure: 6 years or until the age of 65 years (whichever is earlier).
• Qualifications: Half of the members should have held office for at least 10 years under Government of India/State Government.

Functions (Article 320)

• Recruitment to All-India Services and Central Services Group ‘A’ & ‘B’.
• Conducts examinations (Civil Services Exam, Engineering Services, NDA, CDS, etc.).
• Advises Government on:
  • Matters relating to methods of recruitment.
  • Appointments, promotions, transfers.
  • Disciplinary cases.
  • Matters referred by the President.
• UPSC’s advice is not binding on the Government.

Reports

• Submits annual report to the President, who lays it before Parliament along with a statement of action taken.

Independence & Safeguards

• Members can only be removed by the President on grounds of misbehavior after an inquiry by the Supreme Court (Article 317).
• Conditions of service cannot be varied to disadvantage during tenure.
• Salaries and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, not subject to vote of Parliament.

UPSC – Prelims Quick Facts

1. Constitutional body under Part XIV (Services under the Union and the States).
2. Articles 315 to 323.
3. Members appointed by the President.
4. Tenure: 6 years or 65 years of age.
5. Can be removed only by President on SC’s report (like judges of SC/HC).
6. Reports to the President annually.

Importance

• Ensures merit-based, impartial, and transparent recruitment to All India and Central Services.
• Protects federal balance by managing All-India Services jointly for Union and States.
• Promotes bureaucratic neutrality in governance.

Issues & Criticism

• Limited role: Only advisory; government may ignore recommendations.
• Relevance in modern HR practices: Needs to adapt with technology, psychometric testing, and modern assessments.
• Delay in recruitment and backlog of vacancies.
• Overlap with other recruitment agencies (SSC, RRB, State PSCs).

Reforms Needed

• Greater transparency in selection process.
• Expansion of functions to include performance evaluation of civil servants.
• Better integration of technology in recruitment (AI, digital exams, data analytics).
• Strengthen coordination with State PSCs to avoid duplication.