UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC)

In 2026, it will be 100 years since the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which was known as the Federal Public Service Commission pre-Independence, came into existence.

To ensure “unbiased recruitment to Civil Services as also for protection of service interests”, the Constituent Assembly saw the need to accord “autonomous status” to the Commission under Article 315 of the Constitution. The primary role of the UPSC is to conduct examinations for appointment to the services of the Union, including the coveted All India Services (AIS).

About UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the central recruiting agency in India.
- It is an independent constitutional body.
  - The provisions regarding the composition of UPSC, appointment and removal of its members and the powers and functions of UPSC are provided in Part XIV of the Indian Constitution under Article 315 to Article 323.

Composition of the UPSC

Appointment of Members: The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India.
Term of Office: Any member of the UPSC shall hold office for a term of 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/Suspension of Members: The Chairman or any other member of UPSC shall only be removed from his/her office by order of the President of India.
- The President can suspend the Chairman or any other member from his/her office in respect of whom a reference has been made to the Supreme Court.
Conditions for Removal: The Chairman or any other member of UPSC may be removed if he/she:
- is adjudged 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: In the case of the UPSC, the President of India shall:
- Determine the number of members of the Commission and their conditions of service.
- Make provisions with respect to the number of members of the staff of the Commission and their conditions of service.
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.
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.
Expenses of UPSC: The expenses of the UPSC including salaries, allowances and pensions of the members or staff of the Commission are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Submission of Reports: The UPSC shall present an annual report to the President of India containing the work done by the Commission.
- The President shall provide a memorandum explaining the cases where the advice of the Commission was not accepted. All such cases of non-acceptance must be approved by Appointment Committee of Union Cabinet.
  - The reasons for such non-acceptance are presented before each House of Parliament.

Functions

The UPSC conducts examination for All-India Services Central Services and Public Services for different Indian states and Union territory.
The UPSC serves the interests of the State on the demand of the Governor and with the consent of the President of India.
The UPSC shall be consulted in the matters of:
- Demands for compensation of legal express obtained by a civil servant in defending proceeding instituted against him.
- Matters relating to the interim appointments for period exceeding one year
- Matters of personnel management etc.

Eligible Appointments After End of Term of Service?

Chairman (UPSC): The Chairman of the UPSC shall be ineligible for any further employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State.
Other Members (UPSC): A member of UPSC (other than the Chairman) shall be eligible for appointment as the Chairman of UPSC or a SPSC
- He/She is not eligible for any other employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State.

Critical Analysis

Vijaita Singh argues that the UPSC which is considered an instrument of growth and social change by lakhs of aspirants is facing questions around its credibility due to recent allegations of malpractices.
Former Finance Secretary Arvind Mayaram argued that the credibility of UPSC has been hit hard due to Puja Khedkar Issue. According to him, “it is absolutely imperative to restore the rigour, transparency and credibility of the selection process. IAS selection must be the toughest and cleanest system.”
The role of UPSC is not only limited, but also recommendations made by it are only of advisory nature and hence, not binding on the government. It is upto the Union government to accept or reject the advice.
The emergence of CVC in 1964 affected the role of UPSC in disciplinary matters.
Amitabh Kant, former NITI Aayog Chief argues that in order to restore the credibility of UPSC it is important that all such cases of fraud must be fully investigated and the sternest action taken. Selection on basis of competence and integrity should never get compromised. He is also of the opinion that recommendations of expert committee chaired by B.S. Baswan should be implemented as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

As we approach the centenary milestone of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it stands as a testament to India’s commitment to meritocracy and fair governance. The UPSC has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s civil services, ensuring that the recruitment process is both transparent and unbiased. Over the years, the Commission has navigated numerous challenges, adapting to the evolving demands of public administration while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and competence.

Looking ahead, it is crucial to address the contemporary issues facing the UPSC, including allegations of malpractices and the need for greater transparency. By implementing the recommendations of expert committees and reinforcing the rigor of the selection process, the UPSC can continue to uphold its esteemed legacy. The journey of the UPSC from its inception to its present-day form is a remarkable narrative of resilience and excellence, embodying the principles of justice and efficiency in public service.

Preferred UPSC Questions:

GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity):

Discuss the constitutional provisions and functions of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as the central recruiting agency of India.
Analyze the independence and autonomy of UPSC under the provisions of Articles 315–323 of the Indian Constitution.
How does the UPSC contribute to the principle of meritocracy in the Indian Civil Services?

GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude):

Evaluate the ethical challenges faced by UPSC in maintaining transparency and fairness in recruitment processes.
Discuss the ethical responsibilities of UPSC in ensuring unbiased selection for public services.
How can allegations of malpractices in UPSC examinations impact public trust in governance?

Essay Paper:

“The Role of UPSC in Shaping India’s Administrative Backbone: Challenges and Prospects.”

100 Years of UPSC: Evolution, Achievements, and the Path Ahead