UPSC (the Commission)

Background and evolution

Recruitment to the colonial Indian Civil Service was by competitive examination held in London from 1855, following the Macaulay Committee's report. Indian demands for simultaneous examinations in India and for Indianisation of the services grew over the following decades. The Government of India Act, 1919 provided for a Public Service Commission, which was set up in October 1926 on the recommendation of the Lee Commission (1924), with Sir Ross Barker as the first chairman.

The Government of India Act, 1935 created a Federal Public Service Commission and provincial commissions. After Independence, the Constitution gave the Union Public Service Commission constitutional status from 26 January 1950, with guarantees of independence. The Commission conducts the Civil Services Examination and many others, such as those for engineering, forest, medical, defence and statistical services.

Key features and provisions

• Composition (Article 316): a Chairman and other members appointed by the President; at least half of the members must have held office for at least ten years under the Government of India or a state government. The number of members is set by the President.
• Term: six years or until age 65.
• Removal (Article 317): only by order of the President on grounds of misbehaviour after an inquiry by the Supreme Court, or on grounds such as insolvency, paid employment outside duties, or infirmity.
• Independence (Article 319): on ceasing to hold office, the Chairman is not eligible for further employment under the Government of India or a state; a member may become Chairman of the UPSC or a State PSC, but not hold other government posts.
• Functions (Article 320): conduct examinations for appointment to Union services; assist states in joint recruitment if requested by two or more states; advise on methods of recruitment, principles for appointments, promotions and transfers, disciplinary matters, claims for legal costs, and pension claims for injuries.
• Expenses (Article 322): charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Report (Article 323): annual report to the President, laid before Parliament with a memorandum explaining cases where advice was not accepted.