Page 36 – Union Public Service Commission
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
UPSC (Articles 315–323) is India's premier constitutional body responsible for conducting:
- Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.)
- Central government recruitment
- Advisory functions to President
- Composition and appointment
- Powers & functions
- Removal of members
- Constitutional safeguards ensuring independence
Structure of UPSC
Composition and appointments
Composition
- Chairman + Members
- No fixed number of members
- Usually 9-11 members
- Appointed by President
Tenure
- 6 years OR
- 65 years of age
- Whichever is earlier
- Can resign to President
Qualifications
- No specific qualifications prescribed
- 1/2 members must have 10+ years govt service
- Generally eminent persons
Removal
- Only by President
- After Supreme Court inquiry
- On grounds of misbehavior
- Ensures independence
Powers & Functions
Three main areas of authority
A) Recruitment Functions
- Civil Services Exam (IAS, IPS, IFS)
- Engineering Services Exam
- Combined Medical Services
- Indian Forest Service Exam
- Group A & B posts
- Direct recruitment to central services
B) Advisory Functions
- Disciplinary matters of civil servants
- Service conditions & rules
- Promotions & transfers
- Claims for reimbursement
- Framing recruitment rules
C) Constitutional Safeguards
- Removal only after SC inquiry
- Conditions cannot be varied to disadvantage
- Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of India
- Annual report to Parliament
Evolution of UPSC
Historical milestones
First Public Service Commission created under Lee Commission recommendation
Government of India Act 1935 established Federal Public Service Commission
UPSC constitutionalized under Articles 315-323 of Indian Constitution
Conducts India's most prestigious civil services examinations
Simulation Lab
UPSC Functions Explorer
🧪 UPSC Role Simulator
Select a scenario to see UPSC's role and process.
Select a scenario to see UPSC's role.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 UPSC is governed by which Articles?
Articles 315-323 deal with UPSC & SPSCs. Art. 280 = Finance Commission, Art. 324 = Election Commission, Art. 148 = CAG.
2 Who can remove UPSC Chairman?
UPSC Chairman is removed by President after Supreme Court inquiry under Article 317. This ensures independence from executive interference.
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Art. 315-323: UPSC provisions | Tenure: 6 years / 65 age | Appointed by President
- 2 Removal: By President after SC inquiry | Expenses: Charged on CFI
- 3 Functions: Recruitment (exams) + Advisory (discipline, rules) + Annual Report to Parliament