Page 37 – State Public Service Commission
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
State Public Service Commissions (Articles 315–323) perform recruitment for state government services and mirror UPSC at the state level.
Same constitutional articles cover both UPSC & SPSCs.
- Composition and appointments
- Removal procedure
- Role in state services
- Joint Public Service Commissions
Structure of SPSC
Composition and appointments
Composition
- Chairman + Members
- No fixed number
- Appointed by Governor
- 1/2 must have 10+ years govt service
Tenure
- 6 years OR
- 62 years of age
- Whichever is earlier
- Note: UPSC = 65 years
Removal
- Only by President (not Governor)
- After Supreme Court inquiry
- Same as UPSC removal
- Ensures independence from state govt
Reappointment
- SPSC Chairman can become UPSC member
- SPSC member can become UPSC member
- Cannot return to same SPSC
Functions of SPSC
Recruitment and advisory roles
A) Recruitment Functions
- State Civil Services Exam
- Group A, B, C state posts
- State-specific services
- Interviews & selection
- Merit list preparation
B) Advisory Functions
- Promotions of state officers
- Disciplinary matters
- Service rules framing
- Seniority disputes
- Reimbursement claims
UPSC vs SPSC Comparison
Key differences
| Aspect | UPSC | SPSC |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Central Government | State Government |
| Appointment | President | Governor |
| Removal | President (after SC inquiry) | President (after SC inquiry) |
| Age Limit | 65 years | 62 years |
| Recruitment | All-India Services, Group A/B | State Services |
Joint Public Service Commission
Special provision under Article 315
🏛️ Joint PSC – Key Features
- Two or more states can have a Joint PSC
- Created by Parliamentary Act
- On request of state legislatures
- Chairman & members appointed by President
- Serves combined recruitment needs
- Rare but constitutionally allowed
UPSC can serve state needs if requested (Art. 315(4)). This happens when state doesn't have its own PSC or needs UPSC's help.
Simulation Lab
SPSC Functions Explorer
🧪 SPSC Role Simulator
Select a scenario to see SPSC's role.
Select a scenario to see SPSC's role.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 Who appoints SPSC Chairman?
Governor appoints SPSC Chairman and members. But Governor cannot remove them – only President can remove after SC inquiry.
2 Retirement age of SPSC member is:
SPSC: 6 years or 62 age. UPSC: 6 years or 65 age. Remember: SPSC age is lower (62) than UPSC (65).
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Appointment: Governor | Removal: President (after SC inquiry)
- 2 Tenure: 6 years / 62 age | UPSC age: 65 | SPSC age: 62
- 3 Joint PSC: Two+ states | Created by Parliament | Chairman by President