Union Public Service Commission – Constitutional Body

Union Public Service Commission

1. Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution deals with the Union Public Service Commission.
2. It deals with the composition, appointment, and removal of members along with the independence,
   powers and functions of the UPSC.
3. The UPSC consists of a chairman and other members appointed by the president of India.
4. The President on his discretion decides the number of members in the Commission.
5. The chairman and members of the Commission hold office for a term of six years or until they
   attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
6. The Constitution visualizes the UPSC to be the ‘watch-dog of merit system’ in India.
7. UPSC is only a central recruiting agency.
8. The role of UPSC is not only limited but also recommendations made by it are only of an advisory
   nature and hence, not binding on the government.
9. The same structure exists in the state as well, consisting of the same organizational setup and the same kind of functions confined to that particular state.
   (It’s called as State Public Service Commission)
10. The President can remove the chairman or any other member of UPSC from the office under the
    following circumstances:
11. If he is adjudged an insolvent (that is, has gone bankrupt); If he engages, during his term of office, in any paid employment outside the duties of his office;
    or If he is, in the opinion of the president, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind
    or body.

FUNCTIONS

1. UPSC conducts the examination for appointments to the all-India services, Central services, and public services of the centrally administered territories.
2. It assists the states in recruiting candidates requiring special qualifications.(if asked for)
3. It is consulted on the following matters:
   All matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil services and for civil posts.
4. The principles to be followed in making appointments to civil services and posts and in making
   promotions and transfers from one service to another.
5. The suitability of candidates for appointments to civil services and posts; for promotions
   and transfers from one service to another; and appointments by transfer or deputation.
6. The concerned departments make recommendations for promotions and request the UPSC to ratify
   them.
7. Any claim for reimbursement of legal expenses incurred by a civil servant in defending legal
   proceedings instituted against him in respect of acts done in the execution of his official
   duties.
8. Any claim for the award of a pension in respect of injuries sustained by a person while serving
   under the Government of India and any question as to the amount of any such award.