The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India is a constitutional body responsible for recruiting candidates for various civil services and posts under the Government of India. Established on 1st October 1926 under the chairmanship of Sir Ross Barker, the UPSC has played a pivotal role in shaping India's administrative framework and ensuring the selection of competent individuals for key government positions.

Composition of the Union Public Service Commission

The composition of the UPSC is outlined in Article 316 of the Constitution of India. According to this article, the UPSC consists of a Chairman and other members appointed by the President of India. The President appoints the Chairman and members after consulting with the Governor of the respective states in the case of a Joint Commission.

The Chairman and members of the UPSC hold office for a term of six years from the date of their appointment or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The Constitution also provides for the removal of the Chairman or members on grounds of misbehavior, subject to an inquiry conducted by the Supreme Court.

Functions of the Union Public Service Commission

The functions of the UPSC are primarily defined in Article 320 of the Constitution of India. These functions can be broadly categorized into the following:

1. Conducting Examinations: One of the primary functions of the UPSC is to conduct examinations for the recruitment of candidates to various civil services and posts. These examinations include the prestigious Civil Services Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Combined Defence Services Examination, and others. The UPSC designs the syllabus, conducts the exams, and declares the results.
2. Assisting States in Recruitment: Article 320(2) empowers the UPSC to assist states, upon their request, in framing and operating schemes of joint recruitment for services where candidates with special qualifications are required. This provision facilitates cooperative recruitment processes between the Union and states, ensuring uniform standards in recruitment.
3. Additional Powers under Article 321: Article 321 of the Constitution grants the UPSC additional powers as may be prescribed by the Parliament through legislation. These powers may include advising the government on matters related to recruitment policies, conducting interviews, and recommending candidates for appointments.
4. Advisory Role: While the UPSC's recommendations are advisory in nature and not binding on the government, they carry significant weight. The government is expected to give due consideration to the UPSC's recommendations, especially in matters of recruitment and appointments to key positions.
5. Monitoring Recruitment Processes: The UPSC monitors the recruitment processes to ensure fairness, transparency, and meritocracy. It verifies eligibility criteria, conducts interviews and personality tests where required, and recommends candidates based on their performance in the selection process.
6. Policy Recommendations: Apart from recruitment, the UPSC may also provide policy recommendations to the government regarding the structure and functioning of civil services, training programs for civil servants, and other related matters. These recommendations aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the administrative machinery.
7. Reviewing Rules and Procedures: The UPSC periodically reviews the recruitment rules, procedures, and examination patterns to align them with evolving needs and standards. It may suggest amendments or modifications to ensure the relevance and fairness of the recruitment process.