Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Source: HT

Context: Retired IAS officer and former Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar has been appointed as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) by the President of India.

About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):

• What is UPSC? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. It conducts recruitment exams for All India Services, Central Services, and other Group A & B positions.

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. It conducts recruitment exams for All India Services, Central Services, and other Group A & B positions.

• Composition of UPSC:

• Composed of a Chairman and other members. The President determines the strength and structure of the Commission. Usually consists of 9 to 11 members. At least 50% of members must have 10 years’ experience in government service.

• Composed of a Chairman and other members.

• The President determines the strength and structure of the Commission.

• Usually consists of 9 to 11 members.

• At least 50% of members must have 10 years’ experience in government service.

• Appointment Process:

• The President appoints the Chairman and members under Article 316(1). The President also decides conditions of service and tenure. Tenure: 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

• The President appoints the Chairman and members under Article 316(1).

• The President also decides conditions of service and tenure.

• Tenure: 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

• Removal Process: Members may resign or be removed in the following ways:

• Members may resign or be removed in the following ways:

• By Resignation: Addressed to the President. By Removal by the President: If adjudged insolvent. If engaged in paid employment during tenure. If declared physically or mentally unfit. For Misbehaviour (Article 317): The President refers the matter to the Supreme Court. The Court’s advice is binding. Suspension is allowed during the enquiry. Misbehaviour includes personal interest in government contracts or gaining benefits thereof.

• By Resignation: Addressed to the President.

• Addressed to the President.

• By Removal by the President: If adjudged insolvent. If engaged in paid employment during tenure. If declared physically or mentally unfit.

• If adjudged insolvent.

• If engaged in paid employment during tenure.

• If declared physically or mentally unfit.

• For Misbehaviour (Article 317): The President refers the matter to the Supreme Court. The Court’s advice is binding. Suspension is allowed during the enquiry. Misbehaviour includes personal interest in government contracts or gaining benefits thereof.

• The President refers the matter to the Supreme Court.

• The Court’s advice is binding.

• Suspension is allowed during the enquiry.

• Misbehaviour includes personal interest in government contracts or gaining benefits thereof.

• Functions of UPSC:

• Conducts exams like Civil Services, Engineering Services, CDS, NDA, etc. Advises government on recruitment methods, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary cases. Oversees appointments to civil services and inter-service transfers. Ensures merit-based recruitment and upholds administrative integrity.

• Conducts exams like Civil Services, Engineering Services, CDS, NDA, etc.

• Advises government on recruitment methods, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary cases.

• Oversees appointments to civil services and inter-service transfers.

• Ensures merit-based recruitment and upholds administrative integrity.