Union Public Service Commission

{{short description|India's central recruiting agency}} {{Redirect|UPSC}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Infobox government agency | name = Union Public Service Commission | native_name =  | native_name_a =  | native_name_r =  | type = Constitutional body | seal = | seal_width = 150px | seal_caption = Official Emblem of This Agency | logo = Union public service commission.jpg | logo_width = 150px | logo_caption = Union Public Service Commission | image = Dholpur House.jpg | image_size = 200px | formed = {{Start date and age|df=yes|paren=yes|br=yes|1926|10|01}} | preceding1 = | preceding2 = | dissolved = | superseding1 = | superseding2 =  | jurisdiction = Republic of India | headquarters = Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi | coordinates = {{coord|28.6080|77.2269|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}} | motto = "सत्यमेव जयते" | employees = | budget = | minister1_name = Narendra Modi | minister1_pfo = Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions | chief1_name = Ajay Kumar (IAS) | chief1_position = Chairperson | chief2_name = | chief2_position = | public_protector = | deputy = | parent_department = Government of the Republic of India | parent_agency = Depertment of Personnel and Training | child1_agency = Public Service Commissions in India | keydocument1 =  | website = {{URL|https://upsconline.nic.in/}} {{URL|https://www.upsc.gov.in/}} | map = | map_size = | map_caption = | footnotes = | service = | embed = | parent_agency_type = agency }} {{Politics of India}} The '''Union Public Service Commission''' ('''UPSC''') is a constitutional body in India tasked with recruiting officers for All India Services and the Central Civil Services (Group A and B) through various standardized examinations.<ref>{{Citation |last=Bergström |first=Villy |title=Country Classifications and Government Policies |date=1997-12-18 |work=Government and Growth |pages=175–177 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198290377.003.0026 |access-date=2024-09-01 |publisher=Oxford University PressOxford |doi=10.1093/oso/9780198290377.003.0026 |isbn=978-0-19-829037-7|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 2023, 1.3 million applicants competed for just 1,255 positions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-11 |title=UPSC Civil Services Exam: Candidates from which stream succeed the most? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/upsc-civil-services-exam-candidates-from-which-stream-succeed-the-most/articleshow/105894941.cms |access-date=2024-09-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

The agency's charter is granted by Part XIV of the Constitution of India, titled ''Services Under the Union and the States.''<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/constitutional-provisions |title=Constitutional Provisions |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |url=http://lawmin.nic.in/olwing/coi/coi-english/Const.Pock%202Pg.Rom8Fsss(19).pdf |title=Part XIV: Services Under the Union and the States |website=lawmin.nic.in |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203131448/http://lawmin.nic.in/olwing/coi/coi-english/Const.Pock%202Pg.Rom8Fsss(19).pdf |archive-date=3 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The commission is mandated by the Constitution for appointments to the services of the Union and All India Services. It is also required to be consulted by the Government in matters relating to appointment, transfer, promotion, and disciplinary matters. The commission reports directly to the President. The commission can advise the Government through the president, although, such advice is not binding. Being a constitutional authority, UPSC is amongst the few institutions that function with both autonomy and freedom, along with the country's higher judiciary and lately the Election Commission.<ref name="Incredible CBI" />

The commission is headquartered at Dholpur House, in New Delhi, and functions through its secretariat. Established on 1 October 1926 as Public Service Commission, it was later reconstituted as Federal Public Service Commission by the Government of India Act 1935; only to be renamed as today's Union Public Service Commission after the independence.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6" />

== History == The Royal Commission on the Superior Civil Services in India was set up under the chairmanship of Lord Lee of Fareham by the British Government in 1923.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lee-Commission |title=Lee Commission {{!}} Indian history|work=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=23 June 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Civil Administration and legal foundation |url=http://vle.du.ac.in/mod/book/print.php?id=10252&chapterid=17113 |access-date=23 June 2017 |website=vle.du.ac.in}}{{dead link|date=May 2024}}</ref> With equal numbers of Indian and British members, the commission submitted its report in 1924, recommending setting up of a Public Service Commission.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/citizens-charter |title=Citizen's Charter of UPSC |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> The Lee Commission proposed that 40% of future entrants should be British, 40% Indians directly recruited, and 20% Indians promoted from the provincial services.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/historical-perspective |title=Historical Perspective |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref>

This led to the establishment of the first Public Service Commission on 1 October 1926 under the chairmanship of Sir Ross Barker.<ref name=":2" /> A mere limited advisory function was granted to the Public Service Commission and the leaders of the freedom movement continually stressed on this aspect, which then resulted in the setting up of a Federal Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act 1935.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6" />

The Federal Public Service Commission became the Union Public Service Commission after the country gained independence. It was given a constitutional status under the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6" />

In 1947, the then deputy prime minister Vallabhbhai Patel called the recruits as the "steel frame of India".[https://art.assam.gov.in/portlets/civil-service-day#:~:text=The%20reason%20for%20the%20date,India'%20in%20his%20inspiring%20speech.]

== Constitutional status == {{See also|Part XIV of the Constitution of India}}Articles 315 to 323 of Part XIV of the constitution, titled ''Services Under the Union and the States'', provide for a Public Service Commission for the Union and each state.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> Accordingly, as per ''Art. 315'', at the Union level, the Union Public Service Commission is envisaged by it. UPSC is amongst the few institutions which function with both autonomy and freedom, along with the country's higher judiciary and lately the Election Commission.<ref name="Incredible CBI">{{cite web |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/incredible-cbi/445568/0 |title=Incredible CBI |date=11 April 2009 |publisher=Indian Express |access-date=3 July 2016 |author=J. S. Verma}}</ref>

=== Appointment === As per ''Art. 316'', the chairman and other members of the Union Public Service Commission shall be appointed by the president. In case the office of the chairman becomes vacant, the duties shall be performed by one of the other members of the Commission at the appointment of the President.<ref name="Constitution">{{cite web |url=http://lawmin.nic.in/olwing/coi/coi-english/coi-4March2016.pdf |title=Constitution of India |publisher=Government of India |access-date=27 June 2017 |date=November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416084719/http://lawmin.nic.in/olwing/coi/coi-english/coi-4March2016.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2016 }} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

Also, nearly half of the members of the Commission shall be persons who at the dates of their respective appointments have held office for at least ten years either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State. A member of a Union Public Service Commission shall hold office for a term of six years from the date on which they enter upon the office or until they attain the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier. Under ''Art 318,'' the President is empowered to determine the number of members of the commission and their conditions of service.<ref name="Constitution" />

As per ''Art 319'', a person who holds office as chairman shall, on the expiration of the term of office, be ineligible for re-appointment to that office. But, a member other than the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission shall be eligible for appointment as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, or as the chairman of a State Public Service Commission, but not for any other employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State. Also, the chairman of a State Public Service Commission shall be eligible for appointment as the chairman or any other member of the Union Public Service Commission.<ref name="Constitution" />

==== Expenses ==== As per ''Art. 322'', the expenses of the Union Public Service Commission, including any salaries, allowances, and pensions payable to or in respect of the members or staff of the commission, shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.<ref name="Constitution"/>

==== Extension of functions ==== As per ''Art. 321'', an Act made by Parliament may provide for the exercise of additional functions by the Union Public Service Commission w.r.t. Services of the Union.<ref name="Constitution"/>

=== Functions === As per ''Art. 320,'' it shall be the duty of the Union Public Service Commissions to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union. It shall also assist two or more states, if requested so, in framing and operating schemes of joint recruitment for any services.<ref name="Constitution" />

=== Removal and suspension === As per ''Art. 317'', the chairman or any other member of a Public Service Commission shall only be removed from their office by order of the president on the ground of "misbehavior" after the Supreme Court, on a reference being made to it by the president, has, on inquiry reported that the chairman or such other member ought to be removed. The president may suspend the chairman or other members of the commission until the report of the Supreme Court is received.<ref name="Constitution" />

=== Reporting === As per ''Art. 323'', it will be the duty of the Union Commission to annually present a report to the president of the work done by the commission. On receipt of such report, the president shall present a copy before each House of Parliament; together with a memorandum, if any, explaining the reasons why the advice of the commission was not accepted by him.<ref name="Constitution" />

The president may also remove the chairman or other member of the commission if he/she/they: * is/are adjudged an insolvent; or * engage(s) during their term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of their office; or * is/are, in the opinion of the president, unfit to continue in office because of infirmity of mind or body. * The chairman or any other member cannot hold an office of profit or otherwise they shall be deemed to be guilty of misbehavior.<ref name="Constitution" />

The Union Public Service Commission shall be consulted: * on all matters relating to ** methods of recruitment to civil services and for civil posts ** making appointments to civil services and posts ** making promotions and transfers from one service to another ** The suitability of candidates for such appointments, promotions, or transfers * on all disciplinary matters against a civil servant serving in a civil capacity, including memorials or petitions relating to such matters. * on any claim by or in respect of a person who is serving or has served in a civil capacity, that any costs incurred in defending legal proceedings instituted against him in respect of acts done or purporting to be done in the execution of their duty should be paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India. * on any claim for the award of a pension in respect of injuries sustained by a person while serving in a civil capacity, and any question as to the amount of such award. It shall be the duty of a Union Public Service Commission to advise on any matter referred to them; provided that the president has not made any regulations specifying the matters in which it shall not be necessary for Union Public Service Commission to be consulted.<ref name="Constitution" />

== Organizational structure == The Commission consists of the chairman and other members appointed by the President of the Republic of India. Usually, the Commission consists of 9 to 11 members including the chairman.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/commission |title=The members of the Union Public Service Commission |date=2017 |publisher=Union Public Service Commission}}</ref> Every member holds office for a term of six years or until he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.

The terms and conditions of service of the chairman and members of the commission are governed by the Union Public Service Commission (Members) Regulations, 1969.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://document.ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/Notification_39019_05_96_Estt(B)_Eng.pdf |title=Notification_39019_05_96_Estt(B) |website=document.ccis.nic.in |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215200921/http://document.ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/Notification_39019_05_96_Estt(B)_Eng.pdf |archive-date=15 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The chairman and any other member of the commission can submit their resignation at any time to the President of India. They may be removed from their office by the President of India on the ground of misbehavior (only if an inquiry of such misbehavior is made and upheld by the Supreme Court) or if he is adjudged insolvent, or engages during the term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of their office, or in the opinion of the president unfit to continue in office because of the infirmity of mind or body.

=== Secretariat === The commission is serviced by a Secretariat headed by a Secretary with four Additional Secretaries, several Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, and other supporting staff.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/secretariat |title=Secretariat |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> The secretariat, for administrative purposes, is further divided into '''divisions''', each undertaking having a specific responsibility:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/divisions |title=UPSC Divisions |website=www.upsc.gov.in |access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref> * '''Administration:''' Administers the Secretariat as well as looks after personal matters of Chairman/Members and other Officers/Staff of the commission.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/divisions/administration/introduction |title=Administration Division Introduction |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> * '''All India Services:''' Recruitment to All India Services is done either by direct recruitment, through Civil Services Examination or by promotion from the State Service. The AIS Branch handles the promotions of State Service officers to the IAS, IPS and IFS. It also handles policy matters relating to All India Services and amendments in the 'Promotion Regulations' of respective services.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/divisions/all-india-services-ais-branch/introduction |title=All India Service Branch Introduction |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> * '''Appointments:''' It carry out appointments to central services based on Promotion (based on proposals from various Ministries/Departments/Union Territories and from certain local bodies) and by the means of Deputation and Absorption.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/divisions/appointments/introduction |title=Appointments: Introduction |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> * '''Examinations:''' It carries out merit-based selection and recommendation of candidates, through various examinations such as the Engineering Services Examination, Combined Medical Services Examination, Defence Services Examination, Civil Services Examination, etc., to Group A and Group B Services of the Government of India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/divisions/examination/introduction |title=Examinations : Introduction |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> * '''General:''' Primarily deals with day-to-day housekeeping works for Commission, like, arrangements and facilitation for conduction of Examinations by the UPSC, printing Annual Report, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/divisions/general-branch/introduction |title=General : Introduction |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> * '''Recruitment:''' This branch carries out Direct Recruitment (out of the 3 possible mechanisms of: 'direct recruitment', 'recruitment by promotion' and 'recruitment by transfer and permanent absorption') by selection to all Group `A’ and certain Group `B’ posts of the services of the Union (including some Union Territories). These recruitment are done either by selection (interview) or through competitive examination.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/divisions/recruitment/introduction |title=Recruitment : Introduction |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> * '''Recruitment Rules:''' The commission is mandated under ''Art. 320'' of the Constitution of India, read along the UPSC (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations, 1958, to advise on framing and amending of Recruitment and Service Rules for various Group A and Group B posts in the Government of India, and certain autonomous organizations like EPFO, ESIC, DJB, NDMC & Municipal Corporations(s) of Delhi. This Branch carries out this responsibility by facilitating the Ministries / Departments / UT Administrations / Autonomous Organisations in this regard.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/divisions/recruitment-rules/introduction |title=Recruitment Rules: Introduction |website=www.upsc.gov.in }}</ref> * '''Services I:''' Handles disciplinary cases received from various Ministries/Departments and State Governments for the advice of the commission, as required under ''Article 320 (3)(c).'' * '''Services II:''' Handles all other cases that the 'Services I' branch doesn't. It compiles the Annual Report. Also, it coordinates visits of foreign delegations, correspondence with foreign countries, and hosting of international events concerning Public Service Commissions, including the SAARC Member States.

=== Present members === The institute currently nine members including the chairperson, compared to its sanctioned strength of ten members.

{|class="wikitable" |+ Current members of the Commission<ref>{{cite web |title=The Commission |url=http://www.upsc.gov.in/about-us/commission- |work=Union Public Service Commission |access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> |- ! Name !! Service !! Position !! Term started !! Term end |- |Ajay Kumar |IAS |Chairperson |15 May 2025 |1 October 2027 |- | Lieutenant General Raj Shukla (Retd.)|| Indian Army|| Member || 18 July 2022 <ref>{{cite news |title=Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Raj Shukla appointed member, UPSC |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lt-gen-retd-raj-shukla-appointed-member-upsc/article65655011.ece |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=18 July 2022 |language=en-IN}}</ref>|| 26 March 2027 |- |Suman Sharma |IRS |Member |25 May 2023 |24 May 2029 |- | Bidyut Bihari Swain || IAS || Member || 1 June 2023<ref>{{cite news |title= Former(MSME) secretary Bidyut Bihari Swain sworn in as a member of the UPSC member|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/former-msme-secretary-bidyut-bihari-swain-sworn-in-as-upsc-member-with-extensive-public-service-background-11685622595524.html|access-date=1 June 2023 |work=mint |date=1 June 2023 |language=en-IN}}</ref>|| 4 September 2028 |- |Sanjay Verma |IFS |Member |1 February 2024 |27 January 2030 |- |Dr. Dinesh Dasa |Academician |Member |29 September 2023<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-30 |title=Dinesh Dasa appointed to UPSC |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/dinesh-dasa-appointed-to-upsc/articleshow/104056820.cms |access-date=2023-10-01 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |28 September 2029 |- |Sheel Vardhan Singh |IPS |Member |15 January 2024 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/01/11/del86-personnel-upsc-member.html | title=Former CISF chief Sheel Vardhan Singh appointed UPSC member | website=The Week }}</ref> |25 August 2028 |- |Sujata Chaturvedi |IAS |Member |1 May 2025 |18 June 2030 |- |Anuradha Prasad |IDAS |Member |2 May 2025 |22 January 2029 |}

=== Chairperson === {{see also|Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission}}

==UPSC Museum== The Museum Building is located within the premises of the UPSC, the Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi.

There prevailed for long a feeling that an institution like the Union Public Service Commission that has in its possession a rich treasure of archival material: original Pamphlets, Documents, Reports and other Records not easily accessible to the public, should have a Museum providing the public a window to have a vision of the great journey of this august institution. Accordingly, the Union Public Service Commission decided to set up a Museum where such materials could be aesthetically displayed for discerning visitors.

===General Information about the Museum=== Timings: 10 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday) Closed: Saturday, Sunday and All Gazetted Holidays Entry: Free Photography: Allowed Videography: After prior permission of the Competent Authority <ref>{{cite web|title=Union Public Service Commission Museum|url=https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Museum_Eng_20052022-F_2-end.pdf|website=upsc.gov.in}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[https://upscin.org/ UPSC] *[https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/ExamNotifi_CAPF_AC_Exam_2026_Eng_20022026.pdf UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 Notification]

Generally, UPSC conducts yearly Exams for various posts. * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20250322062800/https://govtbaba.com/upsc-civil-service-exam-2025/ UPSC Civil Service Exam]}} * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20250322062801/https://govtbaba.com/upsc-capf-recruitment-2025/ UPSC CAPF Exam]}} * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20250322064302/https://govtbaba.com/upsc-ies-and-iss-2025/ UPSC IES and ISS]}} * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20241215093938/https://govtbaba.com/upsc-nda-i-online-form-2025/ UPSC NDA Exam]}} * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20241215094133/https://govtbaba.com/upsc-cds-i-online-form-2025/ UPSC CDS Exam]}} * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20250322062802/https://govtbaba.com/upsc-assistant-professor-recruitment-2025/ UPSC assistant professor]}}

UPSC conducts many exams, but these are commonly trending.

Union Public Service Commission Category:1926 establishments in India Category:Government agencies established in 1926