Established on October 1, 1926, the Union Public Service Commission is India’s central recruiting agency and an independent constitutional body. The UPSC is responsible for conducting examinations and managing recruitments for the All-India Services and Central Civil Services Group A and Group B.
Ever wondered how civil servants and other important government officials are recruited in India? Well, they are examined and recruited by the Union Public Service Commission. It was first established by the British Raj but was later indianized by the Indian constitution after independence. It is one of the most respected constitutional bodies in the country, which is responsible for selecting candidates for some of the highest government services, such as the administrative service, foreign service, central armed forces, combined defence service and engineering services. The UPSC conducts examinations annually to recruit officers for various government positions based on merit and excellence.
These officers play a crucial role in running the administration of the country, drafting policies, overseeing the execution of projects and safeguarding the country from potential threats. Due to the seriousness of these roles, the selection process designed by UPSC is extremely tough and competitive. Apart from conducting exams and recruitment, the Union Public Service Commission also advises concerned departments about principles regarding transfers, promotions, selection criteria, and disciplinary actions against the termination and dismissal of civil servants. The Union Public Service Commission is led by the chairman, who is appointed by the President of India. It comprises a secretariat for daily administration, advisory boards and subdivisions.
What is Union Public Service Commission?
Established on October 1, 1926, the Union Public Service Commission is India’s central recruiting agency and an independent constitutional body. It is responsible for conducting examinations and managing recruitments for the All-India Services and Central Civil Services Group A and Group B. It is also responsible for advising the President on matters related to recruitment methods, promotions, transfers and disciplinary actions against civil servants, including dismissal and terminations.
Functions of Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission is a constitutional body as per Article 315 to 323 of the Indian Constitution. It is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to All India Services such as IAS, IPS, IFoS and Central Services Group A & B. It manages direct recruitment, advising the government on disciplinary matters, promotion & transfer of government servants and framing recruitment rules. Let’s take a look at the functions of the Union Public Service Commission.
1. Conducting Examinations
The UPSC conducts examinations for appointments to the All-India Services and Central Services. Some of the most prestigious government jobs, such as Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service and the IRS, are appointed by this constitutional body through annual examinations, which comprise a rigorous process of written examinations and a personality test.
2. Direct Recruitment
Union Public Service Commission performs direct recruitment for vacancies by selection through interviews for various specialized posts in the government. Applications for the job roles are always listed on the official website, where candidates can apply.
3. Advisory Role on Recruitment Rules
The Union Public Service Commission is the highest authority regarding the recruitment rules. It is consulted on all matters related to methods of recruitment, principles to be followed in making appointments, promotions and transfers from one service to another.
4. Disciplinary Matters
The Union Public Service Commission holds authority for disciplinary actions against government or civil servants upon violation of rules. It is consulted regarding all disciplinary actions such as censure, withholding of promotion, reduction in rank, removal and dismissal against a government employee they have recruited.
5. Joint Recruitment
The Union Public Service Commission assists states, if requested by two or more states, in framing and executing schemes of joint recruitment for services requiring special qualifications. These include postings for Joint Secretary, Director and Deputy Secretary in various Union Ministries and Departments.
6. Annual Reportment
The Union Public Service Commission submits an annual report on its performance to the President, which is then presented to Parliament. It highlights increased competition, demographic patterns, exam statistics and record of accountability on their part.
7. Advising the President
The UPSC advises the President of India on any matter referred to the commission. These matters are generally based on recruitment rules, methods of recruitment, extension of service and disciplinary actions.
Significance of Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission is the central recruiting agency in India, which also serves as an independent constitutional body. It was established under Articles 315 to 323 of the Indian Constitution. UPSC acts as the ‘watchdog of the merit system’ and ensures that India's government systems are run by competent individuals selected solely on merit. Let’s take a look at the significance of the Union Public Service Commission: -
1. Merit-Based Selection
Union Public Service Commission serves as the gatekeeper to India's public service careers by identifying suitable candidates with the necessary knowledge, skills and ethical grounding for leadership. It identifies candidates by conducting written examinations and interviews, ensuring merit-based selection.
2. Guardian of Administrative Standards
By recruiting for the All-India Services and various Central Services, the Union Public Service Commission acts as the guardian of administrative standards that maintain continuity and stability across different government departments.
3. Assistance To States
If requested by two or more states, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) helps in drafting and executing schemes of joint recruitment for services needing special qualifications. These include recruitment for Joint Secretary, Director and Deputy Secretary in various Union Ministries and Departments.
History of Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission originated on 1 October 1926 as the Public Service Commission to regulate civil service recruitment. It was first established by the British Raj but was later Indianized after the Indian Constitution declared it an independent body. Let’s take a look at the history of the Union Public Service Commission: -
Early Origin
The Lee Commission was a part of the British Royal Commission that addressed the racial composition and structure of the superior civil services in India. It recommended a 40:40:20 recruitment ratio, which is 40% British, 40% direct Indian and 20% promoted Indian. This led to the first Public Service Commission in 1926.
First Establishment
The first Public Service Commission was established with Sir Ross Barker as its chairman. The objective was to create an independent, merit-based and unbiased body for recruiting senior-level civil services after the recommendations of the Lee Commission.
Government of India Act 1935
The body was reconstituted as the Federal Public Service Commission as per the Government of India Act 1935. It was created to centralize civil service recruitment in India and protect it from political influence.
Becoming a Constitutional Body
With the adoption of the Indian Constitution and the independence from the British Raj, the Federal Public Service Commission was renamed the Union Public Service Commission. It became an independent constitutional body and gained authority to draft and implement recruitment rules.
Major Exams Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission conducts national-level exams for recruitment to top civil services and other prestigious government jobs in India, such as the civil service examinations, Indian Forest Service examinations, engineering service, and Combined Medical Services. Let’s take a look at the major exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission: -
1. Civil Service Examinations
The Civil Service Examinations are considered one of the toughest competitive exams in the country. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruiting officers for the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service and other central services.
2. Indian Forest Service Examinations
Indian Forest Service Examinations are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for the recruitment of officers for the Indian Forest Service. The Preliminary stage of IFS is shared with the Civil Service examinations.
3. Combined Defence Service Examinations
Combined Defence Service Examinations conducted by UPSC recruit candidates for the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy.
4. Engineering Service Examinations
Union Public Service Commission conducts engineering service examinations to recruit engineers for various government technical posts, such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Telecommunication engineering.
5. National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination
The Union Public Service Commission conducts National Defence Academy and Naval Academy examinations to recruit candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy.
6. Combined Medical Services Examination
Combined Medical Services Examinations are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit medical officers for various government organizations, Central Health Services and Municipal Corporations.
7. Central Armed Police Forces Examination
Central Armed Police Forces Examinations are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for UPSC Vacancy of Group 'A' Gazetted Officers for India's premier paramilitary forces, such as Assistant Commandants in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.
Structure of the Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission is a constitutional body as per Articles 315 to 323. It consists of a chairman and 9 to 10 other members appointed by the President of India. Let’s take a look at the structure of the Union Public Service Commission: -
1. Chairman
The Union Public Service Commission is led by a chairman appointed by the President of India. The chairman oversees the commission's activities, sets the agenda and ensures the fair conduct of all examinations conducted by the constitutional body.
2. Secretariat
The Union Public Service Commission operates with a dedicated secretariat responsible for daily administration, ensuring efficient recruitment, examination management and administrative operations. It is structured into specialized divisions such as Administration, Examination and Recruitment.
3. Advisory Committees
The Union Public Service Commission may establish advisory committees consisting of subject matter experts and retired officials to support the selection process and offer recommendations on recruitment policies. These temporary bodies support the commission's permanent structure.
Conclusion
The Union Public Service Commission was first established by the British Raj but was later indianized by the Constitution of India. It is responsible for conducting examinations for the recruitment of various All India and Central Services in India. It manages direct recruitment, advising the government and states on disciplinary matters, promotion & transfer of government servants and framing recruitment rules. UPSC conducts merit-based selections, and due to the seriousness of the roles, the selection process is competitive and tough. It is led by a chairman, operates through dedicated secretaries and has advisory committees which are temporary bodies.