Constitutional Development (1773-1858)

Role of UPSC:

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is an autonomous constitutional body that plays a crucial role in recruiting and selecting candidates for various civil services and posts in the Government of India. The UPSC is responsible for:

1. Conducting competitive exams for recruitment to various civil services and posts.
2. Recommending candidates for appointment to the respective posts.
3. Assisting the government in framing policies and procedures for recruitment.
4. Providing advice on matters related to personnel management.

The UPSC is responsible for conducting exams for recruitment to the following services:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• Indian Forest Service (IFS)
• Central Services Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts.

Constitutional Provisions to Safeguard and Ensure Independence and Impartial Functioning of UPSC:

The following Constitutional provisions safeguard and ensure the independence and impartial functioning of the UPSC:

1. Article 315: The UPSC is established by the Constitution as an independent authority to advise the Government on matters related to recruitment.
2. Article 316: The UPSC has a Chairperson and other members, who are appointed by the President of India.
3. Article 317: The Chairperson and members of the UPSC hold office until they reach the age of 65 years or until they resign or are removed by the President of India.
4. Article 320: The UPSC is responsible for making recommendations for appointment to civil services and posts in the Government of India.
5. Article 323-A: The UPSC has the power to conduct its own examinations and interviews, and to decide on the results.
6. Article 324: The UPSC is responsible for conducting elections to the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of the Indian Parliament) and Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the Indian Parliament).
7. Article 325: The UPSC is responsible for conducting polls to the offices of Vice-President of India, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.