What are the primary functions of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?

The primary functions of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India are as follows:

1. Recruitment for Civil Services:

   • The UPSC conducts the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) to recruit officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other All India Services.
   • It also conducts examinations for various other Group A and Group B central civil services.

2. Advising the Government:

   • The UPSC advises the Government of India on matters related to the recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary actions for senior civil servants.
   • It provides recommendations on the suitability of candidates for appointments to various high-level positions in the government.

3. Conducting Examinations:

   • In addition to the CSE, the UPSC conducts examinations for recruitment to various other central government services, such as the Indian Engineering Services, the Indian Economic Service, and the Indian Statistical Service.

4. Providing Recommendations for Appointments:

   • The UPSC is responsible for recommending suitable candidates for appointments to various statutory and other high-level positions, such as the Chief Election Commissioner, Comptroller and Auditor General, and members of the Union Public Service Commission itself.

5. Conducting Departmental Examinations:

   • The UPSC conducts departmental examinations for the promotion of officers in various civil services.

6. Advising on Disciplinary Matters:

   • The UPSC provides advice to the government on disciplinary cases involving senior civil servants, including matters related to dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank.

7. Ensuring Impartiality and Fairness:

   • The UPSC’s role is to ensure that the recruitment and promotion of civil servants are conducted in a transparent, impartial, and fair manner, upholding the principles of merit and equality.

The UPSC’s primary objective is to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the civil services in India by overseeing the recruitment, training, and management of senior civil servants. Its recommendations and advice play a crucial role in maintaining the independence and professionalism of the Indian bureaucracy.