Question

Which of the following statements are correct about the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?

1. The UPSC is an independent constitutional body directly created by the Constitution.

2. The chairman and members of the UPSC hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.

3. The UPSC is responsible for cadre management and training of All India Services officers.
   

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 1 only

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 1 only

Understanding the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruiting agency responsible for appointments to All India Services and Group 'A' and Group 'B' of Central Services.
• It is widely regarded as the 'watch-dog of merit system' in India.

Constitutional Status and Independence

• The UPSC is indeed an independent constitutional body. This means it has been directly created by the Constitution of India and derives its powers and functions from the Constitution itself.
• Part XIV of the Indian Constitution, specifically Articles 315 to 323, deals with the Public Service Commissions for the Union and for the States.
• Its constitutional status ensures its autonomy and insulates it from political pressures, allowing it to function impartially.

Appointment and Term of Office

• The Chairman and members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India.
• They hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. This is a crucial detail for competitive exams.
• They can resign by addressing their resignation to the President or can be removed by the President under specific circumstances outlined in the Constitution (e.g., misbehavior, insolvency).

Functions and Responsibilities

• The primary function of the UPSC is to conduct examinations for appointments to All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) and Central Services (Group A and Group B).
• It advises the President on all matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil services and civil posts, suitability of candidates for appointments, promotions, and transfers, and disciplinary matters affecting civil servants.
• Important Distinction: The UPSC is responsible for recruitment of All India Services officers. However, the cadre management and training of these officers are primarily handled by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and their respective training academies (e.g., Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for IAS, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy for IPS).
• The UPSC submits an annual report on its performance to the President, who then lays it before both Houses of Parliament.