Public Service Commissions

Union Public Service Commission (Part XIV, Arts 315 to 323)

• A constitutional body (Art 315). The first Public Service Commission was set up in 1926 (Lee Commission recommendation) and it became the UPSC in 1950.
• Composition: a Chairman and members, appointed by the President. Normally one-half must be persons with 10 years' government experience. The Constitution fixes no number.
• Term: 6 years or up to age 65, whichever is earlier. Not eligible for reappointment.
• Removal: only by the President, on the ground of misbehaviour after an inquiry by the Supreme Court (Art 317), or for insolvency or other grounds specified.
• Salary and expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Functions: conducts examinations for All-India Services and Central Services; advises on recruitment rules, promotions and disciplinary matters (Art 320). Its advice is not binding on the government.
• Annual report is laid before Parliament (Art 323).

State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

• Chairman and members are appointed by the Governor, but they can be removed only by the President (for misbehaviour after a Supreme Court inquiry).
• Term: 6 years or age 62, whichever is earlier.
• Reports to the Governor, who places it before the State Legislature.
• A Joint State Public Service Commission can be set up by Parliament for two or more States (Art 315).

Commission, board and other bodies