The UPSC centenary marks 100 years of India’s central recruitment body; the Prime Minister released a commemorative coin and stamp. This note covers the UPSC centenary along with the constitutional provisions on the UPSC.
Why in News?
The Union Public Service Commission completed 100 years of its institutional journey.
PM Modi released a commemorative coin and postage stamp during the centenary celebrations.
UPSC centenary: Key Facts for Prelims
- Origin: the first Public Service Commission was set up in 1926 on the recommendation of the Lee Commission (1924), under the Government of India Act, 1919.
- Evolution: Public Service Commission → Federal Public Service Commission (Government of India Act, 1935) → UPSC (Constitution, 1950).
- Constitutional basis: Articles 315–323 in Part XIV.
- Composition: Chairman and members appointed by the President; the Constitution does not fix their number.
- Tenure: 6 years or 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
- Independence: expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India; service conditions cannot be varied to their disadvantage after appointment.
- Function: merit-based exams for All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFoS) and Central Services Group A and B.
Key articles at a glance
- Art 315 – PSCs for the Union and states; Art 316 – appointment and term.
- Art 317 – removal and suspension: by the President for misbehaviour after a Supreme Court inquiry.
- Art 319 – UPSC Chairman not eligible for further employment under the Government of India or a state.
- Art 320 – functions; Art 322 – expenses; Art 323 – annual report to the President, laid before Parliament.
- UPSC is advisory – government is not bound by its advice; the Central Vigilance Commission and courts may also review service matters.
Quick Revision Table: UPSC centenary
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Milestone | UPSC centenary (100 years) |
| Commemoration | Coin and postage stamp released |
| Recommended by | Lee Commission (1924) |
| Constitutional part | Part XIV, Articles 315–323 |
| Appointed by | President |
| Tenure | 6 years or 65 years |
| Removal for misbehaviour | After Supreme Court inquiry (Art 317) |
| Expenses | Charged on Consolidated Fund of India |
Trap / Confusing Points: UPSC centenary
| Confusion | Correct Position |
|---|---|
| UPSC members serve till 62 | No – 6 years or 65 years |
| UPSC Chairman can become a state PSC chairman later | No – Art 319 bars further government employment for the UPSC Chairman |
| Constitution fixes UPSC strength | No – left to the President |
| Members are removed by Parliament like judges | No – by the President; misbehaviour needs a Supreme Court inquiry |
5 Practice MCQs on UPSC centenary
1. The first Public Service Commission in India was set up on the recommendation of:
a. Simon Commission
b. Lee Commission
c. Aitchison Commission
d. Islington Commission
Ans: B
Explanation: The Lee Commission (1924) led to the 1926 PSC.
2. UPSC is dealt with in which part of the Constitution?
a. Part XII
b. Part XIV
c. Part XV
d. Part XVIII
Ans: B
Explanation: Part XIV, Articles 315–323.
3. Members of the UPSC hold office for:
a. 5 years or 62 years
b. 6 years or 65 years
c. 5 years or 65 years
d. 6 years or 62 years
Ans: B
Explanation: Six years or till 65, whichever is earlier.
4. Which Article requires the UPSC to present an annual report to the President?
a. Article 315
b. Article 320
c. Article 322
d. Article 323
Ans: D
Explanation: Article 323 covers the annual report.
5. The expenses of the UPSC are:
a. Voted annually by Lok Sabha
b. Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India
c. Met from the Contingency Fund
d. Paid by the Ministry of Personnel
Ans: B
Explanation: Charging on the CFI secures independence.
Exam tip: With the UPSC centenary in the news, expect questions on Lee Commission origins and Articles 316, 317, 319 and 323.
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