The full form of UPSC is the Union Public Service Commission.

Introduction:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body in India that is responsible for conducting various prestigious examinations and appointments to the civil services of the Indian government. It was established on 1st October 1926 under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935.

Functions of UPSC:
UPSC has been entrusted with several important functions, including:

1. Recruitment and appointment: UPSC conducts examinations for recruitment to various services and posts under the central government, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and many more. It also conducts the Combined Defense Services Examination (CDSE) for recruitment in the defense services.

2. Conducting exams: UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is considered one of the toughest and most prestigious examinations in India. This exam is conducted in three stages - Preliminary, Main, and Interview - to select candidates for various civil services positions.

3. Advising the government: UPSC advises the government on matters related to the recruitment, appointment, and promotion of civil servants. It also advises on disciplinary matters and framing of recruitment rules for various services.

4. Research and training: UPSC conducts research and training programs to improve the selection process, develop effective assessment techniques, and enhance the quality of civil services personnel. It also collaborates with various institutions and organizations to provide training to civil servants.

Importance of UPSC:
The UPSC plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Indian government by ensuring the recruitment of competent and capable individuals for various administrative positions. Some key reasons why UPSC is important are:

1. Merit-based selection: UPSC conducts examinations based on merit, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are appointed to key positions in the government. This helps in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the bureaucracy.

2. Impartiality and transparency: UPSC follows a fair and transparent selection process, which ensures that appointments are made solely on the basis of merit and not influenced by any external factors. This helps in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the civil services.

3. Leadership development: UPSC's rigorous selection process helps in identifying individuals with leadership potential and grooming them to become future leaders of the country. The civil services provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to nation-building and bring about positive changes in society.

In conclusion, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body that plays a significant role in the recruitment and appointment of civil servants in the Indian government. Its functions include conducting examinations, advising the government, and conducting research and training programs. UPSC's importance lies in its merit-based selection process, impartiality, transparency, and leadership development.