PPT: Union Public Service Commission & State PSC | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Union Public Service 
Commission & State 
PSCs
Page 2


Union Public Service 
Commission & State 
PSCs
Introduction to Public Service Commissions 
in India
Public Service Commissions are constitutional bodies 
established to ensure recruitment to civil services 
happens on merit alone, without political interference or 
favoritism.
These commissions function at two levels:
UPSC - recruits officers for Central Government 
services
State PSCs - handle recruitment for state-level 
services
PSCs ensure that India's administrative machinery 
remains efficient, transparent, and staffed with the most 
qualified candidates.
Page 3


Union Public Service 
Commission & State 
PSCs
Introduction to Public Service Commissions 
in India
Public Service Commissions are constitutional bodies 
established to ensure recruitment to civil services 
happens on merit alone, without political interference or 
favoritism.
These commissions function at two levels:
UPSC - recruits officers for Central Government 
services
State PSCs - handle recruitment for state-level 
services
PSCs ensure that India's administrative machinery 
remains efficient, transparent, and staffed with the most 
qualified candidates.
Constitutional Foundation: Articles 315 to 323
Article 315
Mandates a Public Service 
Commission for the Union and 
separate commissions for each 
state
Allows for Joint State PSCs to 
serve multiple states when 
approved by Parliament
Articles 316-318
Cover appointment, terms of 
office, and conditions of 
service for PSC members
Ensure independence by 
establishing security of tenure
Articles 319-323
Define functions, powers, 
expenses, and reporting 
requirements
Restrict post-retirement 
employment to maintain 
impartiality
These constitutional provisions ensure PSCs operate as truly independent institutions, free from political 
pressure or government influence.
Page 4


Union Public Service 
Commission & State 
PSCs
Introduction to Public Service Commissions 
in India
Public Service Commissions are constitutional bodies 
established to ensure recruitment to civil services 
happens on merit alone, without political interference or 
favoritism.
These commissions function at two levels:
UPSC - recruits officers for Central Government 
services
State PSCs - handle recruitment for state-level 
services
PSCs ensure that India's administrative machinery 
remains efficient, transparent, and staffed with the most 
qualified candidates.
Constitutional Foundation: Articles 315 to 323
Article 315
Mandates a Public Service 
Commission for the Union and 
separate commissions for each 
state
Allows for Joint State PSCs to 
serve multiple states when 
approved by Parliament
Articles 316-318
Cover appointment, terms of 
office, and conditions of 
service for PSC members
Ensure independence by 
establishing security of tenure
Articles 319-323
Define functions, powers, 
expenses, and reporting 
requirements
Restrict post-retirement 
employment to maintain 
impartiality
These constitutional provisions ensure PSCs operate as truly independent institutions, free from political 
pressure or government influence.
Historical Evolution of UPSC
1
1 9 2 6
First Public Service Commission established 
under British rule with Sir Ross Barker as 
Chairman
2
1 9 3 5
Renamed as Federal Public Service 
Commission under the Government of India 
Act
3
1 9 4 7
Became Union Public Service Commission 
after independence
4
1 9 5 0
Granted constitutional status when the 
Constitution of India came into effect
Page 5


Union Public Service 
Commission & State 
PSCs
Introduction to Public Service Commissions 
in India
Public Service Commissions are constitutional bodies 
established to ensure recruitment to civil services 
happens on merit alone, without political interference or 
favoritism.
These commissions function at two levels:
UPSC - recruits officers for Central Government 
services
State PSCs - handle recruitment for state-level 
services
PSCs ensure that India's administrative machinery 
remains efficient, transparent, and staffed with the most 
qualified candidates.
Constitutional Foundation: Articles 315 to 323
Article 315
Mandates a Public Service 
Commission for the Union and 
separate commissions for each 
state
Allows for Joint State PSCs to 
serve multiple states when 
approved by Parliament
Articles 316-318
Cover appointment, terms of 
office, and conditions of 
service for PSC members
Ensure independence by 
establishing security of tenure
Articles 319-323
Define functions, powers, 
expenses, and reporting 
requirements
Restrict post-retirement 
employment to maintain 
impartiality
These constitutional provisions ensure PSCs operate as truly independent institutions, free from political 
pressure or government influence.
Historical Evolution of UPSC
1
1 9 2 6
First Public Service Commission established 
under British rule with Sir Ross Barker as 
Chairman
2
1 9 3 5
Renamed as Federal Public Service 
Commission under the Government of India 
Act
3
1 9 4 7
Became Union Public Service Commission 
after independence
4
1 9 5 0
Granted constitutional status when the 
Constitution of India came into effect
UPSC: Structure and Composition
A p p o i n t m e n t
Chairman and 
members appointed 
by the President of 
India
Appointment requires 
diverse 
representation from 
different fields
T e n u r e
Members serve for 6 
years or until 65 years 
of age (whichever is 
earlier)
Cannot be 
reappointed as 
members but can be 
promoted to 
Chairman
C o m p o si t i o n
Chairman + 10 
members (currently)
At least half must 
have 10+ years of 
government service