The full form of UPSC is the union public service commission, and it is a central recruitment agency. Because it is mentioned in the constitution, known as the constitutional body. In this article, we are discussing what does UPSC stand for. We will know its function, power, and accountability, which is mentioned in the 14th chapter of the Constitution.
There is a chairperson and some other members present in the UPSC. They are appointed by the Indian president, who is also responsible for determining the number of UPSC members. In other words, there is no clear mention in the constitution of how many members of the UPSC exist.
Generally, the UPSC has nine to eleven members. You may be surprised, there are no clear and fixed criteria for members, but it is necessary that every member of the UPSC have at least 10 years of experience with the Government of India. Although, Parliament has the power to make a rule on behalf of UPSC members.
The term of office for both members and the chairperson is six years from appointment. However, if they turn older than 65 years, then they may revoke before six years. They also have the option to resign. They submit their resignation to the president. The president also has the power to remove them. The chairperson and members can be removed if they are declared bankrupt, or if the president believes they are unable to perform their duties due to mental or physical disability.
Manoj Soni is the current chairman of UPSC. He held the post from 16 May 2023, but he retired on 15 May 2029 because he turned older than 65 years on that day. The date of birth of Manoj Soni is 17 February 1965.
Function and accountability of UPSC
The most important task of the Union Public Service Commission is to appoint a qualified person to the post of public service for the Central Government. You must have heard about the IAS exam. It may also happen that you are reading this article in the context of preparing for this exam. But you should not be surprised that UPSC has some important tasks besides this.
It can help in planning any examination on the request of any State Government. Apart from this, he gives advice related to any subject when asked by the state Governor.
The commission also performs roles in the field of personnel management. For example, it determines the amount of pension for the loss caused to a person working for the Government of India. He also recommends appointments, promotions, and transfers in civil services and posts. Although its work is only of advisory nature, basically all these works are done by the Department of Personnel and Training.
Parliament can give some additional responsibility to the commission. That is, it can expand its scope. The Commission submits the report of its work to the President every year. The President sends this report to both the Houses of the Parliament, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
Power Submitted by Indian Constitutions
In the constitution, many powers have been given to the Union Public Service Commission to do fair and independent work. The members of the commission can be removed only on the grounds mentioned above.
Apart from this, the salary of the members cannot be reduced after the appointment. Salaries, allowances, and facilities are given to them from the Consolidated Fund of India. Although the members of the commission can become the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission or other State Public Service Commission after their resignation, but they cannot be appointed as members. Apart from this, they cannot work in any post under the Government of India.
World's Toughest Exam: IAS Recruitment Exam
The Civil Services Examination conducted by the commission is considered to be the toughest examination in the world. This exam is completed in three phases, which include preliminary, main, and interview. The vast syllabus has always been a challenge for the candidates preparing for this exam. Nevertheless, considering the dignity and importance of the post, people from all sectors work tirelessly to pass this exam. GGUKA is also dedicated to preparing for this IAS exam. Apart from Civil Services, the commission keeps conducting separate exams for the recruitment of many Group A and B posts.
Final Word
It is clear that the full form of UPSC is the Union Public Service Commission, which is a recruiting agency for the Government of India. It has constitutional protection, due to which it is an independent body, although its role is not only limited, but the suggestions given by it are also of advisory nature. Nevertheless, it is the watchdog of the merit system in India, because the Civil Services Recruitment Exam conducted by it is considered one of the best in the world.