Lecture notes on UPSC

1. Welcome

2. UPSC
• The UPSC is the central recruiting agency in India created by the
constitution.
• It consists of chairman and other members appointed by the president
of India. It consists of nine to eleven members.
• No qualifications are prescribed for membership except that half of the
members should have 10 years’ experience in central government
services or state services.

3. • The chairman and members of the commission hold office for a term
of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is
earlier. The president can remove the chairman and members if
• He becomes insolvent (bankrupt)
• He engages in any other paid employment.
• He is unfit to continue in office due to infirmity of mind in the
opinion of the president.
• The president can also remove him for misbehaviour.

4. • Functions
1. It conducts examinations for appointment to the all India services,
central cervices, and public services of union territories.
2. It serves the needs of states if requested.
3. It is consulted on matters related to personnel management like
(a) All matters relating to recruitment to civil services
(b)The suitability of candidates for appointment to civil services
(c)On all disciplinary matters
4. The UPSC presents an annual report to the president about its
performance.

5. • Limitations
• Certain matters are kept outside the jurisdiction UPSC. They are
1. UPSC is not consulted while making reservations to backward class
of citizens.
2. With regard to the chairmanship or membership of the commission.
• The constitution also says that the president can make regulations
related to all India Services and central services without consulting
UPSC. But such matters shall be laid before the Parliament for at
least 14 days. The parliament can accept or reject them.

6. Role
• The UPSC is the watchdog of merit system in India. It makes
recruitment to all India services and central services- group A and
Group B.
• It advises the government in matters of promotion and discipline
when consulted. It is not concerned with pay and service conditions,
training etc.
• The recommendations of UPSC are advisory in nature and not binding
on the government.
• In one case, the Supreme Court held that the provision to consult
UPSC is in the nature of directory and not mandatory. The Union
government may accept or reject its advice. The only safeguard is that
the government is answerable to the legislature.

7. Thank You