What is composition of UPSC?

Q.  Which of the following is/are true regarding composition of UPSC?

1) Strength of the UPSC has been left to the discretion of the President and is not mentioned in the Constitution.
2) Members of the Commission hold office for a term of 5 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Published on 14 Mar 17

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Only 1
 
  • The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is independent Constitutional Body.

  • It is the central recruiting agency in India.

  • Articles 315 to 323 in Part 14 of the Constitution contain detailed provisions regarding the composition, appointment, removal of members etc., of the UPSC.

    • Composition of UPSC -

  • The UPSC consists of a Chairman and other members.

  • They are appointed by the President of India.

  • The Constitution has not specified the strength of the commission.

  • It is left at the discretion of the President, who determines its composition.

  • Usually, the commission consists of nine to eleven members including the Chairman.

  • No qualifications are prescribed for the commission’s membership except that one-half of the Members of the Commission should be such people who have held office for at least ten years either under the Government of India or under the Government of a state.

  • The Constitution authorizes the President to determine the conditions of service of the Chairman and other Members of the Commission.

  • 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.

  • But, they can relinquish their offices at any time by addressing their resignation to the President.

  • They can also be removed before the expiry of their term by the President in the manner as provided in the Constitution.

    • In the following scenarios the President can appoint one of the members of the UPSC as an acting chairman -

    (a) when the office of the chairman falls vacant; or

    (b) when the chairman is unable to perform his functions due to absence or some other reason.

  • The acting Chairman functions till a person appointed as Chairman enters on the duties of the office or till the Chairman is able to resume his duties.

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