UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Chairperson Dr. Manoj Soni has resigned from his position five years before the end of his term in 2029, citing "personal reasons."

Union Public Service Commission

• About: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the central recruiting agency in India.

oIt is an independent constitutional body.

oAs per Article 312 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament is entitled to create one or more All India services common to the Union and the States.

• Constitutional Provisions: The provisions regarding the composition of UPSC, appointment and removal of its members, and the powers and functions of UPSC are provided in Part XIV of the Indian Constitution under Article 315 to Article 323.
• Term: The Chairman serves for a term of 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever comes first.
• Eligibility: The Chairman must have served at least ten years either under the Government of India or under a State Government.
• Ineligibility for Further Employment: The Chairman cannot seek further employment with the Government of India or a State Government after leaving office.
• Removal of UPSC Chairman:

oAdjudged insolvent.

oEngages in paid employment outside the duties of the office during the term.

oFound unfit to continue in office due to mental or physical infirmity.