Article 315 provides for the establishment of the Union Public Service Commission. UPSC is an independent constitutional body entrusted with the work of recruitment on the basis of merit.
1. Composition: At present, the UPSC is composed of a Chairman and 10 members. Members are appointed by the President. It provides for half of the members of the Commission to be administrators with a minimum of the 10 years experience in government service. Nothing is mentioned regarding the qualifications of the remaining members.
2. Tenure: A member of the Union Public Service Commission holds office for a period of 6 years or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever comes earlier. Chairman or members of the commission are not eligible for re-appointment after retirement. The Chairman of the UPSC is also not eligible for further employment under Central or State Governments, however, a member of the UPSC may be appointed as a Chairman of the UPSC or the state Public Service Commission.
3. Removal: The Chairman and members of the UPSC can be removed from the office only by on order of the President, on the ground of misbehaviour proved by the Supreme Court. All these provisions have been made to make the Commission an independent and impartial body.
Functions:
Article 320 of the Indian Constitution enumerates the functions of the UPSC :
1. To conduct examinations for appointment to the services of the Union and All India Service.
2. To assist two or more states, on request for joint recruitment for any services.
3. To advise the government on matters relating to the methods of recruitment, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and inter-service matters.
4. To present annual report regarding its working to the President.
5. To exercise such additional functions as provided by an act of Parliament.
6. To serve all or any needs of the State Government on request by the Governor and with the approval of the President.
