State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

Definition

The State-level constitutional recruiting agency that conducts examinations for appointment to the services of a State and advises the State Government on service matters.

Key points

• Constitutional body under the same cluster of Articles 315 to 323 that governs the UPSC.
• Composition: a Chairman and members appointed by the Governor; they hold office for six years or until 62 years (note the lower age limit than the UPSC's 65 years), whichever is earlier.
• Although members are appointed by the Governor, they can be removed only by the President (not the Governor) on the ground of misbehaviour after a Supreme Court inquiry under Article 317.
• A Joint State Public Service Commission can be created for two or more States by an Act of Parliament on their request.
• Its advice on State service matters is advisory only.

Why it matters for CAPF

The 62-year retirement age (versus 65 for UPSC) and the rule that removal is by the President although appointment is by the Governor are classic objective traps.

Common confusion

SPSC members are appointed by the Governor but removed only by the President (Art 317); the retirement age is 62 years, not 65 as in the UPSC; a Joint SPSC needs an Act of Parliament.

Parent note

constitutional and statutory bodies