The central constitutional recruiting agency that conducts examinations for appointment to the all-India and central services and advises the Government on service matters.
- Constitutional body under Articles 315 to 323; the UPSC operates under Articles 315, 316, 317, 320 and 322 in particular.
- Composition: a Chairman and other members appointed by the President; members hold office for six years or until 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- A member can be removed only by the President on the ground of misbehaviour after a Supreme Court inquiry (Article 317), securing independence.
- Functions (Article 320): conducts examinations for the All India Services and central Group A and B services, advises on recruitment methods, promotions, transfers and disciplinary matters.
- Its advice is advisory only; the Government may reject it, but must lay a report of every case where UPSC advice was not accepted before Parliament (Article 323).
The CAPF exam is itself conducted by the UPSC; Articles 315 to 323, the six-year or 65-year tenure and Article 317 removal are core, frequently tested constitutional facts.
UPSC advice is advisory, not binding, but rejections must be reported to Parliament; do not confuse the UPSC (Union) with State Public Service Commissions or with the Staff Selection Commission (an executive body set up by a 1975 government resolution, not statutory and not constitutional).
Arts 315 to 323 constitutional recruiting body, members for six years or 65, removable only via Article 317.