UPSC Completes 100 Years in 2026: History, Constitutional Provisions, Functions and Significance

Explore UPSC's 100-year journey in 2026, from its establishment in 1926 to its constitutional status, Articles 315–323, functions and significance for UPSC CSE.

Table of Contents

Context

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) completed 100 years on 1 October 2026, marking a century since India’s first Public Service Commission was established in 1926.

About UPSC

Origin: The first Public Service Commission was established on 1 October 1926 as an advisory body, with its Chairman and Members appointed by the Secretary of State in London.
Constitutional Status: The Constitution of India provides for the Union and State Public Service Commissions under Part XIV, Articles 315–323.
Nature: An independent constitutional body responsible for merit-based recruitment to public services and advising governments on personnel matters.
Headquarters: Dholpur House, New Delhi.

Evolution

1855: The Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination introduced open competition, replacing nomination-based recruitment.
1919: The Government of India Act provided for a Public Service Commission.
1922: The ICS examination was held in India for the first time at Allahabad, alongside London.
1924: The Lee Commission recommended establishing a statutory Public Service Commission.
1926: The first Public Service Commission was established.
1949: Provisions relating to Public Service Commissions were incorporated into Part XIV of the Constitution.

Constitutional Provisions Related to UPSC

The constitutional framework of UPSC is contained in Part XIV of the Constitution of India, covering Articles 315 to 323.

Article	Constitutional Provision
Article 315	Public Service Commissions for the Union and States
Article 316	Appointment and term of office of members
Article 317	Removal and suspension of members
Article 318	Regulations concerning service conditions and staff
Article 319	Restrictions on further employment after ceasing to hold office
Article 320	Functions of Public Service Commissions
Article 321	Extension of functions of Public Service Commissions
Article 322	Expenses of Public Service Commissions
Article 323	Reports of Public Service Commissions

These provisions establish the institutional framework for recruitment, functioning, financial arrangements and accountability of Public Service Commissions.

Key Functions

Recruitment by Examination: Conducts examinations such as Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, Combined Medical Services, NDA & NA, CDS and CAPF (Assistant Commandants).
Recruitment by Selection: Conducts interviews and recruitment tests for specialist posts referred by Ministries and Departments.
Advisory Role: Advises governments on Recruitment Rules, promotions, induction into All India Services and disciplinary matters.
Police Leadership: Empanels senior IPS officers for appointment as Director General of Police/Head of Police Force in States.

Constitutional Significance

Ensures merit, impartiality and equal opportunity in public recruitment.
Its constitutional independence helps protect appointments from nepotism, favouritism and political patronage.