New UPSC Chairman Appointed

• 14 May 2025

Why in News? 

Former Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar has been appointed  the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). 

Key Points 

• Union Public Service Commission 
  • The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body. Part XIV of the Indian Constitution contains provisions relating to the composition, appointment and removal, powers and functions of its members under Articles 315 to 323.  
  • Appointment of Members: The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India. 
  • Office: Any member of the UPSC will hold office for a term of six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. 
  • Re-appointment: No person who has once held office as a member of a Public Service Commission shall be eligible for reappointment to his office.  
  • Resignation: A member of the Union Public Service Commission may resign from his office by writing to the President of India.  
  • Removal/Suspension of Members: The Chairman or any other member of the Union Public Service Commission shall be removed from his office only by order of the President of India.  
    • The President may also suspend the Chairperson or any other Member before the completion of his office, in respect of which a reference is made to the Supreme Court.  
  • Removal: The Chairman or any other member of the UPSC may be removed if he:  
    • has been declared bankrupt. 
    • Engages in any paid employment outside the duties of the office during his term of office. 
    • is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.  
  • Regulating the conditions of service: Power of the President of India in the case of UPSC:  
    • Determines the number of members of the Commission and their conditions of service. 
    • Makes provision for the number of employees of the Commission and their conditions of service. 
  • Restriction on Powers: The service conditions of members of the UPSC shall not be amended in any manner after their appointment.  
  • Power to extend functions: The Legislature of a State may make provision for the exercise of additional functions by the UPSC or the SPSC in respect of the services of the Union or a State and in respect of the services of any local authority or other body corporate constituted by law or any public institution.  
  • Expenses: The expenses of the UPSC, including salaries, allowances and pensions of members or employees of the Commission, are met from the Consolidated  Fund of India . 
• Submission of Reports: The UPSC submits an annual report of the work done by the Commission to the President of India.  
  • A memorandum has to be submitted to the President in respect of those cases in which the advice of the Commission has not been accepted. 
    • The reasons for rejection will have to be presented before each House of Parliament before being presented to the President .