Full form of UPSC: Union Public Service Comission

Full form of UPSC: Union Public Service Commission

Aspirants gearing up for the civil services examination are typically well-versed with the exam syllabus and the conducting authority, the UPSC. However, this post aims to offer a deeper understanding of the organization overseeing the exam. Referred to as UPSC, an abbreviation for the Union Public Service Commission, this body plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the civil services examination.

The UPSC exam stands out as one of the most challenging in the country, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds the esteemed position of being the primary authority responsible for conducting this significant examination. The UPSC conducts multiple exams to recruit qualified individuals for various positions within the Indian Government. Among these, the Civil Services Examination (CSE), commonly known as the IAS examination, holds particular prominence. The CSE is structured into two phases—UPSC prelims and mains. The preliminary examination is objective-based, while the mains exam is characterized by descriptive elements, including essay-writing.

Historical background

The establishment of the Public Service Commission traces back to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Superior Civil Services in India, chaired by Lord Lee, which presented its report in 1924. As a result, the first Public Service Commission was established on October 1, 1926, under the leadership of Sir Ross Barker. Initially endowed with a limited advisory role, the emphasis on this aspect persisted due to the influence of leaders in the freedom movement. This trajectory led to the formation of the Federal Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act, 1935. Following independence, the Federal Public Service Commission transitioned into the Union Public Service Commission, attaining constitutional status with the promulgation of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950.

Constitutional mandate of UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission is a Constitutional Body established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. The Commission consists of a Chairman and ten Members.

Methods of Recruitment

Recruitment is made by one of the following four methods: Direct Recruitment, Promotion, Deputation/ absorption; and Composite Method ( Deputation + Promotion) 

Direct Recruitment is conducted broadly under the following two methods:-
1. Recruitment by Competitive Examination; and
2. Recruitment by Selection.

The Mandate of Union Public Service Commission

The mandate of the Union Public Service Commission, under Article 320 and 321 of the Constitution of India, include:
i. Recruitment by conduct of competitive examinations;
ii. Recruitment by Selection through Interviews;
iii. Advising on the suitability of officers for appointment on promotion as well as transfer–on–deputation;
iv. Advising the Government on all matters relating to methods of Recruitment to various services and posts; framing and amendment of Recruitment Rules;
v. Disciplinary cases relating to different Civil Services;
vi. Miscellaneous matters relating to grant of extra-ordinary pensions, reimbursement of legal expenses etc.
vii. Advising the Government on any matter referred to the Commission by the President of India.
viii. On the request of the Governor of a State, to serve all or any of the needs of a State relating to recruitment, with the approval of the President.

Recruitment through Examination

The Commission conducts the following Structured Examinations on a regular basis at various Centres located throughout the country for appointment to various Civil/Defence services/posts:-

1. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination;
2. Civil Services (Main) Examination;
3. Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination;
4. Engineering Services (Main) Examination;
5. Combined Medical Services Examination;
6. Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination through CS (P) Examination
7. Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination
8. Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination;
9. Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination;
10. Indian Economic Service/ Indian Statistical Service Examination;
11. Combined Defence Services Examination [Held twice a year];
12. National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination [Held twice a year];
13. Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination;
14. Section Officers/Stenographers (Grade-B/Grade- I)Ltd. Departmental Competitive Examination;
15. Central Industrial Security Force, Assistant Commandant (Exe) Limited Departmental Competitive
    Examination.

The examination/recruitment test calendar, including details such as examination names, notification dates, application submission deadlines, and examination commencement dates, is published in leading national newspapers and displayed on the Commission’s website (www.upsc.gov.in).

This information is typically released well in advance, usually in June of the preceding year. Notifications for all examinations are officially published in the Gazette of India by the Government, with detailed notices accessible on the Commission’s website. Additionally, indicative notices are published in the Employment News/Rozgar Samachar.

Online Application

Applications can be submitted through 100% online mode. It is crucial to note that once the application closing date has passed, no modifications to the submitted application are permitted. However, candidates have the option to withdraw their applications within the specified deadline mentioned in the Notice, f they do not want to appear at the Examination.

To facilitate the application process, candidates are strongly advised to take note of their RID No. (Registration ID). This RID is assigned after the completion of the online application form and serves as a reference for accessing registration and venue details on the website. The applicants are advised to apply well before the closing date to avoid last minute rush.

Exemption for payment of fees for female candidates

All female candidates are granted an exemption from the payment of fees for the Commission’s examinations.

Recruitment through Selection

The Commission is entrusted with the task of conducting direct recruitment at different levels through the selection method for all Group ‘A’ posts and specific Group ‘B’ posts within the Central Government. Vacancy information is previewed through indicative advertisements in Employment News, while comprehensive details are made available on the Commission’s official website at www.upsc.gov.in.

Promotions & Deputations

Article 320 of the Constitution of India mandates consultation with the Commission regarding the principles governing appointments to Civil Services and Civil posts, as well as promotions and transfers between services. The Commission’s input is sought on the suitability of candidates for these appointments, promotions, or transfers, emphasizing its integral role in the decision-making process.

FAQs on the UPSC examination

1. How are vacancies advertised? 

Answer: Ministries/Departments submit recruitment proposals to the UPSC, detailing information such as the number of vacancies, reservation details (including provisions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities – PwBDs), essential and desirable qualifications, and the duties associated with the posts. Following a thorough examination by the Commission, the vacancies are then made public, inviting Online Recruitment Applications (ORA) through the Commission’s website. Simultaneously, an indicative advertisement is published in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar to inform a wider audience about the available opportunities.

2. For how many different posts can a candidate apply in one recruitment advertisement?

Answer: A recruitment advertisement typically invites applications for multiple posts, and in certain instances, for a single post. If a candidate desires to apply for more than one post, they may do so by submitting separate applications for each post and adhering to the prescribed fee payment method specified for each individual post.

3. How can I know the status of my application submitted for a particular post? 

Answer: Candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC website, www.upsc.gov.in, where lists of finally submitted online applications, including details such as the name of the post, vacancy number, roll number, application number, and corresponding names related to the posts, are displayed in an organized manner according to the advertisement numbers.

4. Whether a qualification already mentioned under ‘Essential Qualifications’ is to be mentioned again under ‘Desirable Qualifications’, if it is relevant?

Answer: Relevant Desirable Qualification(s) possessed by the candidate may be mentioned under ‘Desirable Qualifications’, irrespective of whether they are already mentioned under ‘Essential Qualifications’ or not.

5. Which are the Universities, Courses and Degrees recognized by the UPSC?

Answer: The UPSC does not have jurisdiction over the recognition of universities, courses, or degrees. This responsibility falls within the purview of the relevant authorities designated for such matters, such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and others.