Introduction
- Public Service Commissions (PSC) are constitutional bodies tasked with recruiting personnel for civil services.
- Article 312 empowers Parliament to create All India Services common to the Union and States.
- Recruitments are made by:
- UPSC (Union-level),
- SPSC (State-level),
- JSPSC (Joint commissions for group of states).
Constitutional Provisions (Articles 315–323, Part XIV)
| Article | Provision |
| 315 | Establishment of UPSC and SPSCs |
| 316 | Appointment & term of members |
| 317 | Removal & suspension of members |
| 318 | Service conditions of members |
| 319 | Ineligibility post-tenure |
| 320 | Functions of UPSC/SPSC |
| 321 | Extension of functions |
| 322 | Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund |
| 323 | Submission of annual reports |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Constitutional Body (established under Article 315).
- Appointment: By President.
- Tenure: 6 years or until 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Composition: Chairman + other members (decided by President).
- Removal: Only by President on SC’s advice (similar to SC judge).
- Resignation: To President.
Restrictions
- Members cannot hold reappointment.
- Chairperson is barred from any future government employment.
Funding
- Charged on the Consolidated Fund of India (not subject to vote).
Reporting
- Annual report to the President.
- President lays it before Parliament, along with reasons for non-acceptance of advice.
State Public Service Commissions (SPSC)
- Parallel constitutional bodies at State level.
- Appointment: By Governor.
- Tenure: 6 years or until 62 years, whichever is earlier.
- Removal: By President, after SC inquiry.
- Resignation: To Governor.
Funding
- Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of the State.
Reporting
- Annual report to Governor, who tables it before State Legislature with reasons for non-acceptance.
Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC)
- Constitutional provision under Article 315(2).
- Formed when two or more States pass a resolution in their legislatures and Parliament approves.
- Appointment: By President.
- Tenure: 6 years or until 62 years.
- Report: Sent to Governors of each member state.
Functions of UPSC, SPSC & JSPSC
(Article 320)
| Function | Explanation |
| Conduct Exams | For civil services of Union/State |
| Recruitment | Direct appointments, promotions, transfers |
| Advisory Role | On methods of recruitment, disciplinary matters, promotions |
| Disciplinary Authority | Consulted on penalties for civil servants |
| Joint Recruitment | UPSC can assist states on request |
| Extended Functions | Parliament/State Legislatures may assign additional roles |
Grounds for Removal (Art. 317)
- Insolvency
- Paid employment outside duties
- Mental/physical infirmity (President’s satisfaction)
- Misbehavior (after SC inquiry)
Comparison Table – UPSC vs SPSC vs JSPSC
| Feature | UPSC | SPSC | JSPSC |
| Appointing Authority | President | Governor | President |
| Term | 6 yrs or 65 yrs | 6 yrs or 62 yrs | 6 yrs or 62 yrs |
| Reports To | President | Governor | Governors of states involved |
| Fund Source | Consolidated Fund of India | Consolidated Fund of State | Shared by States |
| Can Assist States? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Reappointment | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Ineligibility After Tenure (Art. 319)
| Post | Eligibility |
| UPSC Chairman | Ineligible for any Govt employment (Centre/State) |
| SPSC Chairman | Eligible for UPSC/SPSC Chairperson/member, not for other employment |
| Members | Eligible for Chairperson role in UPSC/SPSC, not for other govt employment |
Significance of PSCs
- Merit-based recruitment to civil services.
- Ensures transparency, impartiality, and professionalism.
- Constitutional insulation ensures independence from executive influence.