UPSC Prelims & Mains
GS Paper II
Constitutional Bodies
UPSC at 100: History, Constitutional Provisions (Articles 315–323) and Reforms
The Union Public Service Commission completed 100 years on 1 October 2026, marking a century since the Public Service Commission was set up in 1926.
ESTABLISHED
1 October 1926
CONSTITUTION
Part XIV, Articles 315–323
CENTENARY EVENT
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
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Quick Answer
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) completed 100 years on 1 October 2026. It traces its origin to the Public Service Commission set up on 1 October 1926 on the recommendation of the Lee Commission. It became the Federal Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act, 1935, and the UPSC when the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950. It is a constitutional body under Articles 315–323 (Part XIV).
Last updated: 26 October 2026 · Official source: upsc.gov.in. Dates from the UPSC calendar are tentative and can change; always confirm on the official website.
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Why in News
The UPSC’s year-long centenary celebrations, which began on 1 October 2025, concluded with a two-day programme on 30 September and 1 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, attended by the Prime Minister.
- Releases: A UPSC Centenary commemorative coin, a commemorative postage stamp, and a book titled “100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India”.
- The book: Compiles 100 court decisions on the policies and functioning of the UPSC and the State Public Service Commissions.
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Evolution of the UPSC
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1919 | Government of India Act, 1919 provided for a Public Service Commission |
| 1924 | The Lee Commission recommended setting it up |
| 1 Oct 1926 | Public Service Commission established; Sir Ross Barker was its first Chairman |
| 1935 | Government of India Act, 1935 created the Federal Public Service Commission (from 1937) |
| 26 Jan 1950 | Became the Union Public Service Commission under the Constitution |
| 2026 | Centenary year |
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Constitutional Provisions (Part XIV, Articles 315–323)
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| 315 | A Public Service Commission for the Union and one for each state; two or more states may share a Joint State PSC |
| 316 | Chairman and members appointed by the President; term of six years or until age 65, whichever is earlier |
| 317 | Removal by the President for misbehaviour after an inquiry by the Supreme Court, or for insolvency, outside paid employment or infirmity |
| 318 | President makes regulations on the number of members and their conditions of service |
| 319 | After leaving office, the Chairman cannot take further government employment; a member can become Chairman of the UPSC or a State PSC |
| 320 | Functions: conducting exams for Union services and advising on recruitment, promotions, transfers and disciplinary matters |
| 321 | Parliament can extend the UPSC’s functions |
| 322 | Expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India |
| 323 | Annual report to the President, laid before both Houses of Parliament |
Independence safeguards: Security of tenure, removal only through a Supreme Court inquiry, conditions of service that cannot be changed to a member’s disadvantage, expenses charged on the Consolidated Fund, and a bar on further government jobs for the Chairman.
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Recent Reforms
- Early answer key: In 2026, UPSC released the Prelims provisional answer key on 27 May, three days after the exam, with objections through its QPRep portal. Earlier, keys came only after the whole cycle ended.
- New application portal: A single account with a Universal Registration Number, a common application form and live photo capture.
- Identity checks: Face verification at exam venues and stricter checks of certificates after the 2024 case of a probationer’s cancelled candidature.
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Issues and Way Forward (Mains Angle)
- Long exam cycle: A single cycle takes over a year from notification to final result.
- Falling vacancies: From 1,105 in 2023 to about 933 in 2026, with very high competition.
- Advisory role: The government can reject UPSC advice, and the UPSC has no role in many contract or lateral appointments.
- Changing skills: Debate continues on whether the exam tests the skills a modern administrator needs.
Shorten the cycle
Faster evaluation and results using technology
Transparency
Keep releasing answer keys early and publish marks and data promptly
Integrity
Strong verification of certificates at the application stage
Periodic review
Expert review of the exam pattern, as done in 2011 and 2013
Conclusion: In its hundred years the UPSC has built a reputation for merit-based, fair recruitment. Faster, more transparent and technology-driven processes can keep that trust for the next century.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was the UPSC established?
Its predecessor, the Public Service Commission, was set up on 1 October 1926. It became the Union Public Service Commission on 26 January 1950.
Which articles of the Constitution deal with the UPSC?
Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution.
Who appoints the UPSC Chairman and members?
The President of India, for a term of six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
How can a UPSC member be removed?
By the President for misbehaviour after an inquiry by the Supreme Court, or on grounds such as insolvency, outside paid employment or infirmity.
What was released for the UPSC centenary?
A commemorative coin, a postage stamp and a book, “100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India”.
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Related Resources on Strive Edge IAS
- About the exam: UPSC Exam Pattern 2027 and UPSC Notification 2027
- CSE 2027 essentials: UPSC Notification 2027, UPSC Calendar 2027, UPSC Syllabus 2027 and UPSC Eligibility 2027
- Daily practice: Daily Current Affairs, Prelims Pinpointer and Mains Answer Writing
- Previous papers: UPSC Prelims PYQs and UPSC Mains PYQs
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Source: Constitution of India (Part XIV), UPSC (upsc.gov.in) and the PMO announcement of the UPSC centenary programme. Compiled by the Strive Edge IAS editorial team.
