What is UPSC, What is Union Public Service Commission

The full form of UPSC is the Union Public Service Commission. UPSC is a major institution in India that conducts examinations for the recruitment of civil services. It was established on October 1, 1926, and is headquartered in New Delhi. The main function of UPSC is to select eligible candidates for various government services, including important positions like IAS, IPS, and IFS, What is the full form of UPSC, What does mean UPSC.

Every year, UPSC organizes the Civil Services Examination, which is considered one of the toughest exams in the country. This exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The preliminary exam includes two papers: General Studies and CSAT (Quantitative Aptitude). The Mains exam comprises nine papers, which include compulsory subjects as well as one optional subject.

The purpose of UPSC is not only to select qualified candidates but also to ensure that the selected officers maintain the highest standards and serve the nation effectively. Additionally, UPSC conducts various other exams, such as the CDS and NDA exams for recruitment into defense services, What is Union public service commmission, What is UPSC.

UPSC holds a significant place in the history of India’s administrative system. It was established during British rule when there was a need for a Public Service Commission in India. At that time, public service examinations were conducted in England, which created barriers for Indian candidates.

The initial development of UPSC began with the Government of India Act of 1919, which aimed to move towards self-governance and included provisions for establishing a Public Service Commission. However, the government did not implement this immediately. In 1923, a Royal Commission led by Lord Lee emphasized the need for such a commission, leading to the establishment of the first Public Service Commission in 1926.

Constitutional recognition came when India gained independence. On January 26, 1950, the UPSC was granted constitutional status under the Indian Constitution. This was crucial for ensuring impartiality in civil services after independence, providing autonomy to public service commissions at both federal and state levels.

Modern era: Today, UPSC conducts exams for various civil services like IAS and IPS. The examination process consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The main objective of UPSC is to select qualified and capable officers who can play significant roles in Indian administration, What is the full form of UPSC, What is UPSC.

Thus, the history of UPSC not only shapes the administrative framework of India but also plays a vital role in the country’s political and social structure.

Who is the current chairman of the UPSC

Priti Sudan is the current chairperson of the UPSC, having taken office on August 1, 2024. She is an experienced IAS officer from the 1983 batch of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Previously, she served as the Secretary of Health in the central government, where she initiated several significant programs, including “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and “Ayushman Bharat.”

Priti Sudan was a member of the UPSC since 2022. Her predecessor, Manoj Soni, resigned for personal reasons; he had taken the oath as UPSC chairperson on May 16, 2023, and his term was set to end on May 15, 2029. Manoj Soni’s resignation became particularly notable amid controversies involving a probationary IAS officer named Pooja Khedkar. However, Soni clarified that his resignation was not related to these controversies.

With Priti Sudan’s appointment, there are expectations for new directions within the UPSC, as she is known for her experience and administrative skills. Under her leadership, the commission aims to streamline various recruitment processes effectively, Who is the current chairman of the UPSC, Who is the chief of UPSC.

What is the main purpose of UPSC

The UPSC conducts examinations for appointments to various civil services under the Government of India. Its primary role is to recruit for 24 services, including IAS, IPS, and IFS, What is the main purpose of UPSC.

The functions of UPSC are defined under Article 320 of the Constitution. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting Exams: UPSC organizes exams for recruitment to central services, which include All India Services, central services, and public services in union territories.
• Advising the Government: It provides guidance to the government on recruitment methods, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary matters related to civil services.
• Preparing Recruitment Rules: The commission plays a role in drafting and amending recruitment rules.
• Handling Disciplinary Cases: UPSC addresses disciplinary issues related to civil servants and advises the government on such matters.
• Joint Recruitment Schemes: If requested by two or more states, UPSC assists in formulating joint recruitment plans.

Who appoints the Chairman of UPSC

The appointment of the Chairman of the UPSC is made by the President of India, as outlined in Article 316 of the Indian Constitution. This article specifies that the President appoints the Chairman and members of the Commission. The UPSC was established on October 1, 1926, and serves as the primary central recruitment body in India, conducting examinations for various services.

Appointment Process and Tenure: The UPSC consists of a Chairman and ten members, with at least half of the members having a minimum of ten years’ experience in public service. The term for both the Chairman and members is six years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first. If the position of Chairman becomes vacant or if they are unable to perform their duties, one of the other members is appointed by the President to carry out those responsibilities, Who Appoints the chairman of UPSC, What is UPSC.

How many exams does UPSC conduct

UPSC is a major recruitment agency in India that conducts exams for various government services. Here’s a simplified list of the main exams it organizes:

Main Exams

1. Civil Services Examination (CSE): This is the most significant exam for positions like IAS, IPS, and IFS. It consists of three stages: preliminary exam, main exam, and interview.
2. Engineering Services Examination (ESE): This exam is for engineering graduates seeking recruitment in various government engineering services.
3. Indian Forest Service Examination (IFS): This exam selects officers for the forest department.
4. Central Armed Police Forces Examination (CAPF): This exam is for the position of Assistant Commandant in central armed police forces.
5. Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS): These exams recruit officers for economic and statistical services, respectively.

Defense services examinations

The NDA and Naval Academy examination are tests conducted for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The CDS exam is conducted for the recruitment of officers in various defense services.

Other important exams

1. Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS): This exam is for recruiting officers in the medical field.
2. UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination: This is conducted for recruitment in geoscience-related services.
3. Special Class Railway Apprentice (SCRA): This exam is for recruiting trainees in the railway sector.

UPSC conducts all these various exams that are considered very competitive across the country, and their purpose is to select qualified candidates who can demonstrate excellence in various government services. Preparing for UPSC exams requires a planned study schedule and dedication, How many exams does UPSC conduct, How many types of exams under UPSC.

What is the process of UPSC selection

UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) is a constitutional body responsible for conducting major exams for civil services recruitment in India. It was established on October 1, 1926, and is headquartered in Delhi. Every year, UPSC organizes the Civil Services Examination, which selects candidates for various positions such as IAS, IPS, and IFS.

The examination process is divided into three stages:

Prelims : This is the first stage, consisting of two objective-type papers. Paper 1 focuses on General Studies, while Paper 2 is the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Candidates must score a minimum of 33% in both papers to qualify.

Mains : This stage includes nine descriptive papers: seven on General Studies and two on optional subjects. The total marks for this stage are 1750.

Interview : The final stage involves an interview, which carries 275 marks. It assesses candidates’ mental alertness, decision-making ability, and social traits.

To participate in the UPSC exams, candidates must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university. The age limit for the general category is between 21 to 32 years, and the number of attempts varies by category. The UPSC exam is considered one of the toughest exams in the country, attracting millions of candidates each year, What is the selection process of UPSC, What is the process of UPSC exam.

Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

• Total Marks: 400
• Papers: Two papers
• General Studies I: (100 questions, 200 marks, Duration: 2 hours)
• CSAT (General Studies II): (80 questions, 200 marks, Duration: 2 hours (qualifying, minimum 33% required)
• Question Type: Objective (MCQ)
• Negative Marking: One-third of the marks deducted for incorrect answers.

Main Examination (Mains)

• Total Marks: 1750
• Papers: Nine papers
• Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks, qualifying)
• Paper B: English (300 marks, qualifying)
• Papers I-V: General Studies (250 marks each)
• Papers VI-VII: Optional subjects (250 marks each)
• Question Type: Descriptive
• Impact on Score: Marks from the Mains exam directly affect the final score.

Interview

• Total Marks: 275
• This stage is for candidates who pass the Mains exam. The interview scores are combined with written exam scores to create the final merit list.

Overall, the UPSC Exam pattern is structured and challenging, requiring candidates to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and analytical skills across various subjects.

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