The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), established under Part XIV of the Constitution of India, is an independent constitutional body headquartered in New Delhi, tasked with recruiting candidates for All India Services and Central Civil Services (Group A and B). Founded on October 1, 1926, as the Public Service Commission under British rule, it evolved into the UPSC post-independence in 1947 to ensure merit-based selection for the nation's administrative framework. Its mission is to uphold the principles of integrity, impartiality, and efficiency in public service recruitment, advising the President on appointments, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary matters while promoting diversity and equal opportunity.
Key activities include conducting high-stakes competitive examinations such as the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for IAS, IPS, and IFS roles, alongside specialized tests like the Combined Defence Services (CDS), Indian Economic Service (IES), and National Defence Academy (NDA) exams. UPSC also handles direct recruitment for various government posts, including scientific and technical positions in ministries like Defence and Home Affairs. In 2023, it processed over 1.3 million applications for just 1,255 vacancies, emphasizing transparency and standardization. As a direct report to the President, UPSC's non-binding advisory role strengthens India's governance ecosystem.