The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central constitutional body for recruiting officers to the All India Services and Central Civil Services (Group A and B). Its origins trace back to the British era, when the need for an impartial recruitment agency was recognized.

• Early Recommendations: In 1923, the British Government appointed the Royal Commission on Superior Civil Services in India, chaired by Lord Lee of Fareham (the “Lee Commission”). The commission recommended the creation of a Public Service Commission to ensure fair recruitment, with a mix of British and Indian officers.

• Establishment: Acting on these recommendations, the first Public Service Commission was established on 1 October 1926 under the chairmanship of Sir Ross Barker. Initially, its powers were limited to an advisory role, which fell short of Indian leaders’ expectations.

• Federal Public Service Commission: The Government of India Act 1935 reconstituted it as the Federal Public Service Commission, expanding its role and authority.

• Post-Independence: After India gained independence, the commission was renamed the Union Public Service Commission and granted constitutional status on 26 January 1950 under Articles 315–323 of the Indian Constitution.

• Current Role: Today, UPSC is headquartered at Dholpur House, New Delhi, and functions as an autonomous body. It conducts major national examinations, including the Civil Services Examination (IAS/IPS/IFS), and is regarded as a pillar of merit-based recruitment in India’s public administration.

UPSC’s journey from a colonial advisory body to a constitutionally-empowered institution reflects India’s commitment to transparent, fair, and meritocratic public service recruitment.