Public administration is generally known as the fourth organ of government. The public administration is manned by the public or civil services. The term civil service is well defined by Herman Finer as a “professional body of officials, permanent, paid and skilled”. Civil servants translate law to action all over the country.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier central recruitment agency for recruitment of all the Group A officers under Government of India. The UPSC is a constitutional body came into force under Part XIV of the Indian Constitution below the title Services Under the Union and States. It is an independent constitutional body for impartial consideration of service matters of government employees. It has important constitutional functions and duties but has only an advisory role, while the ultimate authority rests with the government.

The duties of the civil service today are many and varied which include advice to Ministers on all matters of policy; supervision of all aspects of the government’s scientific research, carrying out the social services; numerous routine functions like collecting taxes, keeping accounts, selling postage stamps, etc. The functions of the public servants include implementation of the government’s policies. They have semi legislative, semi-judicial function. They advise the political executives in policy matters. In a parliamentary democracy, the public officials are directly responsible to the political executive and indirectly to the Parliament.

The entire unit of civil services in India may be grouped under two broad categories-Central services and State Services.

Functions of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The UPSC is a constitutional body under Articles 315–323 of the Indian Constitution. Its functions are mainly advisory, but constitutionally significant.

1. Recruitment Functions

• Conducts competitive examinations for:

  • All-India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS)
  • Central Services (Group A & selected Group B)
• Conducts interviews and selection for specialised posts.
• Assists States in joint recruitment schemes when requested.

2. Advisory Functions (Article 320)

UPSC advises the President/Government on:

• Methods of recruitment to civil services and posts
• Principles for appointments, promotions, and transfers
• Suitability of candidates for appointment or promotion

UPSC’s advice is not binding, but reasons must be explained if ignored.

3. Disciplinary & Quasi-Judicial Functions

• Advises on disciplinary matters involving civil servants, such as:

  • Suspension, dismissal, removal, compulsory retirement

• Advises on:

  • Claims for legal expenses incurred by civil servants
  • Pension claims related to service injuries

4. Reporting Function

• Submits an annual report to the President
• Report is laid before Parliament with explanations where advice was not accepted

Functions of State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

Each State has its own Public Service Commission under Article 315. Its functions are similar to UPSC but limited to the State level.

1. Recruitment Functions

• Conducts examinations and selections for:

  • State Civil Services
  • State Police Services
  • Other State government posts

2. Advisory Functions

Advises the Governor/State Government on:

• Methods of recruitment for State services
• Rules governing appointments, promotions, and transfers
• Suitability of candidates for State services

3. Disciplinary Functions

• Advises on disciplinary cases of State government employees
• Recommends penalties or exoneration in service matters

4. Reporting Function

• Submits an annual report to the Governor
• Report is placed before the State Legislature