1. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is established under which Article of the Indian Constitution?
a) Article 315
b) Article 320
c) Article 324
d) Article 312
Answer: a) Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 provides for the establishment of the UPSC and State Public Service Commissions.
2. Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with the Union Public Service Commission?
a) Part IX
b) Part XIV
c) Part XV
d) Part XVI
Answer: b) Part XIV
Explanation: Part XIV of the Constitution (Articles 315–323) deals with Services under the Union and the States, including UPSC.
3. How many members are there in the UPSC including the Chairman?
a) Fixed 10
b) Fixed 15
c) Decided by the President
d) Decided by the Prime Minister
Answer: c) Decided by the President
Explanation: The Constitution does not fix the strength of the UPSC; the President determines it.
4. Who appoints the Chairman and members of the UPSC?
a) Prime Minister
b) Parliament
c) President
d) Chief Justice of India
Answer: c) President
Explanation: The President appoints the Chairman and members of the UPSC.
5. What is the tenure of the UPSC Chairman and members?
a) 3 years or till age 60
b) 5 years or till age 62
c) 6 years or till age 65
d) 4 years or till age 60
Answer: c) 6 years or till age 65
Explanation: They hold office for six years or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
6. The UPSC Chairman can be removed by the President on the ground of misbehavior only after—
a) Approval by the Prime Minister
b) Recommendation of the Chief Justice of India
c) Inquiry by the Supreme Court
d) Resolution by Parliament
Answer: c) Inquiry by the Supreme Court
Explanation: On misbehavior charges, the President refers the matter to the Supreme Court, which holds an inquiry.
7. The conditions of service of the Chairman and members of UPSC cannot be varied to their disadvantage after appointment. This ensures—
a) Efficiency
b) Accountability
c) Independence
d) Flexibility
Answer: c) Independence
Explanation: This provision safeguards the independence of the Commission.
8. Which Article of the Constitution defines the functions of UPSC?
a) Article 316
b) Article 317
c) Article 320
d) Article 322
Answer: c) Article 320
Explanation: Article 320 lays down the functions of UPSC.
9. UPSC is concerned with—
a) Recruitment to All-India Services
b) Recruitment to Central Services
c) Advising on disciplinary matters
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: UPSC handles recruitment to All-India and Central Services and advises on disciplinary matters.
10. The UPSC submits its annual report to—
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) President
Explanation: UPSC presents an annual report to the President, who lays it before Parliament.
11. Which Article deals with the expenses of the UPSC?
a) Article 321
b) Article 322
c) Article 323
d) Article 324
Answer: b) Article 322
Explanation: Article 322 provides that the expenses of UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
12. What is the minimum age requirement for UPSC membership?
a) 30 years
b) 35 years
c) 40 years
d) No minimum age specified
Answer: d) No minimum age specified
Explanation: The Constitution does not specify a minimum age for appointment as UPSC member.
13. A member of UPSC on ceasing to hold office is eligible for—
a) Further employment under Government of India
b) Further employment under State Government
c) Chairmanship of State Public Service Commission
d) Not eligible for any further employment under Government of India or State
Answer: d) Not eligible for any further employment under Government of India or State
Explanation: This provision ensures impartiality of members.
14. UPSC can serve as a joint Public Service Commission for—
a) Two or more states
b) Union Territories
c) Both States and UTs
d) Only Union Territories
Answer: a) Two or more states
Explanation: Parliament can provide for a Joint Public Service Commission for two or more states.
15. Who can remove a UPSC member for misbehavior?
a) Parliament
b) Prime Minister
c) President after Supreme Court inquiry
d) Chief Justice of India
Answer: c) President after Supreme Court inquiry
Explanation: Only the President can remove them after a Supreme Court inquiry.
16. What is the retirement age of the UPSC Chairman?
a) 62 years
b) 65 years
c) 60 years
d) 64 years
Answer: b) 65 years
Explanation: UPSC Chairman retires at the age of 65 years.
17. Who decides the conditions of service of UPSC members?
a) Parliament
b) Prime Minister
c) President
d) Law Commission
Answer: c) President
Explanation: The President determines the conditions of service of UPSC members.
18. The UPSC is—
a) A statutory body
b) A constitutional body
c) An executive body
d) An advisory body
Answer: b) A constitutional body
Explanation: UPSC is a constitutional body created under Article 315.
19. Which Article provides for Joint State Public Service Commission?
a) Article 315
b) Article 316
c) Article 317
d) Article 320
Answer: a) Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 provides for UPSC, State PSCs, and Joint State PSCs.
20. UPSC advises the government on—
a) Recruitment
b) Promotion
c) Transfers
d) Both a and b
Answer: d) Both a and b
Explanation: UPSC advises on recruitment and promotion of civil servants.
21. Who lays the UPSC annual report before Parliament?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
d) Home Minister
Answer: b) President
Explanation: President lays the report before Parliament.
22. The UPSC Chairman, after retirement, can—
a) Be reappointed as UPSC Chairman
b) Be appointed as State PSC Chairman
c) Hold any government post
d) Not hold any office under Government
Answer: b) Be appointed as State PSC Chairman
Explanation: Ex-UPSC Chairman can be appointed as Chairman of State PSC but not to other government posts.
23. Which of the following services is NOT recruited through UPSC?
a) Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
b) Indian Police Service (IPS)
c) Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
d) State Civil Services
Answer: d) State Civil Services
Explanation: State Civil Services are recruited by respective State PSCs.
24. UPSC is consulted in matters relating to—
a) All disciplinary cases
b) Certain disciplinary cases specified by law
c) Only Central Government cases
d) Only State Government cases
Answer: b) Certain disciplinary cases specified by law
Explanation: The law specifies which disciplinary matters require UPSC consultation.
25. Who can extend the functions of UPSC beyond its normal duties?
a) Prime Minister
b) Parliament
c) President
d) Supreme Court
Answer: c) President
Explanation: Under Article 321, the President can extend the functions of UPSC.
26. The first Chairman of UPSC was—
a) H.S. Khanna
b) Ross Barker
c) D.P. Karmarkar
d) K.R. Damle
Answer: b) Ross Barker
Explanation: Sir Ross Barker (British) was the first Chairman of UPSC in 1926.
27. Who was the first Indian Chairman of UPSC?
a) K.R. Damle
b) H.K. Kripalani
c) H.S. Khanna
d) D.P. Karmarkar
Answer: a) K.R. Damle
Explanation: K.R. Damle was the first Indian to become the Chairman of UPSC in 1947.
28. The UPSC was established on—
a) 1922
b) 1926
c) 1935
d) 1947
Answer: b) 1926
Explanation: UPSC was set up on 1st October 1926 under the Government of India Act, 1919.
29. The UPSC is responsible to—
a) Prime Minister
b) Parliament
c) President
d) Cabinet
Answer: c) President
Explanation: UPSC is directly responsible to the President.
30. Article 323 of the Constitution deals with—
a) Functions of UPSC
b) Expenses of UPSC
c) Reports of UPSC
d) Removal of UPSC members
Answer: c) Reports of UPSC
Explanation: Article 323 provides for the submission of UPSC reports to the President.
31. Who decides the number of members in UPSC?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Cabinet
Answer: b) President
Explanation: The strength of UPSC is not fixed in the Constitution; it is decided by the President.
32. The headquarters of UPSC is located at—
a) Mumbai
b) Kolkata
c) New Delhi
d) Chennai
Answer: c) New Delhi
Explanation: UPSC headquarters is located at Dholpur House, New Delhi.
33. Under which Article can the President extend additional functions to UPSC?
a) Article 317
b) Article 318
c) Article 321
d) Article 322
Answer: c) Article 321
Explanation: Article 321 empowers the President to extend the functions of UPSC.
34. Which of the following is not under the jurisdiction of UPSC?
a) Disciplinary cases
b) Recruitment of IAS/IPS
c) Recruitment of State Civil Services
d) Advising on promotions
Answer: c) Recruitment of State Civil Services
Explanation: State Civil Services are recruited by State Public Service Commissions.
35. What was the recommendation of the Simon Commission regarding Public Service Commissions?
a) Abolish UPSC
b) Strengthen PSCs
c) Merge UPSC and State PSCs
d) No recommendation
Answer: b) Strengthen PSCs
Explanation: The Simon Commission recommended strengthening of Public Service Commissions.
36. The Joint State Public Service Commission is created by—
a) Parliament by law
b) President by order
c) States by agreement
d) Supreme Court ruling
Answer: a) Parliament by law
Explanation: Parliament can create a Joint PSC for two or more states under Article 315.
37. Who presents the UPSC report before Parliament?
a) Prime Minister
b) Home Minister
c) President
d) Finance Minister
Answer: c) President
Explanation: UPSC submits report to the President, who places it before Parliament.
38. Which Article deals with the removal and suspension of UPSC members?
a) Article 316
b) Article 317
c) Article 318
d) Article 320
Answer: b) Article 317
Explanation: Article 317 provides for removal and suspension of members.
39. Who makes rules for the service conditions of UPSC members?
a) Parliament
b) President
c) Prime Minister
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Under Article 318, the President makes rules regarding service conditions.
40. The expenses of the UPSC are charged on—
a) Union Budget
b) President’s Fund
c) Consolidated Fund of India
d) Reserve Bank of India
Answer: c) Consolidated Fund of India
Explanation: Article 322 states that UPSC expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
41. UPSC members after ceasing to hold office are—
a) Eligible for reappointment to UPSC
b) Eligible for reappointment to other govt jobs
c) Eligible for appointment as State PSC Chairman
d) Eligible for private jobs only
Answer: c) Eligible for appointment as State PSC Chairman
Explanation: Former UPSC Chairman or members can join as State PSC Chairman.
42. What is the minimum number of members required in UPSC?
a) 3
b) 5
c) Not fixed
d) 7
Answer: c) Not fixed
Explanation: The Constitution does not prescribe a minimum or maximum number of members.
43. Which one of the following is true about UPSC?
a) It is an executive body
b) It is a constitutional body
c) It is a statutory body
d) It is a non-governmental body
Answer: b) It is a constitutional body
Explanation: UPSC derives its authority directly from the Constitution.
44. Members of UPSC submit their resignation to—
a) Parliament
b) Prime Minister
c) President
d) Chief Justice of India
Answer: c) President
Explanation: They can resign by addressing resignation to the President.
45. The number of members in UPSC is usually—
a) 7–9
b) 10–11
c) 9–11
d) 8–12
Answer: b) 10–11
Explanation: Though not fixed, UPSC usually has 10–11 members including Chairman.
46. The recommendations of UPSC are—
a) Binding on the Government
b) Advisory in nature
c) Enforceable by Courts
d) Mandatory for Parliament
Answer: b) Advisory in nature
Explanation: UPSC recommendations are not binding but hold persuasive value.
47. Which Act first provided for a Public Service Commission in India?
a) Indian Councils Act, 1892
b) Government of India Act, 1919
c) Government of India Act, 1935
d) Independence Act, 1947
Answer: b) Government of India Act, 1919
Explanation: The 1919 Act first recommended the establishment of Public Service Commission.
48. Under which Act was the Federal Public Service Commission set up?
a) Indian Councils Act, 1892
b) Government of India Act, 1919
c) Government of India Act, 1935
d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer: c) Government of India Act, 1935
Explanation: The 1935 Act provided for Federal Public Service Commission.
49. Which one of the following is NOT true about UPSC?
a) It conducts exams for All-India Services
b) It advises government on promotions
c) It controls the recruitment of Defence Services
d) It presents annual reports to the President
Answer: c) It controls the recruitment of Defence Services
Explanation: Defence services have separate recruitment boards; UPSC does not directly control them.
50. The constitutional provisions related to UPSC ensure—
a) Independence of Commission
b) Political interference
c) Executive control
d) Judicial control
Answer: a) Independence of Commission
Explanation: Various safeguards like fixed tenure, removal procedure, and charged expenditure ensure independence.
51. Who among the following can remove a member of the UPSC?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Chief Justice of India
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Article 317 states that the President can remove UPSC members on specific grounds.
52. On whose recommendation can the President remove a UPSC member for misbehavior?
a) Prime Minister
b) Parliament
c) Supreme Court
d) Home Minister
Answer: c) Supreme Court
Explanation: The President can remove a member for misbehavior only after the Supreme Court’s inquiry.
53. Which of the following is a ground for removal of UPSC members?
a) Insolvency
b) Engaging in paid employment
c) Infirmity of mind or body
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: A UPSC member can be removed on any of these grounds under Article 317.
54. The main function of UPSC is—
a) Recruitment to central services
b) Formulating government policies
c) Judicial review of laws
d) Passing the budget
Answer: a) Recruitment to central services
Explanation: UPSC’s core function is recruitment to All-India Services and Central Services.
55. Which of the following exams is NOT conducted by UPSC?
a) Civil Services Examination
b) NDA Examination
c) SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination
d) Engineering Services Examination
Answer: c) SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination
Explanation: SSC CGL is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, not UPSC.
56. Which body advises the President on disciplinary matters of civil servants?
a) Parliament
b) Cabinet Secretariat
c) UPSC
d) CAG
Answer: c) UPSC
Explanation: UPSC advises on all disciplinary matters concerning civil servants.
57. What is the usual tenure of the UPSC Chairman?
a) 3 years
b) 4 years
c) 5 years
d) 6 years
Answer: d) 6 years
Explanation: As per Article 316, tenure is 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
58. Which one of the following Articles provides for the composition of UPSC?
a) Article 315
b) Article 316
c) Article 317
d) Article 318
Answer: a) Article 315
Explanation: Article 315 provides for the establishment and composition of Public Service Commissions.
59. What is the retirement age of UPSC members?
a) 60 years
b) 62 years
c) 65 years
d) 67 years
Answer: c) 65 years
Explanation: UPSC members retire at 65 years or completion of 6 years of service.
60. The term “independence of UPSC” mainly implies—
a) No government control over its decisions
b) Financial autonomy
c) Security of tenure for members
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Independence is ensured through financial security, tenure, and constitutional safeguards.
61. Who decides the conditions of service of UPSC members?
a) President
b) Parliament
c) Prime Minister
d) Finance Minister
Answer: a) President
Explanation: As per Article 318, the President determines service conditions.
62. Which of the following is true about UPSC recommendations?
a) They are binding on the government
b) They are advisory only
c) They must be approved by Parliament
d) They are enforceable by courts
Answer: b) They are advisory only
Explanation: UPSC recommendations are not binding on the government.
63. Who administers the oath of office to the UPSC Chairman?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Chief Justice of India
d) Vice-President
Answer: b) President
Explanation: The President administers oath to the UPSC Chairman and members.
64. The UPSC is accountable to—
a) Parliament
b) Prime Minister
c) President
d) Supreme Court
Answer: c) President
Explanation: UPSC submits its annual report to the President.
65. The President places the UPSC report before—
a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Both Houses of Parliament
d) Supreme Court
Answer: c) Both Houses of Parliament
Explanation: The President lays the report before both Houses of Parliament.
66. A joint State Public Service Commission can be established by—
a) Governor
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Supreme Court
Answer: c) Parliament
Explanation: Parliament can establish a Joint State PSC for two or more states under Article 315.
67. Which one of the following statements is NOT correct about UPSC?
a) It is a constitutional body
b) It advises on promotions and transfers
c) It decides the salaries of civil servants
d) It conducts examinations for All India Services
Answer: c) It decides the salaries of civil servants
Explanation: UPSC does not decide salaries; pay is determined by the government.
68. What is the tenure of the UPSC Chairman in terms of years?
a) 3 years
b) 5 years
c) 6 years
d) 7 years
Answer: c) 6 years
Explanation: The tenure is 6 years or until the age of 65.
69. UPSC submits its annual report to—
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Lok Sabha
d) Cabinet
Answer: b) President
Explanation: UPSC submits its report annually to the President.
70. Which of the following statements is true?
a) UPSC is only an advisory body
b) UPSC’s advice is binding
c) UPSC has judicial powers
d) UPSC frames policies of government
Answer: a) UPSC is only an advisory body
Explanation: UPSC’s primary role is advisory in nature.
71. The provisions relating to UPSC are borrowed from—
a) UK Constitution
b) Government of India Act, 1935
c) US Constitution
d) Irish Constitution
Answer: b) Government of India Act, 1935
Explanation: Provisions of UPSC in Indian Constitution are borrowed from the 1935 Act.
72. Who is the current authority to decide the composition of UPSC?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Cabinet
Answer: b) President
Explanation: The President decides the number of members in UPSC.
73. Which of the following is correct about UPSC’s expenses?
a) They are voted in Parliament
b) They are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India
c) They are borne by Finance Commission
d) They are paid from Reserve Bank
Answer: b) They are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India
Explanation: This ensures financial independence of UPSC.
74. Who appoints the members of the UPSC?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Chief Justice of India
Answer: b) President
Explanation: UPSC Chairman and members are appointed by the President.
75. Which of the following exams is NOT conducted by UPSC?
a) Combined Defence Services (CDS)
b) Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
c) State Civil Services Examination
d) Combined Medical Services (CMS)
Answer: c) State Civil Services Examination
Explanation: State Civil Services exams are conducted by State Public Service Commissions.
76. Who decides the number of members in the UPSC?
a) Parliament
b) President
c) Prime Minister
d) Vice-President
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Under Article 318, the President determines the strength of UPSC members.
77. Which Article deals with the tenure and conditions of service of UPSC members?
a) Article 315
b) Article 316
c) Article 317
d) Article 318
Answer: b) Article 316
Explanation: Article 316 lays down provisions regarding appointment, tenure, and service conditions.
78. Which Article empowers the President to make rules regarding the UPSC?
a) Article 316
b) Article 317
c) Article 318
d) Article 319
Answer: c) Article 318
Explanation: The President can make rules for service conditions and functioning of UPSC.
79. A UPSC member can resign by addressing his resignation to—
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Chief Justice of India
d) Vice-President
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Members resign by writing to the President.
80. Which Article restricts UPSC members from holding further office after retirement?
a) Article 316
b) Article 317
c) Article 318
d) Article 319
Answer: d) Article 319
Explanation: Article 319 prohibits UPSC members from further employment under the Government of India.
81. Under Article 319, a UPSC Chairman—
a) Cannot hold any further office of profit
b) Can be re-appointed as a member of UPSC
c) Can be appointed as Governor
d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer: d) Both (a) and (c)
Explanation: A former Chairman cannot serve again in UPSC but may hold other offices like Governor.
82. The UPSC’s jurisdiction does NOT extend to—
a) All India Services
b) Central Services
c) State Services
d) Civil Services recruitment
Answer: c) State Services
Explanation: State services are under State Public Service Commissions, not UPSC.
83. Which of the following examinations is conducted by UPSC?
a) UGC-NET
b) Civil Services Examination
c) SSC-CGL
d) State PCS
Answer: b) Civil Services Examination
Explanation: UPSC conducts CSE for IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.
84. Which body is consulted regarding recruitment rules for civil services?
a) Cabinet
b) UPSC
c) Finance Commission
d) CAG
Answer: b) UPSC
Explanation: The government consults UPSC in framing and amending recruitment rules.
85. UPSC advises the President in disciplinary cases under—
a) Article 310
b) Article 311
c) Article 320
d) Article 321
Answer: c) Article 320
Explanation: Article 320 covers UPSC’s role in recruitment and disciplinary matters.
86. Which of the following is true about UPSC’s advice?
a) It is binding
b) It is advisory
c) It can be rejected by the President
d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: d) Both (b) and (c)
Explanation: UPSC’s advice is advisory; the government can reject it.
87. Who is empowered to extend UPSC’s functions beyond recruitment and disciplinary matters?
a) Parliament
b) Prime Minister
c) President
d) Cabinet
Answer: c) President
Explanation: Under Article 321, the President can extend UPSC’s functions.
88. The UPSC report is submitted to—
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Cabinet Secretary
Answer: b) President
Explanation: UPSC submits its annual report to the President, who places it before Parliament.
89. Which fund ensures the financial independence of UPSC?
a) Contingency Fund of India
b) Public Account of India
c) Consolidated Fund of India
d) Development Fund
Answer: c) Consolidated Fund of India
Explanation: UPSC’s expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
90. What is the minimum age prescribed to be a member of UPSC?
a) 30 years
b) 35 years
c) 40 years
d) No minimum age fixed
Answer: d) No minimum age fixed
Explanation: The Constitution does not prescribe a minimum age for UPSC members.
91. The Chairman and members of UPSC are ineligible for—
a) Reappointment in UPSC
b) Employment under the Government of India
c) Employment under State Government
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Under Article 319, they cannot take further employment under Union or State.
92. The independence of UPSC members is ensured by—
a) Fixed tenure
b) Removal procedure through Supreme Court’s inquiry
c) Charged expenditure from Consolidated Fund
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All these safeguards ensure UPSC’s independence.
93. Which Article mentions the functions of UPSC?
a) Article 318
b) Article 319
c) Article 320
d) Article 321
Answer: c) Article 320
Explanation: Article 320 defines the functions of UPSC.
94. Who decides the strength of staff working under UPSC?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Parliament
d) Cabinet
Answer: b) President
Explanation: Article 318 empowers the President to regulate staff strength and conditions.
95. In which year was the UPSC established?
a) 1919
b) 1926
c) 1935
d) 1950
Answer: b) 1926
Explanation: UPSC was first set up in 1926 on the recommendation of the Lee Commission.
96. Who was the first Chairman of UPSC (1926)?
a) Ross Barker
b) H.K. Kripalani
c) D.S. Kothari
d) S. Radhakrishnan
Answer: a) Ross Barker
Explanation: Sir Ross Barker was the first UPSC Chairman in 1926.
97. Who was the first Indian Chairman of UPSC?
a) H.K. Kripalani
b) S. Radhakrishnan
c) K.P.S. Menon
d) D.S. Kothari
Answer: a) H.K. Kripalani
Explanation: H.K. Kripalani became the first Indian Chairman of UPSC in 1947.
98. Which of the following is true about the UPSC Chairman’s salary?
a) Equal to Chief Justice of India
b) Equal to a Judge of Supreme Court
c) Equal to Governor
d) Equal to Prime Minister
Answer: b) Equal to a Judge of Supreme Court
Explanation: The salary of UPSC Chairman is equal to that of a Supreme Court Judge.
99. The role of UPSC in recruitment is—
a) Administrative
b) Advisory
c) Judicial
d) Executive
Answer: b) Advisory
Explanation: UPSC’s role is advisory; the government has final authority.
100. Which one of the following ensures the impartiality of UPSC?
a) Security of tenure
b) Removal only on Supreme Court’s recommendation
c) Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: These constitutional provisions safeguard UPSC’s impartiality and independence.