State Public Service Commission Practice Questions
20 free State Public Service Commission practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of a Public Service Commission for each State?
- A Article 312
- B Article 315
- C Article 320
- D Article 323
Correct answer: Article 315
Article 315 provides for a Union Public Service Commission and also a Public Service Commission for each State. It allows for the creation of a Joint State Public Service Commission if two or more states agree.
Who appoints the Chairman and other members of a State Public Service Commission (SPSC)?
- A The President of India
- B The Governor of the State
- C The Chief Minister
- D The Chief Justice of the High Court
Correct answer: The Governor of the State
While the SPSC is a constitutional body, its Chairman and members are appointed by the Governor of the respective state. However, they can only be removed by the President of India.
The members of a State Public Service Commission hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of:
- A 60 years
- B 62 years
- C 65 years
- D 70 years
Correct answer: 62 years
A member of an SPSC holds office for a term of six years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier. This age limit was increased from 60 to 62 by the 41st Amendment Act of 1976.
Who has the power to remove the Chairman or a member of a State Public Service Commission?
- A The Governor of the State
- B The State Legislature
- C The President of India
- D The Chief Justice of India
Correct answer: The President of India
Although appointed by the Governor, the Chairman and members of an SPSC can be removed only by the President. This is a critical safeguard to ensure the independence of the commission from state executive pressure.
On which ground can the President remove a member of an SPSC without an inquiry by the Supreme Court?
- A Proved misbehaviour
- B Incapacity to perform duties
- C If he is adjudged an insolvent
- D If he is also a member of the State Legislature
Correct answer: If he is adjudged an insolvent
The President can remove a member directly if they are adjudged insolvent, engage in paid employment outside their office, or are infirm of mind/body. Removal for 'misbehaviour' requires a mandatory Supreme Court inquiry.
The conditions of service of the members of the State Public Service Commission are determined by:
- A The State Legislature
- B The President
- C The State Governor
- D The Union Home Ministry
Correct answer: The State Governor
Article 318 empowers the Governor to make regulations determining the number of members of the Commission and their conditions of service. However, these conditions cannot be varied to their disadvantage after appointment.
A member of the State Public Service Commission, on ceasing to hold office, is eligible for appointment as:
- A Chairman of same SPSC
- B Chairman or member of the UPSC
- C Chairman of any other SPSC
- D All three of the above
Correct answer: All three of the above
Under Article 319, a retired SPSC member can be appointed as the Chairman of that SPSC, or as a Chairman/member of UPSC, or as Chairman of another SPSC. They are ineligible for any other employment under the Government of India or a State.
The expenses of the State Public Service Commission are charged on the:
- A Consolidated Fund of India
- B Consolidated Fund of the State
- C Contingency Fund of the State
- D Public Accounts of the State
Correct answer: Consolidated Fund of the State
The salaries, allowances, and pensions of SPSC members are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State. This means they are not subject to the annual vote of the State Legislature.
To whom does the State Public Service Commission submit its annual performance report?
- A The President
- B The Chief Minister
- C The State Governor
- D The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Correct answer: The State Governor
The SPSC presents an annual report to the Governor. The Governor then places this report before the State Legislature, along with a memorandum explaining why the Commission's advice was not accepted in any specific cases.
Is the advice of the State Public Service Commission binding on the State Government?
- A Yes, in all matters of recruitment
- B No, it is only advisory in nature
- C Yes, if approved by the High Court
- D Only in disciplinary matters
Correct answer: No, it is only advisory in nature
The SPSC is an advisory body. While the government is expected to follow its advice, it is not legally bound to do so; however, the government must explain the reasons for non-acceptance to the legislature.
Which Article defines the functions of the State Public Service Commission?
- A Article 315
- B Article 318
- C Article 320
- D Article 322
Correct answer: Article 320
Article 320 specifies the functions of Public Service Commissions, which include conducting exams for appointments to state services and being consulted on recruitment methods and disciplinary matters.
In which matter is the State Public Service Commission NOT consulted?
- A Methods of recruitment to civil services
- B Principles to be followed in making promotions
- C Reservation of appointments for backward classes
- D Disciplinary matters affecting a person in a civil capacity
Correct answer: Reservation of appointments for backward classes
According to the Constitution, the SPSC is not consulted on matters regarding the reservation of appointments for any backward class of citizens (Article 320). This is the prerogative of the executive.
Who can extend the functions of the State Public Service Commission?
- A The Governor
- B The State Legislature
- C The President
- D The Parliament of India
Correct answer: The State Legislature
Under Article 321, the State Legislature can provide for the exercise of additional functions by the SPSC. This can include services under local authorities or other public institutions.
The Chairman of a Joint State Public Service Commission is appointed by:
- A The Governors of the concerned States jointly
- B The President of India
- C The Chief Justice of India
- D The Prime Minister
Correct answer: The President of India
Unlike a regular SPSC where the Governor appoints, the Chairman and members of a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) are appointed by the President of India. A JSPSC is a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament.
A person who has been a member of an SPSC is ineligible for:
- A Further employment under the Government of India
- B Becoming the Governor of a State
- C Becoming a Member of Parliament or State Legislature
- D Joining a private law firm
Correct answer: Further employment under the Government of India
To maintain impartiality, SPSC members are ineligible for further employment under the Union or State governments after their term. Political and constitutional offices like MP or Governor are not considered 'employment' under the government.
What is the qualification required for at least half of the members of the SPSC?
- A Must be retired High Court Judges
- B Must have held office for at least ten years under the Government of India or a State
- C Must be renowned social workers
- D Must have a Ph.D. or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in Public Administration or Political Science
Correct answer: Must have held office for at least ten years under the Government of India or a State
The Constitution specifies that as nearly as may be one-half of the members should be persons who have held office for at least ten years under the Government of India or a State. No other specific academic qualifications are mentioned.
If the office of the Chairman of SPSC falls vacant, who can appoint an acting Chairman from among the members?
- A The Chief Justice of the High Court
- B The President
- C The Governor
- D The Cabinet
Correct answer: The Governor
The Governor is empowered to appoint one of the members of the SPSC as an acting Chairman when the office is vacant or the Chairman is unable to perform his duties due to absence or other reasons.
Can the SPSC be consulted for recruitments to local bodies like Municipalities?
- A No, only for State Civil Services
- B Yes, if the State Legislature passes a law to that effect
- C Yes, if the President issues a special order under the Constitution
- D Only during a State Emergency
Correct answer: Yes, if the State Legislature passes a law to that effect
Article 321 allows the State Legislature to extend the SPSC's functions to the services of any local authority, corporate body, or public institution. This requires a specific legislative act by the state.
Which constitutional amendment increased the retirement age of SPSC members from 60 to 62?
- A 41st Amendment Act
- B 42nd Amendment Act
- C 44th Amendment Act
- D 73rd Amendment Act
Correct answer: 41st Amendment Act
The 41st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, increased the age of retirement for the Chairman and members of State Public Service Commissions from 60 to 62 years. The limit for UPSC remains 65.
The Governor can exclude certain posts from the purview of SPSC by making regulations. These regulations must be laid before:
- A The President for approval
- B The State Legislature for at least 14 days
- C The High Court for judicial review
- D The Union Public Service Commission for its recommendations
Correct answer: The State Legislature for at least 14 days
While the Governor can exempt certain matters from consultation with the SPSC, any such regulations must be laid before the House(s) of the State Legislature for at least 14 days, and the legislature can modify or repeal them.