UPSC Practice Questions
20 free UPSC 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 Articles of the Indian Constitution deal with the composition, appointment, and removal of members of the Union Public Service Commission?
- A Articles 315 to 323
- B Articles 324 to 329
- C Articles 148 to 151
- D Articles 330 to 342
Correct answer: Articles 315 to 323
Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution provide detailed provisions regarding the Public Service Commissions for the Union and the States. These articles ensure the independence and impartial functioning of these bodies.
Who appoints the Chairman and other members of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?
- A The Prime Minister
- B The Chief Justice of India
- C The President of India
- D The Speaker of Lok Sabha
Correct answer: The President of India
According to Article 316, the Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the President. While the Constitution does not fix the number of members, it is usually left to the discretion of the President.
What is the constitutional requirement regarding the qualifications of UPSC members?
- A They must be distinguished jurists.
- B Half of members must have 10+ years in Union or State Government service
- C They must be retired High Court or Supreme Court judges.
- D They must have at least fifteen years of professional experience in social service.
Correct answer: Half of members must have 10+ years in Union or State Government service
The Constitution does not specify academic qualifications for UPSC members, except that nearly half of the members must be persons who have held office for at least ten years under the Government of India or a State. This ensures the commission has members with administrative experience.
What is the tenure of a member of the Union Public Service Commission?
- A 5 years or 62 years of age
- B 6 years or 62 years of age
- C 5 years or 65 years of age
- D 6 years or 65 years of age
Correct answer: 6 years or 65 years of age
A member of the UPSC holds office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. For State Public Service Commissions, the age limit is 62 years.
A member of the UPSC can resign from their office by addressing the resignation letter to:
- A The Chairman of UPSC
- B The Prime Minister
- C The President of India
- D The Chief Justice of India
Correct answer: The President of India
Since the President is the appointing authority, the resignation of a UPSC member must be addressed to the President. A member can resign at any time before the expiry of their term.
On which of the following grounds can the President remove the Chairman or any other member of the UPSC without a Supreme Court inquiry?
- A Proved misbehaviour
- B If he is adjudged an insolvent
- C If he takes up paid employment outside the duties of his office
- D Insolvency or engaging in outside paid employment
Correct answer: Insolvency or engaging in outside paid employment
The President can remove a member if they are adjudged insolvent, engage in outside paid employment, or are unfit by reason of infirmity of mind or body. Removal on the ground of 'misbehaviour' requires a mandatory inquiry by the Supreme Court.
In case of removal for 'misbehaviour', the advice given by the Supreme Court to the President is:
- A Binding on the President
- B Non-binding advisory
- C Subject to Parliament's approval
- D Subject to the Cabinet's review
Correct answer: Binding on the President
Under Article 317, if the Supreme Court, after an inquiry, upholds the charge of misbehaviour and recommends removal, the President is bound by that advice. This serves as a safeguard for the independence of the commission.
Who determines the conditions of service of the Chairman and members of the UPSC?
- A The Parliament
- B The President of India
- C The Ministry of Personnel
- D The Cabinet Secretariat
Correct answer: The President of India
The President is empowered by the Constitution to determine the conditions of service of the Chairman and other members of the UPSC. However, these conditions cannot be varied to their disadvantage after their appointment.
The expenses of the UPSC, including salaries and allowances, are:
- A Voted by the Parliament annually
- B Charged on India's Consolidated Fund
- C Paid from the Contingency Fund of India
- D Paid by the Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct answer: Charged on India's Consolidated Fund
The entire expenses of the UPSC are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, meaning they are not subject to the annual vote of Parliament. This fiscal independence prevents executive or legislative pressure on the Commission.
The Chairman of the UPSC, upon ceasing to hold office, is eligible for:
- A Reappointment as Chairman of UPSC
- B Appointment as a member of a State Public Service Commission
- C Appointment as the Governor of a State
- D Further employment under the Government of India or a State
Correct answer: Appointment as the Governor of a State
A person who has held office as Chairman of the UPSC is ineligible for further employment under the Government of India or a State. However, constitutional posts like Governor are not considered 'employment under the government' in this context.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the UPSC?
- A Conducting examinations for All-India Services
- B Advising on the methods of recruitment to civil services
- C Classification of services and pay stabilization
- D Advising on disciplinary matters affecting civil servants
Correct answer: Classification of services and pay stabilization
UPSC is a recruiting agency and an advisory body. It is not concerned with the classification of services, pay scales, service conditions, or cadre management, which are handled by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
The UPSC submits its annual report on its performance to:
- A The Parliament
- B The Prime Minister
- C The President of India
- D The Union Home Minister
Correct answer: The President of India
The UPSC presents an annual report to the President. The President then places this report before both Houses of Parliament along with a memorandum explaining cases where the Commission's advice was not accepted.
If the Government does not accept the advice of the UPSC, the reasons for non-acceptance must be approved by:
- A The Department of Personnel and Training
- B The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
- C The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- D The Speaker of Lok Sabha
Correct answer: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
To ensure accountability, any case of non-acceptance of UPSC advice must be approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet. An individual ministry does not have the power to reject the advice on its own.
Can the Parliament extend the functions of the UPSC?
- A No, functions are fixed by the Constitution.
- B Yes, by passing an Act of Parliament.
- C Only during a National Emergency.
- D Only with the consent of the Supreme Court.
Correct answer: Yes, by passing an Act of Parliament.
Article 321 provides that the Parliament can provide for the exercise of additional functions by the UPSC regarding the services of the Union. It can also extend UPSC's jurisdiction to local authorities or public institutions.
The UPSC is consulted on which of the following matters?
- A Reservation of appointments for Backward Classes
- B Claims for the award of a pension in respect of injuries sustained while serving
- C Selection for temporary appointments exceeding one year
- D Injury pension claims and temporary appointments over one year
Correct answer: Injury pension claims and temporary appointments over one year
The UPSC must be consulted on disciplinary matters, injury pension claims, and temporary appointments lasting more than a year. It is specifically NOT consulted on reservations for SC, ST, or OBC candidates (Article 320).
Which body is known as the 'Watchdog of the Merit System' in India?
- A NITI Aayog
- B Election Commission
- C Union Public Service Commission
- D The Central Vigilance Commission
Correct answer: Union Public Service Commission
The UPSC is intended to be the watchdog of the merit system in India, ensuring that recruitments to the higher civil services are made based on merit and through a fair, transparent process.
What is the role of the UPSC in the promotion and transfer of civil servants?
- A It makes the final decision on all promotions.
- B It advises on promotion principles and candidate suitability.
- C It has no role in promotions.
- D It only oversees the promotion of All-India Services officers.
Correct answer: It advises on promotion principles and candidate suitability.
The UPSC is consulted by the government regarding the principles to be followed in making promotions and transfers from one service to another, as well as on the suitability of candidates for such moves.
The President can exclude posts and services from the purview of the UPSC through:
- A UPSC Exemption Regulations
- B Parliamentary Statute
- C Executive Order without consultation
- D Constitutional Amendment
Correct answer: UPSC Exemption Regulations
The President can make regulations specifying the matters in which it shall not be necessary for the UPSC to be consulted. However, such regulations must be laid before each House of Parliament for at least 14 days.
Which constitutional body can assist a State Public Service Commission if requested by the Governor and approved by the President?
- A NITI Aayog
- B Union Public Service Commission
- C Staff Selection Commission
- D Central Bureau of Investigation
Correct answer: Union Public Service Commission
Under Article 315(4), the UPSC may, if requested by the Governor of a State and with the approval of the President, agree to serve all or any of the needs of the State regarding recruitment.
A member of the UPSC is ineligible for reappointment to that office for a second term. This is based on which Article?
- A Article 316
- B Article 319
- C Article 320
- D Article 323
Correct answer: Article 316
Article 316(3) explicitly states that a person who holds office as a member of a Public Service Commission shall, on the expiration of their term, be ineligible for reappointment to that office. This maintains the impartiality of the members.