Who Appoints the Chairman of UPSC?

A Complete Constitutional and Exam-Oriented Explanation

If you are preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, you already know that understanding institutions created by the Constitution is extremely important. One such institution is the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

A very common but highly relevant question asked by aspirants is:

Who appoints the Chairman of UPSC?

This question looks simple, but it connects with:

• The Indian Constitution
• The concept of independent constitutional bodies
• The balance of power between the executive and constitutional authorities

This article explains the topic in a clear, simple, and exam-focused manner, keeping both beginners and serious aspirants in mind.

1. Introduction: Why This Question Matters

UPSC conducts India’s most prestigious and competitive examinations, including:

• Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.)
• Engineering Services Examination
• CDS, NDA, CAPF, and others

Now imagine this:

• An institution that selects the top administrators of the country
• An institution that must remain fair, neutral, and independent

Naturally, aspirants must know:

• Who appoints its Chairman
• How independence is protected
• What the Constitution says

👉 This topic is frequently tested in Prelims, and its concepts are useful for Mains (Polity GS-II) and Interviews.

2. What Is UPSC and Why Is It Important?

What is UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body responsible for:

• Conducting examinations for recruitment to All India Services
• Advising the government on matters related to:
  • Appointments
  • Promotions
  • Transfers
  • Disciplinary actions

Constitutional Status

• UPSC is established under Part XIV of the Indian Constitution
• Articles 315 to 323 deal with UPSC and State PSCs

👉 Because UPSC is a constitutional body, it enjoys:

• Independence from the government
• Security of tenure
• Protection from arbitrary interference

3. Who Appoints the Chairman of UPSC?

Simple Answer (For Prelims)

The Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission is appointed by the President of India.

This is the most direct and correct answer.

Constitutional Backing

The appointment of the UPSC Chairman is provided under:

Article 316 of the Indian Constitution

Article 316(1) states:

• The Chairman and other members of the UPSC shall be appointed by the President of India.

👉 This makes it a constitutional appointment, not a casual executive decision.

4. Why the President Appoints the UPSC Chairman

At this point, many aspirants ask:

“If the UPSC is independent, why does the President appoint its Chairman?”

The answer lies in how the Indian Constitution balances power.

Key Points to Understand:

• The President of India is the constitutional head of the state
• Appointments made by the President are:
  • Formal
  • Non-political
  • Based on constitutional authority
• In practice, the President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers

👉 This system ensures:

• Democratic control
• Constitutional legitimacy
• Institutional independence

5. Appointment Process of the UPSC Chairman (Step-by-Step)

The Constitution does not provide a very detailed procedure, but the standard process works like this:

Step 1: Identification of Suitable Candidate

• Senior civil servants
• Experienced administrators
• Persons with deep understanding of governance and public administration

Step 2: Government Recommendation

• The Central Government prepares a proposal
• Background, experience, and integrity are considered

Step 3: Presidential Appointment

• The proposal is sent to the President of India
• The President formally appoints the Chairman under Article 316

👉 Once appointed, the Chairman does not work under the government.

6. Tenure of the UPSC Chairman

How Long Does the Chairman Hold Office?

According to Article 316(2):

• The Chairman holds office for 6 years
  OR
• Until attaining the age of 65 years
• Whichever is earlier

Important Points:

• Tenure is fixed and secure
• Cannot be reduced arbitrarily
• Ensures stability and independence

7. Removal of the UPSC Chairman

This is a very important constitutional safeguard.

Who Can Remove the UPSC Chairman?

Only the President of India can remove the UPSC Chairman.

But there is a very strict procedure.

Grounds of Removal

The Chairman can be removed only on:

• Proven misbehavior
• Incapacity

Role of the Supreme Court

• The matter is referred to the Supreme Court
• The Supreme Court conducts an inquiry
• If the charges are proved, the President can remove the Chairman

👉 This process ensures:

• No political pressure
• Full judicial scrutiny
• Maximum independence

Other Situations of Removal

The President can remove the Chairman if he/she:

• Is declared insolvent
• Engages in paid employment
• Is found mentally or physically unfit

8. Independence of the UPSC Chairman

The Constitution provides strong safeguards to protect the independence of UPSC.

Key Safeguards:

• Appointment by the President
• Removal only through judicial process
• Fixed tenure
• Salary charged on the Consolidated Fund of India
• Conditions of service cannot be changed to disadvantage

👉 These safeguards make UPSC one of the most independent institutions in India.

9. Can the UPSC Chairman Take Another Government Job?

No.

Constitutional Restriction:

• Once a person becomes Chairman of UPSC:
  • He/She is not eligible for any further employment under:
    • Government of India
    • State Governments

👉 This prevents:

• Bias
• Influence
• Conflict of interest

10. UPSC Exam Relevance of This Topic

Prelims Angle

Questions can be asked on:

• Appointment authority
• Constitutional articles
• Tenure
• Removal process

Example Prelims Question:

The Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission is appointed by:
A. Prime Minister
B. Parliament
C. President of India
D. Supreme Court

✔ Correct Answer: C

Mains GS-II Angle

This topic is useful for:

• Constitutional bodies
• Independence of institutions
• Checks and balances

Mains Answer Usage:

• You can quote Articles 315–316
• Explain how independence of UPSC strengthens democracy

Interview Angle

Questions like:

• Why is UPSC kept independent?
• What would happen if UPSC came under government control?

👉 Knowing the appointment and removal process helps you answer confidently.

11. Common Mistakes Aspirants Make

Avoid these errors:

• Thinking Prime Minister appoints UPSC Chairman
• Mixing UPSC with Election Commission
• Ignoring constitutional articles
• Memorizing facts without understanding independence

12. Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Aspirants

Let us revise the core points:

• UPSC is a constitutional body
• The Chairman of UPSC is appointed by the President of India
• Appointment is backed by Article 316
• Tenure is 6 years or till 65 years
• Removal is possible only through Supreme Court inquiry
• Strong safeguards ensure independence and neutrality
• This topic is important for Prelims, Mains, and Interview

👉 Understanding this topic is not just about clearing exams, but about understanding how India protects merit and fairness in administration.

➡️ Dr. Ajay Kumar, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1985 batch from the Kerala cadre. He was appointed as the Chairman of UPSC by the President of India under Article 316(1) of the Constitution and assumed office in May 2025.

Dr. Ajay Kumar succeeded Preeti Sudan, whose tenure as UPSC Chairperson ended on 29 April 2025.