History of UPSC in India (1926 Origin) | Top 25 MCQs

UPSC History and Constitutional Framework

Welcome to our highly optimized multiple-choice question series focused on the history and constitutional framework of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). If you are a dedicated aspirant preparing for the Civil Services Examination to secure a role as an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer, understanding the origin and evolution of this vital institution is absolutely essential. This interactive UPSC exam practice test meticulously covers the pre-independence establishment of the Public Service Commission, the foundational recommendations laid out by the Lee Commission of 1923, and its subsequent transformation into a constitutional authority on 26 January 1950. Furthermore, these carefully curated questions will test your grasp of the critical constitutional provisions detailed in Articles 315 to 323, along with important historical milestones involving various UPSC Chairmen from Sir Ross Barker to Dr. Ajay Kumar. Dive into these UPSC history MCQs to sharpen your knowledge, ensure accurate historical recall, and gain a competitive edge in your upcoming government exams!

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Q1. What does the acronym UPSC stand for in the context of the Indian government?

A Union Public Service Commission

B United Public Service Council

C Union Police Service Commission

D United Provincial Service Commission

Explanation

Correct Answer: A
According to the text, UPSC stands for the Union Public Service Commission, which is one of India’s most important constitutional bodies responsible for recruiting civil servants for the Government of India.

Q2. Which commission formed in 1923 recommended the creation of an independent recruitment body in India?

A Simon Commission

B Hunter Commission

C Lee Commission

D Macaulay Commission

Explanation

Correct Answer: C
The turning point for civil service recruitment in India came with the formation of the Lee Commission in 1923, which recommended the creation of an independent recruitment body.

Q3. In which year was the Lee Commission formed?

A 1919

B 1923

C 1926

D 1950

Explanation

Correct Answer: B
The article clearly states that the Lee Commission was formed in the year 1923 under Lord Lee of Fareham.

Q4. Who headed the Lee Commission in 1923?

A Sir Ross Barker

B Lord Macaulay

C Sir Eyre Gordon

D Lord Lee of Fareham

Explanation

Correct Answer: D
The Lee Commission was formed in 1923 under the leadership of Lord Lee of Fareham, paving the way for the eventual establishment of the Public Service Commission.

Q5. On what exact date was the Public Service Commission of India officially established?

A 1 October 1926

B 26 January 1950

C 15 August 1947

D 1 October 1923

Explanation

Correct Answer: A
Based on the Lee Commission recommendations, the Public Service Commission of India was officially established on 1 October 1926.

Q6. Who served as the first Chairman of the Public Service Commission upon its establishment?

A Sir David Petrie

B H.K. Kripalani

C Sir Ross Barker

D Sir Eyre Gordon

Explanation

Correct Answer: C
The text highlights that Sir Ross Barker became the very first Chairman of the Public Service Commission when it was established in 1926.

Q7. When was the Public Service Commission officially renamed to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?

A 15 August 1947

B 26 January 1950

C 1 October 1926

D 26 November 1949

Explanation

Correct Answer: B
With the implementation of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950, the pre-independence Public Service Commission was renamed as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Q8. Which Part of the Indian Constitution grants constitutional authority to the UPSC?

A Part III

B Part X

C Part XII

D Part XIV

Explanation

Correct Answer: D
The text notes that the UPSC derives its constitutional authority from Part XIV of the Indian Constitution.

Q9. Which specific range of Articles in the Constitution covers the establishment and functions of the UPSC?

A Articles 315 to 323

B Articles 301 to 310

C Articles 324 to 329

D Articles 352 to 360

Explanation

Correct Answer: A
The UPSC derives its constitutional authority from Part XIV of the Constitution, specifically ranging from Articles 315 to 323.

Q10. According to the Indian Constitution, what is the subject of Article 315?

A Functions of UPSC

B Removal and suspension of members

C Establishment of UPSC and State PSCs

D Conditions of service

Explanation

Correct Answer: C
As per the provided text, Article 315 specifically deals with the "Establishment of UPSC and State PSCs."

Q11. Which Article outlines the appointment and term of members of the UPSC?

A Article 315

B Article 316

C Article 318

D Article 320

Explanation

Correct Answer: B
The article explicitly lists Article 316 as the constitutional provision for the "Appointment and term of members" of the UPSC.

Q12. What does Article 317 of the Indian Constitution pertain to?

A Restrictions on future employment

B Additional powers and reports

C Appointment and term of members

D Removal and suspension of members

Explanation

Correct Answer: D
The provided text states that Article 317 pertains to the "Removal and suspension of members" of the Public Service Commission.

Q13. Which constitutional Article is dedicated to detailing the Functions of the UPSC?

A Article 320

B Article 319

C Article 318

D Article 315

Explanation

Correct Answer: A
According to the constitutional provisions listed in the article, Article 320 specifically outlines the "Functions of UPSC."

Q14. Who holds the distinction of being the first Indian Chairman of the UPSC?

A R.N. Banerjee

B V.S. Hejmadi

C H.K. Kripalani

D B.N. Jha

Explanation

Correct Answer: C
The historical timeline of chairmen lists H.K. Kripalani (1947–1949) as the First Indian Chairman of the institution.

Q15. Under whose tenure as Chairman did the transition to a constitutional UPSC occur?

A H.K. Kripalani

B R.N. Banerjee

C Sir Eyre Gordon

D V.S. Hejmadi

Explanation

Correct Answer: B
The table of chairmen notes that R.N. Banerjee served from 1949–1955, and his key highlight is listed as the "Transition to constitutional UPSC".

Q16. Which UPSC Chairman's tenure from 2011 to 2014 was known for digital improvements in the UPSC?

A Dr. S. R. Hashim

B Subir Dutta

C Rajni Razdan

D Prof. D. P. Agrawal

Explanation

Correct Answer: D
Prof. D. P. Agrawal served as the Chairman from 2011 to 2014, and the text highlights his tenure for bringing "Digital improvements in UPSC".

Q17. Who managed the challenging task of conducting UPSC exams during the COVID pandemic (2020–2022)?

A Pradeep Kumar Joshi

B Arvind Saxena

C Dr. Manoj Soni

D Preeti Sudan

Explanation

Correct Answer: A
The key highlight for Pradeep Kumar Joshi, who was Chairman from 2020–2022, was conducting "Exams during COVID."

Q18. According to the text, who is the current UPSC Chairman as of 2026?

A Dr. Manoj Soni

B Preeti Sudan

C Dr. Ajay Kumar

D Arvind Saxena

Explanation

Correct Answer: C
The list concludes with Dr. Ajay Kumar, indicating his tenure from 2025–Present (2026), marking him as the current UPSC Chairman.

Q19. Which of the following exams is NOT explicitly listed in the text as being conducted by the UPSC?

A NDA

B SSC CGL

C CDS

D CAPF

Explanation

Correct Answer: B
The functions of UPSC listed in the article include conducting CSE, NDA, CDS, CAPF, and Engineering Services exams. SSC CGL is not mentioned.

Q20. Prior to the establishment of an independent body in India, where were civil servants mainly recruited through examinations?

A Delhi

B Calcutta

C South Africa

D England

Explanation

Correct Answer: D
The text explains that during British rule, earlier civil servants were recruited mainly through examinations held in England, which disadvantaged Indian candidates.

Q21. Which of the following was one of the core recommendations or goals of the Lee Commission?

A Increasing Indian participation in civil services

B Abolishing the civil services entirely

C Moving all exams back to England

D Recruiting officers strictly based on political affiliations

Explanation

Correct Answer: A
The goals of the Lee Commission included ensuring fair recruitment, reducing political interference, creating merit-based administration, and "Increasing Indian participation in civil services."

Q22. What was the functional scope of the Public Service Commission when it was first established in 1926?

A It had absolute executive power over British officers

B It functioned as the Supreme Court for administrators

C It mainly functioned as an advisory body

D It directly enacted laws in the British Parliament

Explanation

Correct Answer: C
The article states that upon its establishment on 1 October 1926, the commission initially had limited powers and "mainly functioned as an advisory body."

Q23. Who was the last British-era Chairman of the Public Service Commission before India gained independence?

A Sir David Petrie

B Sir F.W. Robertson

C Sir Eyre Gordon

D Sir Ross Barker

Explanation

Correct Answer: B
The table of chairmen identifies Sir F.W. Robertson (1942–1947) as the "Last British-era Chairman".

Q24. According to the constitutional provisions, Article 319 imposes restrictions on what for UPSC members?

A Political voting rights

B Freedom of speech

C Foreign travel

D Future employment

Explanation

Correct Answer: D
The article states that Article 319 deals with "Restrictions on future employment" for members of the UPSC to maintain their independence and impartiality.

Q25. Who served as the Chairman of the UPSC immediately before Dr. Ajay Kumar took office in 2025?

A Preeti Sudan

B Dr. Manoj Soni

C Alka Sirohi

D Arvind Saxena

Explanation

Correct Answer: A
The list of Chairmen shows that Preeti Sudan, a former Health Secretary, served as Chairman from 2024–2025, just before Dr. Ajay Kumar took over.

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