It is a cardinal principle of Civil Service recruitment that the selections should be made by a specially constituted agency, called a Public Service Commission.
A Public Service Commission, as a rule, has statutory existence and powers, the object being to ensure the integrity and independence of its members.
The members of a Public Service Commission are appointed under special term of tenure, and they can be removed from office under circumstances similar to those of the judges.
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The functions of the Public Service Commission are best described in the Constitution of India. It prescribes:
1. The Union and the State Public Service Commission’s shall conduct examinations for appointments to the Union and State Services respectively;
2. To give advice;
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(i) On any matter referred to them relating to methods of recruitment to civil services and for civil posts;
(ii) On principles to be followed in making appointments, and in making promotions and transfers from one service to another;
(iii) On all disciplinary matters including petitions on such matters;
(iv) On the claim made by any person that the costs of defending legal proceedings against him for acts done or purporting to be done in the execution of his duty should be borne by the Government;
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(v) On any claim for the award of a pension in respect of injuries sustained by a person while serving under the government in a civil capacity and any question as to the amount of any such award.
3. Any other functions as respects service conferred by Parliament in the case of the Union Commission and by the State legislature in the case of State Commission.