Who Were the Past UPSC Chairpersons? Year-Wise Tenure List and Key Highlights
The Union Public Service Commission - UPSC is one of the most prestigious constitutional bodies in India. It is responsible for conducting examinations for recruitment to All India Services, Central Services, and other government posts. The Chairman of the UPSC plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, fairness, and merit-based selection in the civil services system. The List of Former Chairmen of the UPSC is an important General Knowledge topic, especially for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and other government examinations.
About UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission was established on 1 October 1926 as the Public Service Commission. After the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950, it was given constitutional status under Article 315. The Commission consists of a Chairman and other members appointed by the President of India.
- Conducts Civil Services Examination - CSE
- Conducts Engineering Services Examination
- Conducts NDA, CDS, CAPF and other exams
- Advises the government on recruitment matters
Role of the Chairman of UPSC
The Chairman heads the Commission and ensures that recruitment processes are conducted fairly and transparently. The Chairman supervises examination procedures, interviews, disciplinary matters, and advisory functions of the Commission.
Key Responsibilities
- Presiding over Commission meetings
- Ensuring integrity in recruitment procedures
- Advising the President of India on service matters
- Overseeing interviews and selection boards
List Of Former Chairmen Of The UPSC
| S No | Name | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir Ross Barker | 1926 - 1932 |
| 2 | Sir David Petrie | 1932 - 1936 |
| 3 | Sir Eyre Gorden | 1937 - 1942 |
| 4 | Sir F W Robertson | 1942 - 1947 |
| 5 | H K Kripalani | 1947 - 1949 |
| 6 | R N Banerjee | 1949 - 1955 |
| 7 | N Govindarajan | 1955 - 1958 |
| 8 | B N Jha | 1958 - 1962 |
| 9 | B P Mandal | 1962 - 1966 |
| 10 | K R Damle | 1966 - 1971 |
| 11 | R C S Sarkar | 1971 - 1973 |
| 12 | Dr A R Kidwai | 1973 - 1977 |
| 13 | D P Chattopadhyay | 1977 - 1982 |
| 14 | R K Trivedi | 1982 - 1986 |
| 15 | H K L Kapur | 1986 - 1990 |
| 16 | J M Qureshi | 1990 - 1993 |
| 17 | S K Jain | 1993 - 1995 |
| 18 | H P Bagchi | 1995 - 1996 |
| 19 | J C Sra | 1996 - 1998 |
| 20 | R M Bathew | 1998 - 2002 |
| 21 | P C Hota | 2002 - 2003 |
| 22 | Mata Prasad | 2003 - 2005 |
| 23 | Brijesh Kumar | 2005 - 2006 |
| 24 | R K Chaturvedi | 2006 - 2007 |
| 25 | Prof D P Agrawal | 2008 - 2014 |
| 26 | Deepak Gupta | 2014 - 2016 |
| 27 | Alka Sirohi | 2017 - 2018 |
| 28 | Arvind Saxena | 2018 - 2020 |
| 29 | Pradeep Kumar Joshi | 2020 - 2022 |
| 30 | Manoj Soni | 2023 - 2024 |
The above table presents the chronological List of Former Chairmen of the UPSC from its establishment in 1926 to recent years. Candidates should remember important names and their tenures, especially those after independence, as questions are often asked in competitive examinations.
Important Points for Competitive Exams
- UPSC was established in 1926
- It became a constitutional body in 1950
- The Chairman is appointed by the President of India
- Tenure is 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier
- The first Chairman was Sir Ross Barker
How To Prepare This Topic
The List of Former Chairmen of the UPSC is a factual topic. It requires memorization and regular revision. Focus especially on post independence chairmen and recent appointments.
- Prepare a timeline chart for quick revision
- Revise the first and latest chairmen frequently
- Practice one line GK questions from previous year papers
- Link the chairman's tenure with major reforms if required
Conclusion
The List of Former Chairmen of the UPSC is an essential General Knowledge topic for aspirants of civil services and other competitive examinations. Understanding the leadership history of the Commission helps in appreciating its role in maintaining the merit based recruitment system in India. Regular revision of names and tenures will help students score easily in GK sections of various exams.
FAQs on List of Former Chairmen of the UPSC: Complete History and Tenure Details
1. Who was the first Chairman of the UPSC?
Sir Ross Barker was the first Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), appointed in 1926 when it was known as the Public Service Commission under British rule. Key points include:
- Served from 1926 to 1932
- Appointed during the colonial administration
- Played a foundational role in shaping India’s civil services recruitment system
2. Who was the first Indian Chairman of the UPSC?
Sir Ramaswami Mudaliar was the first Indian Chairman of UPSC, appointed in 1954 after India’s independence. Important facts include:
- Served from 1954 to 1955
- Contributed to strengthening India’s independent recruitment system
- Worked towards transparency in civil services examinations
3. Who is the current Chairman of UPSC?
The Chairman of UPSC is appointed by the President of India and serves as the head of the constitutional recruitment body. Key details about the position include:
- Appointed under Article 316 of the Indian Constitution
- Tenure of 6 years or until the age of 65 years
- Leads the commission conducting exams like Civil Services Examination (CSE)
4. How many Chairmen have served in UPSC so far?
UPSC has had multiple Chairmen since its establishment in 1926, including both British and Indian officials. Key highlights include:
- The first Chairman: Sir Ross Barker
- Post-independence leadership began in 1950
- Several distinguished civil servants and administrators have served
5. What is the tenure of the UPSC Chairman?
The tenure of the UPSC Chairman is six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever comes earlier. Important constitutional provisions include:
- Defined under Article 316 of the Constitution of India
- Appointed by the President of India
- Can resign by addressing the President
6. Who appoints the Chairman of UPSC?
The President of India appoints the Chairman of UPSC under constitutional provisions. Key points include:
- Appointment governed by Article 316
- Chairman works independently of executive influence
- Ensures fair recruitment to All India Services and Central Services
7. Can the UPSC Chairman be removed from office?
Yes, the UPSC Chairman can be removed by the President of India under specific conditions. Removal provisions include:
- On grounds of misbehavior after Supreme Court inquiry
- If declared insolvent
- If engaged in paid employment outside official duties
8. What are the main responsibilities of the UPSC Chairman?
The UPSC Chairman oversees recruitment and examination processes for civil services in India. Major responsibilities include:
- Supervising the Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS)
- Advising the government on recruitment rules and promotions
- Ensuring transparency and merit-based selection
9. Where can I find the official list of former Chairmen of UPSC?
The official list of former Chairmen of UPSC is available in government records and official publications. The list generally includes:
- Name of the Chairman
- Term duration (from–to dates)
- Major contributions during tenure
10. Why is the list of former Chairmen of UPSC important for competitive exams?
The list of former UPSC Chairmen is important for General Knowledge and exam preparation because it reflects the history and leadership of India’s premier recruitment body. Key reasons include:
- Frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and Railway exams
- Helps understand the evolution of civil services in India
- Important under topics like Indian Polity, Constitutional Bodies, and Governance
