State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs) are independent constitutional bodies established under Part XIV of the Constitution of India (Articles 315 to 323) to oversee recruitment to provincial civil services and state government posts. Each state in India possesses its own dedicated Public Service Commission (or shares a Joint Public Service Commission under specific parliamentary provisions), operating with guaranteed structural tenure, appointment via state governors, and removal regulations governed by the President of India. Familiarity with the constitutional framework, composition, and functions of these bodies is essential for aspirants preparing for central and state-level competitive examinations.
1. Which Part of the Indian Constitution deals with the State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs)?
Correct Answer: c) Part XIV
Explanation:
Part XIV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 315 to 323) elaborates on the Public Service Commissions for the Union and the States.
2. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the establishment of a Public Service Commission for each State?
Correct Answer: b) Article 315
Explanation:
Article 315 of the Constitution mandates the creation of a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State.
3. Who appoints the Chairman and members of a State Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer: c) The Governor of the State
Explanation:
Under Article 316, the Chairman and other members of an SPSC are appointed by the Governor of the State.
4. Who has the power to remove the Chairman or a member of a State Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer: c) The President of India
Explanation:
Although appointed by the Governor, a member or Chairman of an SPSC can only be removed by the President of India.
5. What is the prescribed term of office for a member of a State Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer: b) 6 years or up to 62 years of age
Explanation:
A member of an SPSC holds office for a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.
6. Which Constitutional Amendment increased the retirement age of SPSC members from 60 to 62 years?
Correct Answer: a) 41st Amendment Act, 1976
Explanation:
The 41st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 raised the retirement age of members of the State Public Service Commission from 60 to 62 years.
7. To whom does a member of a State Public Service Commission submit their resignation?
Correct Answer: c) The Governor
Explanation:
A member of an SPSC can resign from their office at any time by addressing their resignation to the Governor of the State.
8. On what grounds can the President remove the Chairman or any member of an SPSC without a Supreme Court inquiry?
Correct Answer: b) Insolvency or engaging in paid employment outside duties
Explanation:
The President can remove them without an inquiry if they are adjudged an insolvent, engage in paid employment outside their duties, or become unfit due to infirmity of mind or body.
9. Who has the power to suspend a member of the SPSC pending an inquiry by the Supreme Court?
Correct Answer: c) The Governor
Explanation:
Under Article 317(2), the Governor can suspend a member of the SPSC in respect of whom a reference has been made to the Supreme Court, until the President passes an order.
10. What proportion of SPSC members must have held office for at least 10 years under the Government of India or a State Government?
Correct Answer: b) One-half
Explanation:
The Constitution mandates that as nearly as may be one-half of the members of the SPSC must be persons who have held office for at least 10 years under the GOI or a State Government.
11. After retirement, the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission is NOT eligible for which of the following?
Correct Answer: d) Employment under the State Government
Explanation:
To ensure independence, Article 319 bars a retired SPSC Chairman from any further employment under the Government of India or a State, except as Chairman/Member of UPSC or Chairman of another SPSC.
12. Article 320 of the Indian Constitution primarily deals with:
Correct Answer: b) Functions of Public Service Commissions
Explanation:
Article 320 details the functions of the Public Service Commissions, which include conducting examinations for appointments to the services.
13. The salaries, allowances, and pensions of the members of an SPSC are charged on:
Correct Answer: c) The Consolidated Fund of the State
Explanation:
Under Article 322, the expenses of the State Public Service Commission are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State.
14. To whom does the State Public Service Commission present its annual report of performance?
Correct Answer: c) The Governor
Explanation:
Article 323 states that the SPSC shall present annually to the Governor of the State a report as to the work done by the Commission.
15. Who lays the annual report of the SPSC before the state legislature?
Correct Answer: c) The Governor
Explanation:
The Governor is responsible for laying the SPSC report before the State Legislature, along with a memorandum explaining cases where the Commission's advice was not accepted.
16. A Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) can be created by:
Correct Answer: b) An Act of Parliament
Explanation:
If two or more states agree that there shall be one JSPSC for them, and pass resolutions to that effect, Parliament may by law provide for the appointment of a Joint State PSC.
17. Who appoints the Chairman and members of a Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC)?
Correct Answer: a) The President
Explanation:
According to Article 316(1), the Chairman and other members of a Joint Commission are appointed by the President of India.
18. A Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC) is a:
Correct Answer: b) Statutory body
Explanation:
Unlike UPSC and SPSC which are created directly by the Constitution, a JSPSC is created by an Act of Parliament on the request of the state legislatures, making it a statutory body.
19. Where is the headquarters of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Prayagraj
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is located in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad).
20. In which year was the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) established?
Correct Answer: a) 1937
Explanation:
UPPSC came into existence on April 1, 1937, under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935.
21. Where is the headquarters of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Mumbai
Explanation:
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has its headquarters in Mumbai.
22. Where is the headquarters of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Ajmer
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission is situated in Ajmer.
23. Which of the following was the first Provincial Public Service Commission to be established in India?
Correct Answer: b) Madras Service Commission
Explanation:
The Madras Service Commission, established in 1929, was the first Provincial Public Service Commission in India.
24. Where is the headquarters of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Patna
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is located in Patna.
25. Which section of the State Reorganization Act, 1956, facilitated the creation of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC)?
Correct Answer: b) Section 118(3)
Explanation:
MPPSC was formed under Section 118(3) of the State Reorganization Act, 1956, after the reorganization of Madhya Pradesh.
26. Where is the headquarters of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) located?
Correct Answer: c) Indore
Explanation:
Unlike many states where the PSC headquarters is in the capital, the MPPSC headquarters is located in Indore.
27. Where is the headquarters of the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Thiruvananthapuram
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Kerala Public Service Commission is located in Thiruvananthapuram (Pattom).
28. The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) is the successor to which historical body?
Correct Answer: a) Madras Service Commission
Explanation:
TNPSC is the modern successor to the Madras Service Commission, which was established in 1929.
29. Where is the headquarters of the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Kolkata
Explanation:
The headquarters of the West Bengal Public Service Commission is located in Kolkata.
30. Where is the headquarters of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)?
Correct Answer: b) Bengaluru
Explanation:
The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) operates from its headquarters in Bengaluru.
31. Which British Act provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission in India for the first time?
Correct Answer: b) Government of India Act 1919
Explanation:
The Government of India Act 1919 laid the foundation for the establishment of a Public Service Commission in India, which led to the creation of the Central Public Service Commission in 1926.
32. Which Act provided for the establishment of not only a Federal Public Service Commission but also Provincial Public Service Commissions?
Correct Answer: c) Government of India Act 1935
Explanation:
The Government of India Act of 1935 explicitly provided for the creation of a Federal PSC, Provincial PSCs, and Joint PSCs.
33. The recommendation to establish a Public Service Commission was strongly emphasized by which commission in 1924?
Correct Answer: b) Lee Commission
Explanation:
The Royal Commission on the Superior Civil Services in India, chaired by Lord Lee (Lee Commission) in 1924, recommended the immediate establishment of a Public Service Commission.
34. Can a State Public Service Commission be consulted on the manner of making reservations for backward classes?
Correct Answer: c) No, it is exempted under Article 320(4)
Explanation:
Article 320(4) specifies that the SPSC does not need to be consulted as respects the manner in which provision is made for the reservation of appointments or posts for backward classes.
35. The advice of the State Public Service Commission is:
Correct Answer: b) Advisory in nature
Explanation:
The advice tendered by the SPSC is advisory and not binding on the state government. However, the government must explain reasons for non-acceptance to the legislature.
36. Who is empowered to make regulations regarding the number of members of the SPSC and their conditions of service?
Correct Answer: c) The Governor
Explanation:
Under Article 318, the Governor of the State has the power to make regulations to determine the number of members of the SPSC and their conditions of service.
37. Under which Article can the functions of the State Public Service Commission be extended to local bodies or public institutions?
Correct Answer: a) Article 321
Explanation:
Article 321 allows the State Legislature to enact a law extending the functions of the SPSC in respect of the services of the State, local authorities, or public institutions.
38. If a member of an SPSC is to be removed for 'misbehaviour', who conducts the inquiry?
Correct Answer: b) The Supreme Court of India
Explanation:
Under Article 317(1), the President can remove a member for misbehaviour only after the Supreme Court, on a reference by the President, holds an inquiry and reports that the member ought to be removed.
39. Where is the headquarters of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC)?
Correct Answer: b) Cuttack
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is located in Cuttack.
40. Where is the headquarters of the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Gandhinagar
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) is located in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat.
41. Where is the headquarters of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Panchkula
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) is situated in Panchkula.
42. Where is the headquarters of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Patiala
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Punjab Public Service Commission is historically located in Patiala.
43. A Joint Public Service Commission for Punjab and Haryana was created in which year following the bifurcation of the state?
Correct Answer: c) 1966
Explanation:
When the state of Punjab was bifurcated in 1966, a Joint Public Service Commission was temporarily created for Punjab and Haryana.
44. Where is the headquarters of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)?
Correct Answer: b) Guwahati
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) is located at Jawahar Nagar, Guwahati.
45. Where is the headquarters of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)?
Correct Answer: a) Shimla
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission is situated in Shimla.
46. Where is the headquarters of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC)?
Correct Answer: b) Haridwar
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) is located in Haridwar, not Dehradun.
47. Where is the headquarters of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Raipur
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission is located in the state capital, Raipur.
48. Where is the headquarters of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Ranchi
Explanation:
The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has its headquarters in Ranchi.
49. Where is the headquarters of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) currently located?
Correct Answer: c) Vijayawada
Explanation:
Post-bifurcation of the state, the APPSC relocated its headquarters to Vijayawada.
50. Where is the headquarters of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC)?
Correct Answer: b) Hyderabad
Explanation:
The Telangana State Public Service Commission operates from its headquarters in Hyderabad.
51. Can the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) serve the needs of a State?
Correct Answer: b) Yes, on the request of the Governor with the President's approval
Explanation:
Article 315(4) allows the UPSC to serve the needs of a State if requested by the Governor of that State, with the approval of the President.
52. Which entity handles the recruitment for civil services in Union Territories (UTs)?
Correct Answer: c) The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Explanation:
The UPSC is responsible for serving the needs of Union Territories, as there are no separate constitutional PSCs for UTs, though some UTs like Delhi have statutory subordinate selection boards.
53. If an SPSC member resigns, when does the resignation take effect?
Correct Answer: a) Upon acceptance by the Governor
Explanation:
The resignation of a constitutional authority like an SPSC member typically takes effect once it is formally accepted by the appointing authority, the Governor.
54. Is there any specific educational qualification mentioned in the Constitution for the appointment of a Chairman of the SPSC?
Correct Answer: c) No specific educational qualification is mentioned
Explanation:
The Constitution does not prescribe any specific educational qualification for the Chairman or members of the SPSC, except that one-half must have 10 years of government service experience.
55. Can a person be reappointed to the same SPSC as a member after the completion of their term?
Correct Answer: b) No
Explanation:
Under Article 316(3), 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.
56. Which SPSC became infamous for the 'Vyapam scam' which involved irregularities in recruitment exams?
Correct Answer: b) MPPSC
Explanation:
Although Vyapam is the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (a separate statutory body), it overshadowed MPPSC, causing sweeping reforms in Madhya Pradesh's recruitment landscape.
57. Does the SPSC have the power to regulate its own procedure?
Correct Answer: a) Yes, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and relevant rules
Explanation:
Constitutional bodies like the SPSC have the autonomy to frame rules regulating their own procedure, within the bounds of the Constitution and state laws.
58. Article 319 outlines the prohibitions as to the holding of offices by members of the Commission. What is its primary objective?
Correct Answer: b) To ensure independence and impartiality
Explanation:
The bar on further government employment ensures that SPSC members act impartially without seeking post-retirement favors from the executive.
59. Who determines the conditions of service of the Chairman and members of a Joint State Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer: a) The President
Explanation:
For a Joint State Public Service Commission, the power to determine conditions of service rests with the President of India.
60. Where is the headquarters of the Goa Public Service Commission (Goa PSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Panaji
Explanation:
The Goa Public Service Commission operates from Panaji, the capital of Goa.
61. Where is the headquarters of the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC)?
Correct Answer: a) Agartala
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Tripura Public Service Commission is situated in Agartala.
62. Where is the headquarters of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Shillong
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission is located in Shillong.
63. Where is the headquarters of the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC)?
Correct Answer: a) Imphal
Explanation:
The Manipur Public Service Commission operates from Imphal.
64. Where is the headquarters of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC)?
Correct Answer: b) Kohima
Explanation:
The Nagaland Public Service Commission is headquartered in Kohima.
65. Where is the headquarters of the Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC)?
Correct Answer: b) Aizawl
Explanation:
The headquarters of the Mizoram Public Service Commission is situated in Aizawl.
66. Where is the headquarters of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Itanagar
Explanation:
The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission is headquartered in Itanagar.
67. Where is the headquarters of the Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC)?
Correct Answer: c) Gangtok
Explanation:
The Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC) operates from Gangtok.
68. An acting Chairman of the SPSC can be appointed by the Governor if:
Correct Answer: c) Both a and b
Explanation:
Under Article 316(1A), the Governor can appoint one of the members of the Commission to perform the duties of the Chairman if the office becomes vacant or if the Chairman is absent.
69. Which of the following matters does the SPSC NOT have to be consulted upon?
Correct Answer: d) Transfers of civil servants within a department
Explanation:
Routine administrative transfers within a department do not fall under the advisory purview of the SPSC. Consultation involves recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary matters.
70. The Governor can exclude certain posts and services from the purview of the SPSC by framing regulations. Do these regulations need legislative approval?
Correct Answer: b) Yes, they must be laid before the State Legislature for at least 14 days
Explanation:
Article 320(5) requires that all regulations made by the Governor exempting matters from the SPSC must be laid before the State Legislature for not less than 14 days and are subject to modification by the legislature.
71. In the case of a JSPSC for two states, to whom does it submit its annual report?
Correct Answer: c) The Governors of each of the states concerned
Explanation:
Under Article 323(2), a Joint Commission presents its annual report to the Governor of each of the states whose needs it serves.
72. What is the primary function of the SPSC?
Correct Answer: b) To conduct examinations for appointment to the services of the State
Explanation:
The foundational role of the SPSC, as per Article 320(1), is to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the State.
73. Which of the following PSCs was engulfed in the recent (2022-2023) paper leak controversies leading to legislative strictness?
Correct Answer: a) Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC)
Explanation:
The RPSC faced massive controversies over multiple exam paper leaks (such as the Senior Teacher recruitment), leading the state government to pass stringent anti-cheating laws.
74. A member of an SPSC may be appointed as the Chairman of the UPSC. Is this permissible under the Constitution?
Correct Answer: a) Yes
Explanation:
Under Article 319, a member of a State Public Service Commission is eligible for appointment as the Chairman or a member of the UPSC.
75. If a member of an SPSC is appointed to the UPSC, their total term across both commissions is limited by:
Correct Answer: d) There is no limit; each is a fresh term subject to maximum age
Explanation:
The appointment to UPSC is considered a fresh appointment. They will serve a new 6-year term or until they reach the UPSC retirement age of 65, whichever is earlier.
76. Under which schedule of the Indian Constitution is the oath of office for the Chairman and members of the SPSC mentioned?
Correct Answer: d) None of the above
Explanation:
Interestingly, the Constitution does not prescribe a specific form of oath in the Third Schedule for the Chairman or members of the Public Service Commissions.
77. Does the SPSC have the constitutional mandate to advise on the classification of services and pay scales?
Correct Answer: b) No, it is outside its purview
Explanation:
Classification of services, pay scales, and cadre management are executive functions managed by the state government's personnel department, not the SPSC.
78. Can the jurisdiction of the SPSC be extended by the Governor directly?
Correct Answer: b) No, it requires an Act of the State Legislature
Explanation:
Article 321 mandates that an Act made by the Legislature of a State may provide for the exercise of additional functions by the SPSC.
79. In matters of disciplinary action against a state civil servant, at what stage is the SPSC usually consulted?
Correct Answer: c) Before the final order of punishment is passed
Explanation:
The SPSC is consulted on disciplinary matters, including memorials or petitions relating to such matters, typically before finalizing the penalty.
80. Who is known as the 'Father of Civil Service' in India?
Correct Answer: b) Lord Cornwallis
Explanation:
Lord Cornwallis introduced and organized the civil services in India in a systematic manner, earning him the title 'Father of Civil Service in India'.
81. The concept of an independent Public Service Commission in India was greatly influenced by the civil service model of which country?
Correct Answer: c) United Kingdom
Explanation:
The Indian administrative system, including the structure of Public Service Commissions, is heavily modelled on the British civil service system.
82. Can a State Government reject the recommendation of the SPSC for a candidate's appointment?
Correct Answer: b) Yes, recommendations are advisory, but the government must explain its rejection to the legislature
Explanation:
While SPSC recommendations are advisory, a departure must be justified by the government in a memorandum attached to the SPSC's annual report placed before the legislature.
83. Which body functions as the appellate authority for a civil servant if they are dissatisfied with a disciplinary action that involved SPSC consultation?
Correct Answer: b) State Administrative Tribunal or High Court
Explanation:
If a civil servant is aggrieved by a disciplinary decision, they can appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal (if established) or the High Court.
84. Is it required for a State to have a Public Service Commission even if the state is very small in population?
Correct Answer: b) Yes, it is a constitutional mandate under Article 315
Explanation:
Article 315(1) states, 'there shall be a Public Service Commission for the Union and a Public Service Commission for each State', making it mandatory.
85. What happens if a member of the SPSC becomes of unsound mind?
Correct Answer: b) The President can remove them without referring to the Supreme Court
Explanation:
Under Article 317(3), the President can remove a member directly if they are, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.
86. Which of the following is an example of an ad-hoc body set up by states for recruiting subordinate staff, distinct from the SPSC?
Correct Answer: b) State Subordinate Services Selection Commission (SSSC)
Explanation:
Many states establish Subordinate Services Selection Commissions (e.g., UPSSSC, RSSB) to conduct exams for lower-grade (Group C and D) posts, lightening the burden of the SPSC.
87. Which Article defines 'State' in Part XIV, clarifying that it does not include the State of Jammu and Kashmir (prior to 2019)?
Correct Answer: a) Article 308
Explanation:
Historically, Article 308 provided the definition of 'State' for Part XIV and originally excluded J&K, though this changed after the abrogation of Article 370.
88. The protection of civil servants against arbitrary dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank is guaranteed under which Article?
Correct Answer: c) Article 311
Explanation:
Article 311 provides constitutional safeguards to civil servants, ensuring they cannot be dismissed or reduced in rank without an inquiry.
89. Does the SPSC have a role in the training of civil servants post-recruitment?
Correct Answer: b) No, training is the responsibility of state administrative training institutes
Explanation:
The SPSC's role is generally limited to recruitment and advisory functions. Post-recruitment training is managed by the government's training institutes.
90. Who bears the expenses of a Joint State Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer: b) The states concerned, proportionally as agreed
Explanation:
The expenses of a JSPSC are shared among the participating states according to their mutual agreement or as stipulated in the Parliamentary act.
91. If a State Government wishes to exclude a newly created service from the SPSC's consultation requirement, it must:
Correct Answer: b) Make regulations through the Governor and lay them before the legislature
Explanation:
The Governor can frame regulations under Article 320(3) proviso to exclude services, but they must be laid before the State Legislature.
92. Can the Chairman of a State Public Service Commission be appointed as the Governor of a state?
Correct Answer: a) Yes, because it is not an 'employment' under the government in the strict sense
Explanation:
The Supreme Court has held that the office of the Governor is a high constitutional office and not an 'employment' under the government, so Article 319 does not bar this appointment.
93. The 'doctrine of pleasure' as it relates to civil servants is enshrined in which Article?
Correct Answer: b) Article 310
Explanation:
Article 310 states that every person who is a member of a civil service holds office during the pleasure of the President (for Union) or the Governor (for State).
94. Before the Indian Constitution came into force, provincial public service commissions were governed by the Government of India Act 1935. In what year did they officially become State Public Service Commissions?
Correct Answer: b) 1950
Explanation:
With the commencement of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, the Provincial Public Service Commissions transitioned into State Public Service Commissions.
95. Under what circumstance can the SPSC be bypassed in disciplinary matters involving a civil servant?
Correct Answer: b) If the Governor has framed regulations excluding such consultation
Explanation:
The proviso to Article 320(3) allows the Governor to make regulations specifying matters in which it shall not be necessary to consult the SPSC.
96. What is the primary difference between a constitutional body like SPSC and a statutory body?
Correct Answer: b) SPSC derives its powers directly from the Constitution, while a statutory body is created by an Act of legislature
Explanation:
Constitutional bodies get their mandate and protection directly from the Constitution, whereas statutory bodies are established by legislative Acts.
97. Which State Public Service Commission conducts the Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Examination?
Correct Answer: a) UPPSC
Explanation:
The Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Examination is the flagship civil services exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC).
98. The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) was initially headquartered at Ranchi before shifting to Patna. In which year did it start functioning?
Correct Answer: b) 1949
Explanation:
The BPSC began its operation on April 1, 1949, initially at Ranchi, and later shifted to Patna.
99. The 'Kerala Public Service Commission' conducts exams for recruitment to the state services. It is known for which unique feature compared to many other SPSCs?
Correct Answer: c) It conducts recruitment for numerous posts, including low-grade government jobs usually left to subordinate boards in other states
Explanation:
KPSC has one of the highest workloads among SPSCs because it conducts recruitment for a massive array of posts across all grades in the state, unlike states that have separate subordinate boards.
100. Which of the following is TRUE about the Chairman of the SPSC?
Correct Answer: c) Can be appointed as Chairman of another SPSC
Explanation:
Article 319 allows the retired Chairman of an SPSC to be appointed as the Chairman of another SPSC, or as Chairman/Member of the UPSC.
101. Can an SPSC member be appointed as a Member of the UPSC?
Correct Answer: a) Yes
Explanation:
Article 319 allows an SPSC member to be appointed as a member or Chairman of the UPSC upon the expiration of their term.
102. When an SPSC Chairman is removed on grounds of misbehaviour, the Supreme Court conducts an inquiry under the provisions of which Article?
Correct Answer: b) Article 145
Explanation:
The procedure for the inquiry by the Supreme Court on a reference by the President under Article 317 is regulated by rules made under Article 145.
103. Who determines the number of staff and their conditions of service for the State Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer: c) The Governor
Explanation:
Under Article 318, the Governor is empowered to make regulations determining the number of staff of the commission and their conditions of service.
104. What is the primary consequence if a State Government completely ignores the advice of the SPSC?
Correct Answer: c) The government must justify it in a memorandum presented to the legislature
Explanation:
SPSC advice is not binding. However, non-acceptance of its advice must be explained in a memorandum laid before the State Legislature along with the annual report.
105. Which constitutional principle prevents a retired SPSC member from holding any further government employment?
Correct Answer: c) Doctrine of Post-Retirement Independence
Explanation:
The bar on post-retirement employment under the government is a constitutional safeguard to ensure that members act fearlessly and independently without the lure of future government jobs.
106. Are the decisions made by the SPSC regarding exam syllabus and pattern subject to judicial review?
Correct Answer: b) Yes, courts can review them if they are arbitrary or violate fundamental rights
Explanation:
While courts generally do not interfere in academic or administrative decisions like syllabus, they can exercise judicial review if the actions are arbitrary, discriminatory, or violate the Constitution.
107. Which of the following is NOT a function of the State Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer: c) Approving the state budget for administrative services
Explanation:
Approving the state budget is a legislative function performed by the State Legislature, not the SPSC.
108. In case a member of SPSC is suspended pending a Supreme Court inquiry, who takes the decision to suspend?
Correct Answer: b) The Governor
Explanation:
Under Article 317(2), it is the Governor who suspends a member of the SPSC pending the final order of the President based on the Supreme Court's report.
109. To provide representation to different regions/communities, is there any reservation quota for the appointment of members to the SPSC?
Correct Answer: c) No, there is no constitutional reservation for SPSC membership
Explanation:
The Constitution does not provide for any reservation in the appointment of the Chairman or members of the SPSC.
110. If a State is bifurcated into two new States, what happens to its existing SPSC?
Correct Answer: c) The Reorganization Act details the creation of new commissions for the successor states
Explanation:
When a state is bifurcated, the specific State Reorganization Act passed by Parliament contains provisions regarding the division of assets, personnel, and institutions, including the SPSC.
111. Which of the following bodies is consulted on the principles to be followed in making appointments to civil services in a state?
Correct Answer: b) State Public Service Commission
Explanation:
Article 320(3)(b) states that the SPSC shall be consulted on the principles to be followed in making appointments to civil services and posts.
112. Can the SPSC conduct interviews for recruitment?
Correct Answer: c) Yes, it is part of their constitutional mandate to determine recruitment methods
Explanation:
The SPSC determines its recruitment process, which usually involves a combination of preliminary exams, main written exams, and personality tests (interviews).
113. Which of the following commissions investigates claims for the award of a pension regarding injuries sustained while serving the State Government?
Correct Answer: c) State Public Service Commission
Explanation:
Under Article 320(3)(e), the SPSC is consulted on any claim for the award of a pension in respect of injuries sustained by a person while serving the state government.
114. The Governor makes regulations specifying the matters for which consultation with SPSC is not necessary. These regulations must be laid before the State Legislature for at least:
Correct Answer: b) 14 days
Explanation:
Under Article 320(5), any such regulation made by the Governor must be laid before each House of the State Legislature for not less than 14 days.
115. Which state's public service commission conducts the 'Group I, II, III, and IV' services examinations predominantly?
Correct Answer: c) Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)
Explanation:
TNPSC is well-known for categorizing its primary civil services recruitment exams into Group I, Group II/IIA, Group III, and Group IV.
116. Which SPSC headquarters is situated in a city that is NOT the state capital?
Correct Answer: a) OPSC (Odisha)
Explanation:
The OPSC is headquartered in Cuttack, not in the state capital Bhubaneswar. (Similarly, MPPSC is in Indore, not Bhopal; UPPSC in Prayagraj, not Lucknow).
117. Who represents the State Public Service Commission in courts during litigation regarding exam discrepancies?
Correct Answer: b) The Advocate General of the State or empaneled SPSC counsels
Explanation:
SPSCs typically have their own empaneled legal counsels, and in major constitutional matters, the Advocate General of the State represents or assists.
118. Is the State Public Service Commission subject to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005?
Correct Answer: b) Yes, it is a public authority under the RTI Act
Explanation:
As constitutional bodies, SPSCs fall under the definition of 'public authority' under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act and are subject to its provisions, though certain exemptions (like candidate evaluation details) may apply.
119. The 'WBCS' examination is the flagship civil services exam conducted by which commission?
Correct Answer: a) West Bengal Public Service Commission
Explanation:
The West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) examination, commonly known as WBCS, is conducted by the West Bengal Public Service Commission.
120. The 'RAS' examination is conducted by which Public Service Commission?
Correct Answer: a) Rajasthan Public Service Commission
Explanation:
The Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) examination is the premier state civil service exam conducted by the RPSC.
121. Which of the following bodies is essentially a counterpart to the SPSC at the central level?
Correct Answer: b) Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Explanation:
The UPSC is the central counterpart to the SPSC, functioning for the Union government under the same set of constitutional articles (315-323).
122. Can the SPSC Chairman be appointed as a member of another SPSC?
Correct Answer: b) No, it would be a demotion of status
Explanation:
According to Article 319, a retired Chairman of an SPSC can become Chairman of another SPSC or Chairman/Member of UPSC, but not a member of another SPSC.
123. Which state PSC conducts the 'KAS' (Administrative Service) examination?
Correct Answer: c) Both a and b
Explanation:
KAS stands for Kerala Administrative Service (conducted by Kerala PSC) and Karnataka Administrative Service (conducted by Karnataka PSC). Both use the same acronym.
124. How are the expenses of an SPSC handled to ensure its independence?
Correct Answer: c) They are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State and are non-votable
Explanation:
To ensure autonomy, Article 322 dictates that the expenses of the SPSC are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of the State, meaning they do not require an annual vote by the legislature.
