In News:

Dr. Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary and a 1985-batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre, took oath as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on May 2025. The oath was administered by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla, the senior-most member of the Commission, following the end of Preeti Sudan’s tenure on April 29, 2025.

Profile of Dr. Ajay Kumar:

• Academic Qualifications:
  • B.Tech in Electrical Engineering – IIT Kanpur
  • M.Sc. in Applied Economics – University of Minnesota, USA
  • Ph.D. in Business Administration – Carlson School of Management, USA
• Key Positions Held:
  • Managing Director, IT Department, Government of Kerala
  • Secretary, Defence Production
  • Director General, National Informatics Centre
  • Secretary, Ministry of Defence
• E-Governance Contributions:
  • Initiated digital platforms like Jeevan Pramaan, MyGov, PRAGATI, and Cloud First Policy
  • Introduced biometric attendance systems and digital OPD registrations in AIIMS

He brings over 35 years of administrative experience in both state and central governments and has several publications in reputed journals.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – At a Glance

Constitutional Backing:

• Established under Articles 315–323 of the Constitution
• Originally formed: October 1, 1926
• Became a constitutional body on January 26, 1950

Composition:

• Comprises a Chairman and other members, appointed by the President
• At least half the members must have held government office for 10+ years
• Presently, the Commission has vacancies for 2 members

Tenure:Chairman/Members hold office for 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier

Resignation & Removal:

• Can resign by writing to the President
• Can be removed for misbehavior, only after an inquiry by the Supreme Court

Post-Tenure Restrictions:

• Chairman: Not eligible for any further government employment
• Members: Can be appointed as Chairman of UPSC or State PSC, but not to any other office of profit

Functions of UPSC:

• Central recruitment agency for:
  • Civil Services Examination (CSE)
  • Engineering Services (ESE)
  • Combined Medical Services (CMS), and more
• Advises the government on:Recruitment rules, appointments, promotions, and disciplinary matters