Article Title: Former Defense Secretary Ajay Kumar is UPSC Chairman
15-05-2025
Polity & Governance Current Affairs Analysis
Context
• Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has been appointed Chairman of the UPSC, says a Union Personnel Ministry order.
• The post of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Chairman fell vacant after the completion of Preeti Sudan’s tenure on April 29.
• Mr. Kumar’s appointment was cleared by President Droupadi Murmu, said the order issued on Tuesday. • A 1985-batch retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, Mr. Kumar worked as Defence Secretary from August 23, 2019 to October 31, 2022, according to his service records.
UPSC chairman and members
• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body.
• Part XIV of the Indian Constitution contains provisions relating to the composition, appointment and removal, powers and functions of its members under Articles 315 to 323.
• Appointment of Members: The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India.
• Office: Any member of the UPSC will hold office for a term of six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Re-appointment: No person who has once held office as a member of a Public Service Commission shall be eligible for reappointment to his office.
• Resignation: A member of the Union Public Service Commission may resign from his office by writing to the President of India.
• Removal/Suspension of Members: The Chairman or any other member of the Union Public Service Commission shall be removed from his office only by order of the President of India.
• Removal: The Chairman or any other member of the UPSC may be removed on charges of
1. Misbehaviour
2. Incapacity (both mental and physical)
3. Insolvency
4. Paid employment outside of office duties
"UPSC-2026-PRELIMS COMBINED MAINS PROGRAMME" NEW BATCH STARTS WITH ORIENTATION ON JUNE 6th,2025 
