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The UPSC Chairman is considered the head of the Union Public Service Commission of India. As of 14th May 2025, Mr. Ajay Kumar is serving as the UPSC Chairman, having succeeded Mrs. Preeti Sudan. The Union Public Service Commission is a central recruitment agency responsible for selecting 'Group A' officers in the Government of India. Mr. Ajay Kumar, a 1985 batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, brings decades of administrative experience to the role. This article will provide updated information about the UPSC Chairman’s tenure, salary, full list of past chairpersons, appointment process, and key facts relevant for UPSC aspirants.

This topic is related to the General Studies Paper II, which covers the Constitution of India, Indian Governance, Constitutional and Statutory bodies of India, International Relationships, Social Justice, etc. This article is of massive importance for UPSC CSE exam aspirants. It will be of boundless help in their preparation. Join UPSC Coaching today to raise your preparation. 

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What is the Union Public Service Commission?

UPSC was established as a Public Service Commission body on 1st October 1926. Under the Government of India Act of 1935, UPSC became the Federal Public Service Commission. Later, the name of the body was modified to the Union Public Service Commission after independence. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body that recruits officials to Central Civil Services for 'Groups A and B' and All India Services by operating examinations. The Department carries out the Training and the duty of training personnel. The UPSC headquarters and administrative body of the are in Dholpur House, New Delhi. 

Also, read the Advocate General of State for UPSC here.

UPSC Chairman List (1926 - 2025)

The table below contains the complete details of the UPSC chairman list from 1926 to 2025.

Article 320 of the Indian Constitution displays the concerns about Indian civil services and its posts. The duties of the UPSC Chairman and UPSC are:

• Candidates for UPSC are selected through a three-tier examination process. 
• Natural recruitment is conducted via interviews.
• Assigning officials through deputation, absorption, or promotion. 
• Drafting and modifying Recruitment Regulations for various government services and roles. 
• Managing disciplinary affairs about different Civil Services. 
• Guiding the Government on any matter directed to the UPSC Members by the President of India.

UPSC Chairman Functions and Responsibilities

The functions and responsibilities of the UPSC Chairman are as follows:

• The UPSC Chairman heads the body. He handles the recruitment process of the commission under the government of India.
• The head directly recruits through interviews, confirming eligible candidates are eligible for the posts. 
• The UPSC Chairman is also liable for selecting officers through deputation, promotion, absorption, and career advancement within civil services. 
• The UPSC Chairman also suggests the Government of India on issues guided by the President, facilitating governance and guideline making. 
• The chairman of UPSC also handles the disciplinary affairs set by the code of conduct. 
• He guides the commission, ensuring strategic directions and decision-making.

Also, read on the Public Accounts Committee for UPSC here!

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We trust we've cleared up any confusion about the UPSC chairman and UPSC chairman list in preparation for the UPSC. At Testbook, we dish out learning resources for strict tests. Kick your UPSC studying into high gear by snagging theTestbook App!