UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — HC defers hearing on PSC chief’s suspension

Q1. With reference to the removal and suspension of Public Service Commission members under Article 317 of the Constitution, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Removal of a State Public Service Commission member on the ground of misbehaviour is ordered by the President.
  2. Suspension of a State Public Service Commission chairman pending inquiry is ordered by the Governor.
  3. The inquiry into the alleged misbehaviour is conducted by the Supreme Court on a reference made by the President.
  4. Suspension of a Union Public Service Commission member pending inquiry is ordered by the Governor of the concerned State.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q2. Under Article 317 of the Constitution, the final authority competent to remove the chairman of a State Public Service Commission is which one of the following?

  • A. Governor of the State
  • B. President of India
  • C. Chief Justice of the High Court
  • D. State Legislative Assembly

Q3. Regarding the removal of a Public Service Commission member without a Supreme Court inquiry under Article 317(3), consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. A member who is adjudged an insolvent may be removed without a Supreme Court inquiry.
  2. A member who engages in paid employment outside the duties of his office may be removed without a Supreme Court inquiry.
  3. A member who is infirm of mind or body may be removed by the Governor without a Supreme Court inquiry.
  4. A member found guilty of misbehaviour may be removed without a Supreme Court inquiry.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2 and 4

Q4. Consider the following statements comparing removal under Article 317(1) with removal under Article 317(3). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Removal under Article 317(1) requires a prior Supreme Court inquiry, whereas removal under Article 317(3) does not.
  2. In both Article 317(1) and Article 317(3), the final order of removal is passed by the President.
  3. Article 317(1) is invoked on the ground of misbehaviour, whereas Article 317(3) is invoked on grounds such as insolvency and infirmity of mind or body.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Consider the following statements comparing the tenure of State Public Service Commission members with that of Union Public Service Commission members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A member of a State Public Service Commission holds office for a term of six years or until attaining 62 years of age, whichever is earlier.
  2. A member of the Union Public Service Commission holds office for a term of six years or until attaining 62 years of age, whichever is earlier.
  3. Members of a State Public Service Commission are appointed by the Governor of the State.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. A member of a State Public Service Commission wishing to demit office before the expiry of his term must address the resignation to which one of the following?

  • A. Governor of the State
  • B. President of India
  • C. Chief Minister of the State
  • D. State Legislative Assembly

Q7. The salaries, allowances and pensions payable to the chairman and members of a State Public Service Commission are charged on which one of the following?

  • A. Consolidated Fund of India
  • B. Consolidated Fund of the State
  • C. Contingency Fund of the State
  • D. Public Account of the State

Q8. Regarding the constitutional safeguards ensuring the independence of a State Public Service Commission under Part XIV, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. The expenses of a State Public Service Commission are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State.
  2. The conditions of service of a member cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.
  3. A member of a State Public Service Commission can be removed by the State Legislature by a special majority.
  4. On ceasing to hold office, the chairman of a State Public Service Commission is ineligible for reappointment to that office.
  • A. 1, 2 and 4
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1 and 3

Q9. The suspension of the KPSC chairman that was challenged before the Karnataka High Court in 2026 was ordered by which one of the following authorities?

  • A. Governor of Karnataka
  • B. President of India
  • C. Karnataka High Court
  • D. Karnataka Legislative Assembly

Q10. With reference to the 2026 Karnataka High Court proceedings concerning the suspended KPSC chairman, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. The petitioner is the suspended chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission.
  2. The suspension was ordered by the Governor of Karnataka.
  3. The Governor recommended that the President refer the matter to the Supreme Court under Article 317.
  4. The trigger allegation concerned the chairman's sons securing government jobs.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q11. In the whole of Article 317, in how many of its sub-clauses is a power expressly conferred upon the Governor of a State?

  • A. One
  • B. Two
  • C. Three
  • D. Four

Q12. Consider the following statements comparing the functions of a State Public Service Commission with those of the Union Public Service Commission under the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A State Public Service Commission conducts examinations for appointments to the services of the State, whereas the Union Public Service Commission conducts examinations for the Union services.
  2. A State Public Service Commission is consulted on disciplinary matters affecting a person serving the State, whereas the Union Public Service Commission is consulted on such matters affecting a person serving the Union.
  3. The advice tendered by a State Public Service Commission on recruitment matters is binding on the State Government.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3