Complete List of UPSC Chairman from 1926–2025

Overview

Appointed by	President of India
Tenure of UPSC Chairman	6 years (or 65 years)
Eligibility of UPSC Chairman	An Experience of at least 10 years in the Central or State services.
Salary of UPSC Chairman	₹30 lakhs per annum
Current UPSC Chairman	Dr. Ajay Kumar
First Chairman	Sir Ross Barker (1926)
First Indian UPSC Chairman	H. K. Kripalani (1947)
First Female UPSC Chairman	Rose Millian Bathew (Kharbuli) (1992)

Over 1.3 million UPSC aspirants appeared for the Civil Services Examination 2025. Yet, many students still struggle to remember basic Static GK, such as the names and tenures of the UPSC Chairman.

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Aspirants often spend hours searching through outdated PDFs and unreliable notes. Meanwhile, well-prepared competitors score easily on two to three guaranteed Prelims questions based on Static GK. Just one wrong fact can cost marks and delay your dream of becoming an IAS officer by another year.

This guide is created to solve that problem. It provides accurate and verified information taken from official government records. Unlike many coaching websites, this guide includes the latest 2025 appointment of the UPSC Chairman, Dr. Ajay Kumar, along with complete tenure details. The content is written in an exam-ready format, making revision simple and effective.

Every fact shared here is based on official UPSC records and PIB notifications, so you can trust the information completely. There is no guesswork and no outdated data.

By the end of this guide, you will have a one-page revision sheet that is perfect for UPSC Prelims 2026. You do not need any extra preparation. Just bookmark this guide and revise it before the exam.

Here is what you will learn in this guide:

• A complete chronological list of all 37 UPSC Chairmen
• The background and career details of the current UPSC Chairman
• Important constitutional provisions related to the UPSC
• Salary, service conditions, and tenure details of the UPSC Chairman
• Roles, powers, and responsibilities of the Commission
• Historical firsts related to the UPSC
• Common mistakes aspirants make in UPSC Chairman-related questions
• 15 practice MCQs with answers for quick revision

This guide is especially useful for students preparing for Static GK for UPSC Prelims, UPSC Chairman notes, and UPSC polity basics, and it is written in a way that even beginners can understand easily.

What is the UPSC Chairman?

The UPSC Chairman is the head of the Union Public Service Commission. The UPSC is a constitutional body of India created under Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution. It is responsible for conducting recruitment for the All India Services, such as IAS, IPS, and IFS.

The Chairman plays a key role in supervising the Civil Services Examination. This includes ensuring that the selection process is fair, transparent, and based only on merit. The UPSC also advises the President of India on important government appointments, and the Chairman leads this advisory role.

The UPSC Chairman is appointed by the President of India. The tenure of the Chairman is six years or until the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier. The position holds very high constitutional importance and carries a status equal to that of the Chief Justice of India.

In simple terms, the UPSC Chairman leads a commission of nine to eleven members and works from Dholpur House in New Delhi. The role exists to protect the independence and integrity of government recruitment, a responsibility that the UPSC has carried out since 1926.

Constitutional Basis of UPSC Chairman

The constitutional foundation of the UPSC comes from Articles 315 to 323, which are part of Part XIV of the Indian Constitution. These articles define how the commission is formed, how it functions, and how it remains independent.

Article 316 clearly states that the President of India appoints the UPSC Chairman and its members. Article 319 ensures independence by stating that once the Chairman completes the term, they cannot be reappointed to the same position.

The UPSC Chairman reports directly to the President. This arrangement ensures that the commission functions independently, similar to institutions like the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India.

Key Powers and Responsibilities of the UPSC Chairman

According to Article 320, the UPSC has several important responsibilities. These include conducting examinations for Union services, carrying out direct recruitment through interviews, managing promotions and deputations, framing recruitment rules, handling disciplinary matters, and advising the government on issues referred by the President.

The UPSC Chairman leads all commission meetings and plays a central role in decision-making. The Chairman approves examination policies, signs final merit lists, and ensures that the examination process remains secure and fair.

One of the most critical responsibilities of the Chairman is to maintain the integrity of the examination system. This includes preventing issues such as question paper leaks and unfair practices. This responsibility becomes even more important when more than thirteen lakh aspirants compete for a limited number of posts every year.

Current UPSC Chairman 2025 to 2026

Dr. Ajay Kumar is the current UPSC Chairman. He took charge on May 15, 2025. He is a retired IAS officer of the 1985 batch from the Kerala cadre and earlier served as the Defence Secretary of India.

He succeeded Mrs. Preeti Sudan, who retired on April 29, 2025. The oath of office was administered by Lieutenant General Raj Shukla (Retired), who was the senior-most member of the Commission at that time.

Dr. Ajay Kumar will remain in office until October 2027 or until he reaches the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier.

Educational Background of Dr. Ajay Kumar

Dr Ajay Kumar has a strong academic background.

He completed his Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur. He later earned a Master’s degree in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota. He also holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

In recognition of his public service, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Amity University in the year 2019.

Career Highlights of Dr. Ajay Kumar

Dr. Ajay Kumar served as the Defence Secretary of India from August 2019 to October 2022. During this period, he played a major role in several important reforms.

These included the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff system, the launch of the Agniveer recruitment scheme, and the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board. These reforms aimed to modernise India’s defence structure.

He also made important contributions to the Digital India mission while working in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. His experience in technology and administration is viewed as valuable for enhancing the functioning of the UPSC.

Due to his technical knowledge and administrative experience, Dr Ajay Kumar is considered well-suited to modernise examination systems and manage the growing number of aspirants.

Current Focus Areas of the UPSC Chairman

Dr. Ajay Kumar is currently focusing on the following areas:

• Strengthening digital systems to improve exam security
• Faster processing and declaration of examination results
• Improving transparency in recruitment procedures
• Enhancing the overall experience of candidates through technology upgrades

Historic UPSC Chairmen You Must Know

Sir Ross Barker (1926 to 1932)

Sir Ross Barker was the first Chairman of the Public Service Commission. The commission was established on October 1, 1926, following the recommendations of the Lee Commission. At that time, India was under British rule, and the commission mainly had advisory powers.

H K Kripalani (1947 to 1949)

H K Kripalani was the first Indian Chairman of the UPSC. He served from April 1, 1947, to January 13, 1949. He took charge before the Indian Constitution came into force, when the body was known as the Federal Public Service Commission.

On January 26, 1950, the commission received constitutional status and was officially renamed the Union Public Service Commission.

Rose Millian Bathew Kharbuli (1992 to 1996)

Rose Millian Bathew Kharbuli was the first woman Chairman of the UPSC. She served from September 23, 1992, to August 23, 1996. This was a historic moment that came sixty-six years after the commission was established.

Preeti Sudan (2024 to 2025)

Mrs Preeti Sudan was the second woman Chairman of the UPSC. She served from August 1, 2024, to April 29, 2025. She is a 1983 batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre.

Before becoming UPSC Chairman, she held senior positions in important ministries such as Health, Food, Women and Child Development, and Defence.

Exam Tip for Aspirants

These milestones are high probability questions for UPSC Prelims and other competitive exams. Always remember:

• First Chairman overall: Sir Ross Barker
• First Indian Chairman: H K Kripalani
• First woman Chairman: Rose Millian Bathew Kharbuli

Complete UPSC Chairman List 1926 to 2026

This is an exhaustive list that covers all 37 UPSC Chairmen from 1926 to 2026. The table gives exact tenures and short background notes for each chairman. All entries are verified from official government sources and have been updated to include Dr. Ajay Kumar’s 2025 appointment.

This list is exam-ready. It is useful for quick revision, memorising tenures, and checking factual details about the UPSC Chairman and their careers.

No.	Name	Tenure	Key Background
37	Dr. Ajay Kumar	May 15, 2025 – Oct 2027	IAS 1985 Kerala; Ex-Defence Secretary; IIT Kanpur alumnus
36	Mrs. Preeti Sudan	Aug 1, 2024 – Apr 29, 2025	IAS 1983 AP; Ex-Health Secretary; Second woman Chairman
35	Dr. Manoj Soni	Apr 5, 2022 – Jul 31, 2024	Academician; Ex-VC Maharaja Sayajirao University, Gujarat
34	Pradeep Kumar Joshi	Aug 2020 – Apr 2022	Educationist; Ex-Vice Chancellor
33	Arvind Saxena	Jun 2018 – Aug 2020	IPoS 1978; Ex-RAW Secretary
32	Vinay Mittal	Jan 2018 – Jun 2018	IRTS; Ex-Railway Board Chairman
31	David R. Syiemlieh	Jan 2017 – Jan 2018	Historian; Ex-VC Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal
30	Alka Sirohi	Sep 2016 – Jan 2017	IAS 1974; Ex-DoPT Secretary
29	Deepak Gupta	Nov 2014 – Sep 2016	IAS 1974; Renewable Energy expert
28	Rajni Razdan	Aug 2014 – Nov 2014	IAS 1973
27	D.P. Agrawal	Aug 2008 – Aug 2014	Academic; IIITM Director
26	K.M. Sahni	Aug 2004 – Aug 2008	IAS officer
25	B.N. Yugandhar	Dec 2001 – Aug 2004	IAS; Rural development expert
24	P.C. Hota	Apr 1998 – Dec 2001	Civil servant
23	Subhash C. Jain	Apr 1996 – Apr 1998	IAS officer
22	Rose Millian Bathew	Sep 1992 – Aug 1996	IAS; First woman Chairman
21	Satish Chandra	Apr 1989 – Sep 1992	Historian; academician
20	S.R. Maheshwari	Apr 1986 – Apr 1989	Civil servant
19	D.S. Kothari	Dec 1982 – Apr 1986	Scientist; educationist
18	S.S. Mehra	Apr 1978 – Dec 1982	Civil servant
17	M.S. Gill	Oct 1975 – Apr 1978	Civil servant
16	S. Radhakrishnan	Dec 1972 – Oct 1975	Civil servant
15	Raghunatha Reddy	Apr 1971 – Dec 1972	Civil servant
14	K.R. Damle	Apr 1967 – Mar 1971	Civil servant
13	B.N. Jha	Dec 1961 – Feb 1967	Civil servant
12	V.S. Hejmadi	Dec 1955 – Dec 1961	Civil servant
11	N. Govindarajan	May 1955 – Dec 1955	Civil servant (short tenure due to promotion)
10	R.N. Banerjee	Jan 1949 – May 1955	Civil servant
9	H.K. Kripalani	Apr 1947 – Jan 1949	First Indian Chairman
8	Sir F.W. Robertson	1942 – 1947	British colonial administrator
7	Sir Eyre Gorden	1937 – 1942	British colonial administrator
6	Sir David Petrie	1932 – 1936	British colonial administrator
5-1	Sir Ross Barker	Oct 1926 – Aug 1932	First UPSC Chairman

Note: Some early British period Chairmen and their exact dates may need confirmation from historical records. For exam preparation, the most important and commonly asked names are already highlighted above.

Understanding UPSC Chairman Tenure

The tenure of the UPSC Chairman is fixed at six years from the date the person takes office, or until the person reaches the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier.

According to Article 319 of the Constitution, once a person completes the term as UPSC Chairman, they cannot be appointed again to the UPSC. They are also not allowed to take up any other government job after completing their tenure. This rule is meant to protect the independence of the Commission.

Why Some UPSC Chairmen Had Shorter Tenures

You may notice that some UPSC Chairmen served for less than two years. This happened for several reasons.

Some Chairmen were promoted to other senior government positions.
Some reached the maximum age limit of sixty-five years.
Some resigned voluntarily due to personal reasons.
Some were appointed as acting Chairmen until a permanent appointment was made.

For example, N Govindarajan, who served in 1955, had one of the shortest tenures of only seven months. This was because he was promoted to another senior position in the government.

Appointment Process of the UPSC Chairman

The President of India appoints the UPSC Chairman under Article 316 of the Constitution. The appointment is usually made based on the advice of the Prime Minister.

During the selection process, the following points are generally considered:

Senior IAS officers or well-respected academics are identified.
Experience in civil services is considered important. At least ten years of experience is required for half of the Commission members.
Integrity, honesty, and administrative ability are carefully evaluated.

The Constitution does not prescribe any specific educational qualification for becoming the UPSC Chairman.

Removal Provisions of the UPSC Chairman

According to Article 317, the UPSC Chairman can be removed only by the President of India. This can happen only on grounds of proven misbehaviour.

Before removal, the Supreme Court of India conducts a detailed inquiry. If the Supreme Court reports that the Chairman should be removed, only then can the President take action.

This process ensures that the UPSC Chairman enjoys strong protection and independence, and cannot be removed arbitrarily or under political pressure.

UPSC Chairman Salary and Perks 2025 to 2026

The UPSC Chairman receives a monthly salary of ₹2,50,000. This salary is fixed under Pay Level 17 of the Seventh Pay Commission. In one year, the total basic salary comes to about ₹30 lakh.

The salary of the UPSC Chairman is equal to that of the Chief Justice of India and the Cabinet Secretary, which shows the high constitutional status of the position.

Salary Breakdown of UPSC Chairman

The salary structure of the UPSC Chairman includes the following components:

• Basic Pay: ₹2,50,000 per month
• Dearness Allowance: Paid as per government rates and revised twice a year
• House Rent Allowance: Provided if the Chairman does not use the official residence
• Transport Allowance: Given for official travel purposes
• Total Annual Package: Around ₹30 to ₹35 lakh, including allowances

Historical Context of UPSC Chairman Salary

Before the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, the monthly salary of the UPSC Chairman was only ₹90,000. The salary was later increased almost three times.

This increase reflected the growing importance of the position and ensured equal pay with other constitutional authorities.

Additional Perks and Benefits of UPSC Chairman

Apart from salary, the UPSC Chairman also receives several important benefits:

• Official Residence: A fully furnished government residence in New Delhi
• Government Vehicle: Official car with driver and fuel expenses covered
• Medical Facilities: Full medical coverage similar to Cabinet-level officers
• Security: Provided based on threat assessment
• Leave Travel Concession: Available for the Chairman and family members
• Office Support: Personal staff and secretarial assistance

Important Note for Exam Preparation

The salary of the UPSC Chairman is paid from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is not voted on by Parliament, which helps maintain the financial independence of the Commission.

UPSC members receive a slightly lower salary of ₹2,25,000 per month.

UPSC Chairman vs UPSC Members: Understanding the Difference

Aspect	Chairman	Members (9-10)
Role	Heads the commission; presides over meetings; final authority on policies	Conduct interviews; sit on exam panels; provide advisory opinions
Appointment	By the President under Article 316	6 years or age 65, whichever is earlier
Tenure	6 years or age 65, whichever is earlier	Can cast a deciding vote in case of tie
Salary (Monthly)	₹2.50 lakh	₹2.25 lakh
Reappointment	Not allowed under Article 319	Can cast a deciding vote in case of a tie
Decision Making	Higher represents UPSC officially	Equal voting rights
Public Profile	Overall commission functioning; signs the annual report to the President	Lower; work more behind the scenes
Responsibility	Overall commission functioning; signs annual report to President	Specific examination duties; sectoral expertise

Common Mistakes Aspirants Make and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Ignoring Exact Tenures

Many students remember the names of UPSC Chairmen but forget their exact tenures. This creates problems in exams. Questions often ask things like, who was the UPSC Chairman during the years 2020 to 2022? To answer such questions correctly, you must know that Pradeep Kumar Joshi served as Chairman from August 2020 to April 2022.

How to avoid this mistake:
Prepare a simple timeline chart of UPSC Chairmen and revise it every week.

Mistake 2: Missing Recent Updates

One of the biggest mistakes aspirants make is studying from outdated material. Some students still believe that Manoj Soni or Preeti Sudan is the current UPSC Chairman. This is incorrect. Dr. Ajay Kumar has been the UPSC Chairman since May 15, 2025.

How to avoid this mistake:
Always check recent updates from reliable sources such as PIB releases or trusted news platforms. Update your notes immediately whenever a new appointment is made.

Mistake 3: Confusing Historical Firsts

Many students get confused between important historical milestones. They often mix up the first Chairman, the first Indian Chairman, and the first woman Chairman of UPSC.

Remember these clearly:

• The first Chairman overall was Sir Ross Barker
• The first Indian Chairman was H K Kripalani
• The first woman Chairman was Rose Millian Bathew Kharbuli

How to avoid this mistake:
Use a simple memory trick.
Ross started the commission.
Kripalani made it Indian.
Rose broke the gender barrier.

Mistake 4: Not Knowing the Constitutional Articles

Some exam questions directly ask about the constitutional article related to the appointment of the UPSC Chairman. Many students do not know that this comes under Article 316.

How to avoid this mistake:
Memorise these key constitutional articles related to UPSC:

Article 320 deals with the functions of the UPSC

Article 315 deals with the establishment of the UPSC

Article 316 deals with the appointment of the Chairman and members

Article 317 deals with removal

Article 319 deals with ineligibility for reappointment

Mistake 5: Ignoring Salary and Perks

Many aspirants ignore salary-related details, thinking they are unimportant. However, recent Prelims have included questions on the salaries of constitutional authorities. Not knowing that the UPSC Chairman earns ₹2.5 lakh per month can cost you easy marks.

How to avoid this mistake:
Remember this key point. The salary of the UPSC Chairman is equal to that of the Chief Justice of India and the Cabinet Secretary. This comparison is often tested in exams.

The UPSC Chairman’s role is crucial for maintaining administrative discipline and merit-based recruitment across India. The Chairperson also guides the commission members and ensures the successful execution of examinations for IAS, IPS, and other civil services.

This section of Indian Static GK and Static GK for UPSC is frequently covered in exams like UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL, and State PSCs.

UPSC Chairman’s Role in Your Civil Services Examination

Understanding the role of the UPSC Chairman helps you understand why the Civil Services Examination is considered fair and trustworthy. The Chairman plays an important role at every stage of the examination, from planning to final results.

Role of the UPSC Chairman Before the Examination

Before the examination begins, the Chairman has several responsibilities.

The Chairman approves the examination schedule and yearly calendar.
Any changes in the syllabus are reviewed, although major changes need government approval.
Strict secrecy is maintained during the preparation of question papers.
Coordination is done with examination centres across India.
Strong security systems are put in place to protect the examination process.

Role of the UPSC Chairman During the Examination

During the examination phase, the Chairman oversees all stages of the Civil Services Examination, including Prelims, Mains, and Interviews.

The Chairman monitors the smooth conduct of exams.
Any emergency or unexpected problem is handled carefully.
Special attention is given to prevent paper leaks and unfair practices.

In 2025, new technology-based security systems were introduced under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Kumar to ensure that no examination irregularities occurred.

Role of the UPSC Chairman After the Examination

After the examination is completed, the Chairman continues to play an important role.

The evaluation of answer sheets is supervised.
Cut-off marks are approved as part of a collective decision taken by the Commission.
Personality tests or interviews are conducted along with other UPSC members.
The final merit list is signed and approved.
An annual report on UPSC activities is submitted to the President of India.

Key Point for Aspirants

The UPSC Chairman does not decide the result of any candidate alone. All major decisions, including cut-offs and final selection, are taken collectively by the entire Commission.

The main responsibility of the Chairman is to ensure that the entire examination process remains fair, transparent, and based on merit.

Your 7 Day UPSC Chairman Revision Plan

Follow this simple and structured plan to fully understand and revise the topic of UPSC Chairman.

Day 1 and Day 2: Foundation Building

Start by reading this complete guide once from beginning to end.
After that, memorise the list of the top ten UPSC Chairmen, including the current Chairman and recent ones.

Give special focus to these names:

• Dr. Ajay Kumar
• Preeti Sudan
• Manoj Soni
• Pradeep Kumar Joshi
• Arvind Saxena

Day 3 and Day 4: Historical Milestones

Learn the important historical firsts related to the UPSC Chairman:

• Sir Ross Barker was the first Chairman
• H K Kripalani was the first Indian Chairman
• Rose Millian Bathew Kharbuli was the first woman Chairman
• Preeti Sudan was the second woman Chairman

Memorise the key constitutional articles related to UPSC:

• Article 315
• Article 316
• Article 317
• Article 319
• Article 320

Also, clearly understand the tenure rule. The UPSC Chairman serves for six years or until the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier.

Day 5: Salary and Current Affairs

Remember the salary of the UPSC Chairman. It is ₹2.5 lakh per month, which comes to about ₹30 lakh per year.
Also, remember that this salary is the same as that of the Chief Justice of India.

Read about the background of Dr. Ajay Kumar. He is an IAS officer of the 1985 batch from the Kerala cadre, studied at IIT Kanpur, and served earlier as the Defence Secretary of India.

Day 6: Practice and Application

Attempt the 15 practice MCQs provided in this guide.
Create your own simple timeline of UPSC Chairmen from 1926 to 2026.

Practice writing a short fifty-word answer to this question:
Who is the current UPSC Chairman, and why is his appointment important?

Day 7: Final Revision

Do a quick review of the complete UPSC Chairman list table.
Revise all historical firsts and constitutional articles once again.

Finally, check your confidence. Ask yourself this question.
Can you answer any random question related to the UPSC Chairman without hesitation?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who appoints the UPSC Chairman?

The President of India appoints the UPSC Chairman under Article 316 of the Constitution. The appointment is usually made on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. This process ensures that the post is given to a person with high experience, honesty, and administrative ability.

Who is the current UPSC Chairman from 2025 to 2026?

Dr. Ajay Kumar is the current UPSC Chairman. He took charge on May 15, 2025, after Mrs. Preeti Sudan retired. He will serve until October 2027 or until he reaches the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier.

Dr. Ajay Kumar is a retired IAS officer of the 1985 batch from the Kerala cadre and earlier served as the Defence Secretary of India.

What is the tenure of the UPSC Chairman?

The UPSC Chairman serves for six years from the date of taking office or until reaching the age of sixty-five, whichever comes first.

After completing the term, the Chairman cannot be reappointed to the UPSC or take up any other government job. This rule comes under Article 319 of the Constitution.

What is the salary of the UPSC Chairman?

The UPSC Chairman receives a monthly salary of ₹2,50,000, which comes to about ₹30 lakh per year. This salary is fixed under Pay Level 17 of the Seventh Pay Commission.

The salary is equal to that of the Chief Justice of India and the Cabinet Secretary. The Chairman also receives benefits like an official residence, government vehicle, medical facilities, and other allowances.

Who was the first UPSC Chairman?

Sir Ross Barker was the first Chairman of the Public Service Commission. He served from October 1, 1926, to August 1932. This was during British rule, when the commission mainly worked in an advisory role.

Who was the first Indian UPSC Chairman?

H K Kripalani was the first Indian Chairman of the UPSC. He served from April 1, 1947 to January 13, 1949. At that time, the body was called the Federal Public Service Commission.

On January 26, 1950, it was given constitutional status and renamed the Union Public Service Commission.

Who was the first woman UPSC Chairman?

Rose Millian Bathew Kharbuli was the first woman to serve as UPSC Chairman. She held the position from September 23, 1992, to August 23, 1996. This historic appointment came sixty-six years after the commission was established.

Mrs. Preeti Sudan became the second woman UPSC Chairman in 2024.

What are the main roles of the UPSC Chairman?

The UPSC Chairman leads the commission and supervises the recruitment process for Union services. The Chairman oversees examinations, interviews, promotions, and deputations. The Chairman also helps frame recruitment rules, handles disciplinary matters, and advises the government on issues referred by the President.

The Chairman presides over commission meetings and ensures that selection is fair, transparent, and based on merit.

Can the UPSC Chairman be removed?

Yes, the UPSC Chairman can be removed by the President of India under Article 317. However, this can happen only after the Supreme Court of India conducts an inquiry and reports that the Chairman should be removed due to misbehaviour.

This process protects the independence of the UPSC while ensuring accountability.

How many members are there in the UPSC?

The UPSC consists of one Chairman and nine to ten members. As of 2025, the commission is working with seven members.

All members are appointed by the President of India and serve for six years or until the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier.

Static GK MCQs: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1: Who is the current UPSC Chairman as of 2025?

A) Manoj Soni
B) Preeti Sudan
C) Ajay Kumar
D) Arvind Saxena

Correct Answer:
C) Ajay Kumar
He took office on May 15, 2025.

Question 2: What is the maximum tenure of the UPSC Chairman?

A) Five years or age sixty-two
B) Six years of age sixty five
C) Seven years or age sixty-eight
D) Until age sixty-five only

Correct Answer:
B) Six years or age sixty-five, whichever comes earlier

Question 3: Under which Article of the Constitution is the UPSC Chairman appointed?

A) Article 315
B) Article 316
C) Article 317
D) Article 320

Correct Answer:
B) Article 316

Question 4: Who was the first Indian UPSC Chairman after independence?

A) Sir Ross Barker
B) R N Banerjee
C) H K Kripalani
D) N Govindarajan

Correct Answer:
C) H K Kripalani
He served from 1947 to 1949.

Question 5: Who was the first woman UPSC Chairman?

A) Preeti Sudan
B) Rose Millian Bathew
C) Alka Sirohi
D) Rajni Razdan

Correct Answer:
B) Rose Millian Bathew
She served from 1992 to 1996.

Question 6: What is the monthly salary of the UPSC Chairman as of 2025?

A) ₹1.5 lakh
B) ₹2 lakh
C) ₹2.5 lakh
D) ₹3 lakh

Correct Answer:
C) ₹2.5 lakh per month
This equals about ₹30 lakh per year.

Question 7: Who was the first UPSC Chairman in 1926?

A) Sir David Petrie
B) Sir Ross Barker
C) Sir Eyre Gorden
D) Sir F W Robertson

Correct Answer:
B) Sir Ross Barker

Question 8: In which year was the UPSC established?

A) 1920
B) 1926
C) 1935
D) 1950

Correct Answer:
B) 1926
It received constitutional status in 1950.

Question 9: Which Article of the Constitution deals with the functions of the UPSC?

A) Article 315
B) Article 316
C) Article 319
D) Article 320

Correct Answer:
D) Article 320

Question 10: Dr. Ajay Kumar belongs to which IAS batch?

A) 1980 batch
B) 1983 batch
C) 1985 batch
D) 1987 batch

Correct Answer:
C) 1985 batch
He belongs to the Kerala cadre.

Question 11: What position did Dr. Ajay Kumar hold before becoming UPSC Chairman?

A) Cabinet Secretary
B) Defence Secretary
C) Home Secretary
D) Revenue Secretary

Correct Answer:
B) Defence Secretary
He served from 2019 to 2022.

Question 12: Where is the headquarters of the UPSC located?

A) Rail Bhawan, New Delhi
B) Dholpur House, New Delhi
C) Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
D) Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

Correct Answer:
B) Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi

Question 13: Who succeeded Preeti Sudan as UPSC Chairman?

A) Manoj Soni
B) Pradeep Kumar Joshi
C) Ajay Kumar
D) Arvind Saxena

Correct Answer:
C) Ajay Kumar

Question 14: Can a UPSC Chairman be reappointed after completing the term?

A) Yes, for one more term
B) Yes, unlimited times
C) No, as per Article 319
D) Only with the special approval of the President

Correct Answer:
C) No
Article 319 makes the Chairman ineligible for reappointment.

Question 15: The salary of the UPSC Chairman is equal to which position?

A) Union Cabinet Minister
B) Chief Justice of India
C) Prime Minister
D) Chief Election Commissioner

Correct Answer:
B) Chief Justice of India
It is also equal to the salary of the Cabinet Secretary.

Myths About UPSC Chairman Debunked

Myth 1: The UPSC Chairman alone decides the Civil Services Examination cut-off marks.

Reality:
The cut-off marks and all major decisions are taken collectively by the entire UPSC Commission. The Chairman leads the meetings and discussions but does not make decisions alone. Every important decision is made after a detailed discussion among all members.

Myth 2: The UPSC Chairman is a political appointee who follows government orders.

Fact:
The UPSC Chairman is appointed by the President of India, but the position is constitutionally independent. The Chairman works with the same level of independence as judges of the Supreme Court and members of the Election Commission. The UPSC is one of the few institutions in India that functions with full autonomy and freedom from political pressure.

Myth 3: Candidates can directly approach the UPSC Chairman for exam-related issues.

Reality:
Candidates cannot contact the Chairman directly for personal or exam-related problems. The UPSC has fixed and official systems to handle candidate queries and complaints. All communication must go through official UPSC channels only. The Chairman’s office does not deal with individual requests.

Myth 4: The UPSC Chairman always comes from an IAS background.

Fact:
Although many UPSC Chairmen have been IAS officers, this is not a fixed rule. The position has also been held by respected academicians, scientists, and experts from other fields. For example, Dr. Manoj Soni, who served as Chairman from 2022 to 2024, was an academician and a university vice chancellor.

Final Tips for Prelims 2026

Focus on Recent Information

Give more importance to recent developments. Pay close attention to Dr. Ajay Kumar’s appointment, Preeti Sudan’s tenure, and the last five to seven UPSC Chairmen. Questions in Prelims are more likely to come from recent years.

Link with Current Affairs

Always connect the topic of the UPSC Chairman with current affairs. This includes recent exam reforms, the use of technology in examinations, and policy changes announced by the UPSC. This approach helps in both Prelims and Mains.

Do Not Over-Prepare Historical Details

You do not need to memorise all 37 UPSC Chairmen. Focus mainly on the first ten Chairmen and the last ten Chairmen. The Chairmen in the middle period are rarely asked in exams.

Understand the Process Clearly

Instead of only memorising facts, understand the process. Know how the UPSC Chairman is appointed, what powers the Chairman has, and how the role is different from that of other UPSC members. Conceptual clarity always gives you an advantage.

High Probability Questions for Prelims 2026

1. Current Affairs-Based Questions

Q1. Who is the current UPSC Chairman as of 2025 to 2026?
Answer: Dr. Ajay Kumar

Q2. In which year did Dr. Ajay Kumar assume office as UPSC Chairman?
Answer: 2025

Q3. Dr. Ajay Kumar belongs to which IAS batch and cadre?
Answer: 1985 batch, Kerala cadre

Q4. Who did Dr. Ajay Kumar succeed as UPSC Chairman?
Answer: Preeti Sudan

Q5. What position did Dr. Ajay Kumar hold before becoming UPSC Chairman?
Answer: Defence Secretary of India

2. Constitutional and Polity Questions

Q6. Under which Article of the Constitution is the UPSC Chairman appointed?
Answer: Article 316

Q7. Which Article deals with the removal of the UPSC Chairman?
Answer: Article 317

Q8. Which Article makes the UPSC Chairman ineligible for reappointment?
Answer: Article 319

Q9. Which Article defines the functions of the UPSC?
Answer: Article 320

Q10. The UPSC is established under which Part of the Constitution?
Answer: Part XIV

3. Tenure and Appointment Questions

Q11. What is the maximum tenure of the UPSC Chairman?
Answer: Six years or until the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier

Q12. Who appoints the UPSC Chairman?
Answer: The President of India

Q13. Can the UPSC Chairman be reappointed after completing the term?
Answer: No, reappointment is not allowed

Q14. At what age does the UPSC Chairman retire if six years are not completed?
Answer: Sixty-five years

Q15. Who conducts the inquiry before the removal of the UPSC Chairman?
Answer: The Supreme Court of India

4. Salary and Status Questions

Q16. What is the monthly salary of the UPSC Chairman as per the Seventh Pay Commission?
Answer: ₹2,50,000 per month

Q17. The salary of the UPSC Chairman is equal to which constitutional authority?
Answer: Chief Justice of India and Cabinet Secretary

Q18. From which fund is the salary of the UPSC Chairman paid?
Answer: Consolidated Fund of India

Q19. Is the salary of the UPSC Chairman voted on by Parliament?
Answer: No

Q20. How much salary do UPSC members receive compared to the Chairman?
Answer: ₹2,25,000 per month, which is slightly less than the Chairman’s.

5. Historical Firsts and Static GK

Q21. Who was the first UPSC Chairman?
Answer: Sir Ross Barker

Q22. Who was the first Indian UPSC Chairman?
Answer: H K Kripalani

Q23. Who was the first woman UPSC Chairman?
Answer: Rose Millian Bathew Kharbuli

Q24. In which year was the Public Service Commission first established?
Answer: 1926

Q25. In which year did UPSC get constitutional status?
Answer: 1950

6. Process and Functioning Questions

Q26. Which body conducts the Civil Services Examination?
Answer: Union Public Service Commission

Q27. Who signs the final merit list of the Civil Services Examination?
Answer: UPSC Chairman

Q28. Are cut-off marks decided by the Chairman alone?
Answer: No, they are decided collectively by the Commission

Q29. Who submits the annual UPSC report to the President?
Answer: UPSC Chairman

Q30. Where is the headquarters of UPSC located?
Answer: Dholpur House, New Delhi

7. Statement-Based Questions (Answers)

Q31. The UPSC Chairman is appointed by the President of India.
Answer: True

Q32. The UPSC Chairman can take another government job after retirement.
Answer: False

Q33. The salary of the UPSC Chairman is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Answer: True

Q34. The UPSC functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Personnel.
Answer: False

Q35. The UPSC Chairman enjoys constitutional independence.
Answer: True

8. Common Trap Questions (Answers)

Q36. The UPSC Chairman and the Chief Election Commissioner have the same salary.
Answer: False

Q37. The UPSC Chairman and the Chief Justice of India have the same salary.
Answer: True

Q38. The UPSC Chairman can be removed directly by the President without inquiry.
Answer: False

Q39. The UPSC Chairman always belongs to the IAS.
Answer: False

Q40. UPSC Chairman decides interview marks individually.
Answer: False

Final Confidence Check for Prelims 2026

If you can revise this section once or twice before the exam, you are almost guaranteed to score full marks from questions related to the UPSC Chairman.

Also Read:

Some Important Static GK MCQs about UPSC Chairman

Below are 20 important Static GK Questions with answers related to the UPSC Chairman, useful for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams:

These questions are crucial for Static GK 2026, Indian Static GK, and Static General Knowledge preparation, ensuring a solid foundation for government exam aspirants.