Part XIV: Services Under the Union and the States
Articles 308–323 · Part XIV governs the civil services that actually run the government day to day — how they're recruited, how they're protected from arbitrary dismissal, and the Public Service Commissions (like the UPSC) that oversee recruitment.
The provisions in this Part cited most often
With landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped how they're actually applied.
Dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of civil servants
A key job-security protection: no civil servant can be dismissed, removed, or reduced in rank by an authority subordinate to the one that appointed them, and (with limited exceptions) not without a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Public Service Commissions for the Union and States
Establishes the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs) as independent bodies conducting recruitment exams and advising on service matters — the constitutional basis for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
All of Articles 308–323
Grouped by subject so related provisions stay together — every article number in this Part is covered below.
Interpretation
Historically excluded Jammu & Kashmir's civil service from this Part, reflecting its former special status.
Recruitment and conditions of service
Parliament/State Legislatures regulate civil service recruitment by law; the President/Governor can make interim rules meanwhile.
Tenure of office
Civil servants formally hold office 'during the pleasure' of the President/Governor, though Article 311 constrains this significantly in practice.
Protection against arbitrary dismissal
Requires a reasonable opportunity to be heard before dismissal, removal, or rank reduction, with narrow exceptions (e.g. a criminal conviction, or when it's not 'reasonably practicable' to hold an inquiry).
All-India Services
Basis for services like the IAS and IPS, which serve both Union and State governments and are recruited/controlled jointly.
Transitional provisions
Kept pre-1950 civil service laws in force for continuing services, pending new constitutional legislation.
(Repealed) Protection of existing officers of certain services
Protected specific pre-1950 Secretary of State appointees; became spent and was omitted by the 28th Amendment.
Public Service Commissions for the Union and States
Establishes the UPSC and a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) for each state.
Appointment and term of office of members
A fixed 6-year term (or age cap) for Commission members, protecting their independence.
Removal and suspension of a member
Removal requires a Supreme Court inquiry finding 'misbehaviour' — not a simple executive decision.
Regulations as to conditions of service of the Commission's staff
President/Governor can set internal administrative regulations for the Commission's own staffing.
Prohibition on holding further office after ceasing to be a member
Bars a UPSC Chairman from further government employment, to protect impartiality.
Functions of Public Service Commissions
Conducting recruitment exams and mandatory consultation on recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary matters.
Power to extend functions of Public Service Commissions
Lets a Legislature extend a Commission's role to local authorities or public institutions.
Expenses of Public Service Commissions
Commission expenses are 'charged' on the Consolidated Fund, reinforcing financial independence.
Reports of Public Service Commissions
Annual reports must explain any case where the government didn't follow the Commission's advice.
Related rights categories
Quick answers about this Part
Can a government employee be fired without any hearing?
Is the UPSC independent of the government?
This is a plain-language guide to Part XIV of the Constitution of India for general educational purposes, not a substitute for the bare text of the Constitution or professional legal advice. Article numbering and content reflect amendments up to 2026; always cross-check the authoritative text at india.gov.in or legislative.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter.