Constitutional Bodies of India
Polity Master Notes – Delhi Police / SSC Ready
Introduction
To ensure democratic governance, transparency, and accountability, the Indian Constitution has created several Constitutional Bodies that function independently of the executive. These institutions safeguard the Constitution and strengthen democracy.
A. Election Commission of India (ECI)
Articles 324–329, Part XV
Composition
| Established | 25 January 1950 |
| Constitutional Article | Article 324 |
| Members | CEC + 2 Election Commissioners |
| Appointed By | President of India |
| Tenure | 6 years or till 65 years of age |
| HQ | New Delhi |
Functions
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Conduct of Elections | Parliament, State Legislatures, President, Vice-President |
| Delimitation | Fixes boundaries of constituencies |
| Recognition | Allots symbols to political parties |
| Model Code of Conduct | Ensures free & fair elections |
Independence
- Cannot be removed except like Supreme Court judge.
- Expenses charged on Consolidated Fund of India.
B. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Articles 315–323, Part XIV
Composition
| Established | 1926 (Constitutional in 1950) |
| Article | 315 |
| Members | Chairman + other members (by President) |
| Appointed By | President |
| Tenure | 6 years or till 65 years |
| HQ | New Delhi |
Functions
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | Conducts exams for All India & Central Services |
| Advisory Role | Advises on promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions |
| Reporting | Submits annual report to the President |
Independence
- Removal process same as Supreme Court judges (Chairman/members).
- Salary & allowances protected by Constitution.
C. State Public Service Commission (SPSC)
Article 315
Composition
| Established By | Each State |
| Appointed By | Governor |
| Tenure | 6 years or till 62 years |
| Reports To | Governor of State |
Functions
- Conducts exams for State services
- Advises on State recruitment, promotions, transfers
- Submits report to Governor annually
D. Finance Commission of India (FC)
Article 280, Part XII
Composition
| Appointed By | President every 5 years |
| Members | 1 Chairman + 4 Members |
| Tenure | Decided by President |
| Current (2025) | 16th Finance Commission |
Functions
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Distribution of Taxes | Between Centre and States |
| Grants-in-aid | Recommends assistance to States |
| Evaluation | Strengthen financial position of States |
| Other Functions | Matters referred by President |
E. Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
Articles 148–151
Composition & Appointment
| Article | 148 |
| Appointed By | President of India |
| Tenure | 6 years or till 65 years |
| Removal | Same as Supreme Court judge |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
Functions
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Audit | All receipts and expenditure of Central & State Governments |
| Reports | To President and Governors |
| Accounts | Ensures financial accountability |
| Autonomy | Independent of Government control |
Reports of CAG
- Submitted to President (Union) & Governor (State).
- Examined by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.
F. PYQs (Delhi Police + SSC + State Exams)
The Election Commission of India is a —
A) Statutory body B) Constitutional body C) Executive body D) Political body
Category: Status
Show Answer
B) Constitutional body
The Election Commission of India was established on —
A) 15 August 1947 B) 26 January 1950 C) 25 January 1950 D) 2 October 1950
Category: Establishment
Show Answer
C) 25 January 1950
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed by —
A) Prime Minister B) President on advice of Parliament C) Home Minister D) Lok Sabha Speaker
Category: Removal
Show Answer
B) President on advice of Parliament
Which Article of the Constitution deals with the UPSC?
A) 315 B) 320 C) 324 D) 280
Category: Articles
Show Answer
A) 315
The retirement age of UPSC members is —
A) 60 years B) 62 years C) 65 years D) 68 years
Category: Tenure
Show Answer
C) 65 years
The Finance Commission is appointed every —
A) 3 years B) 4 years C) 5 years D) 6 years
Category: Tenure
Show Answer
C) 5 years
The first Finance Commission was appointed in —
A) 1947 B) 1950 C) 1951 D) 1953
Category: History
Show Answer
C) 1951
The CAG is responsible for auditing —
A) Only Central Government accounts B) Only State Government accounts C) Both Central and State accounts D) Private sector accounts
Category: Audit Role
Show Answer
C) Both Central and State accounts
The CAG is appointed under Article —
A) 280 B) 315 C) 324 D) 148
Category: Articles
Show Answer
D) 148
Which body conducts the Civil Services Examination in India?
A) SSC B) UPSC C) State PSC D) Planning Commission
Category: Exam Conduct
Show Answer
B) UPSC
G. Summary Comparison Table
| Body | Articles | Head / Appointed By | Tenure / Age | Key Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Election Commission | 324–329 | President | 6 yrs / 65 yrs | Conduct elections |
| UPSC | 315–323 | President | 6 yrs / 65 yrs | Recruitment & advice |
| SPSC | 315 | Governor | 6 yrs / 62 yrs | State recruitment |
| Finance Commission | 280 | President | Every 5 years | Financial distribution |
| CAG | 148–151 | President | 6 yrs / 65 yrs | Auditing & accountability |
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