The Constitution of India establishes several Constitutional Bodies to ensure free, fair, and efficient functioning of democracy.

These bodies are mentioned directly in the Constitution, which guarantees their independence, powers, and functions.

Among the most important are the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

1. Election Commission of India (ECI)

• Article: 324
• Composition: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) + Election Commissioners (decided by President).
• Tenure: 6 years or up to 65 years of age.
• Functions:
  • Conducts elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislatures, President & Vice-President.
  • Prepares and updates electoral rolls.
  • Recognizes political parties and allots election symbols.
  • Ensures free & fair elections by using powers like the Model Code of Conduct.

2. Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

• Article: 148
• Appointment: By the President of India.
• Tenure: 6 years or up to 65 years of age.
• Functions:
  • Audits accounts of the Union and State Governments.
  • Examines accounts of government-owned companies, authorities, and institutions.
  • Ensures public money is spent according to Parliament’s approval.
  • Known as the “Guardian of the Public Purse”.

3. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Articles: 315–323
• Composition: Chairman + other members (decided by President).
• Tenure: 6 years or until 65 years of age.
• Functions:
  • Conducts recruitment exams for All India Services, Central Services, and Group A & B posts.
  • Advises government on service matters like promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions.
  • Ensures merit-based selection in public services.

Comparison Table – ECI, CAG, UPSC

Together, they uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and meritocracy in India.

Apart from ECI, CAG, and UPSC, the Indian Constitution provides for a few more Constitutional Bodies. These are directly mentioned in the Constitution and cannot be abolished except through a constitutional amendment.

Here’s the complete list of Constitutional Bodies in India:

List of Constitutional Bodies in India

1. Election Commission of India (ECI) – Article 324
   • Conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, Vice-President.
2. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – Articles 315–323
   • Recruitment & exams for All India Services and Central Services.
3. State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs) – Articles 315–323
   • Recruitment for state-level services.
4. Finance Commission (FC) – Article 280
   • Recommends distribution of financial resources between Union & States.
5. National Commission for SCs – Article 338
   • Safeguards interests of Scheduled Castes.
6. National Commission for STs – Article 338A
   • Safeguards interests of Scheduled Tribes.
7. Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities – Article 350B
   • Looks after protection of linguistic minority rights.
8. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) – Article 148
   • Audits government finances, “Guardian of Public Purse”.
9. Attorney General of India (AGI) – Article 76
   • Chief legal advisor to the Government of India.
10. Advocate General of State – Article 165
    • Chief legal advisor to the state government.

Here’s a comparison table of all Constitutional Bodies in India for your Static GK notes:

Constitutional Bodies of India – Comparison Table