Correct Answer: Conducting civil service examinations

Solution : The correct answer is (B) conducting civil service examinations.

The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. It is responsible for conducting examinations and selecting candidates for various prestigious positions in the Indian government. The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination, which is a nationwide competitive examination for recruitment to various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and others. The UPSC also conducts other examinations like the Combined Defense Services Examination, National Defense Academy Examination, and Indian Forest Service Examination. The role of the UPSC is to ensure the selection of competent and deserving candidates for key administrative and governmental positions in the country.