The Public Service Commission (PSC) was established by Basutholand Order in Council of 1962. It began its existence on 1st June 1963 as an advisory body to the Residing Commissioner on a wider range of matters e.g the localization , recruitment, confirmation into permanent and pensionable offices etc. In 1966 when Lesotho became independent under the 1966 Constitution, it was then establishment as an executive body.

In 1970 the Constitution was suspended, and state of emergency declared, as a result the Commission was reconstituted as an advisory body under Public Service Order of 1970 to Minister responsible for Public Service (i.e. the Prime Minister) in respect of the powers to appoint persons to hold or act in offices in the public service (including the power to confirm appoint by way of promotion), the power to remove persons from holding or acting in such office.

In 1993 Lesotho regained the democratic rule and the Constitution reflected the Commission as executive. It is regarded as an independent institution established under the provisions of Section 136(1) of the 1993 Constitution of Lesotho, which states thus: “There shall be a Public Service Commission which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two or more than four other members, who shall be appointed by the King acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission”.