UPSC Tightens Rules After IAS Probationer’s Candidacy Scandal
Following a recent scandal involving alleged document forgery and misuse of reservation benefits, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has implemented stricter rules for aspiring civil servants.These changes aim to ensure greater clarity and integrity in the selection process for prestigious positions like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).
The controversy erupted when probationer IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s candidature was canceled. Investigations revealed that Ms. Khedkar allegedly forged documents, misrepresented facts to secure additional attempts, and presented a fake disability certificate to gain reservation benefits. Her actions allowed her to bypass UPSC’s standard limit of nine attempts, enabling her to appear for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) twelve times.
Responding to this incident, the Ministry of Personnel announced revised rules for the CSE 2025. Notably, candidates are now required to submit educational, caste, and disability certificates online at the preliminary examination stage. Previously, these documents were only required after qualifying for the Mains examination.
The CSE 2023 saw a meaningful participation, with 10.1 lakh applications received. However,only 5.9 lakh candidates appeared for the exams. The reduced number of vacancies announced for CSE 2025, standing at 979, marks the lowest figure in the past three years.
These changes reflect the UPSC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the civil service selection process. By implementing stricter verification measures, the commission aims to prevent future instances of fraud and ensure that deserving candidates are selected fairly.
UPSC Revamps Examination Process Amid Scrutiny Over Disability Claims
Last year’s shocking incident involving an IAS trainee accused of faking a disability sparked a nationwide conversation about transparency and integrity within the civil services. Following allegations of forged documents and fraudulent claims, the department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) initiated a thorough investigation, scrutinizing disability parameters for six bureaucrats, including a probationer. These officials, comprising five IAS officers and one IRS officer, had reportedly secured positions within the civil services by leveraging reservations meant for candidates with disabilities.
This incident led the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to implement sweeping changes to the Civil Services Examination (CSE) application process. Starting this year, candidates are required to provide comprehensive details, including supporting documentation, regarding thier category, educational qualifications, and service preferences at the initial registration stage.
According to a January 22nd notification, “the failure to provide the required information and documents along with the registration and online application form will entail cancellation of candidature for the examination.”
Previously, candidates only submitted their service and cadre preferences after clearing the Mains examination. Now, applicants will have a 10-day window following the declaration of preliminary exam results to specify their cadre preference. Candidates qualifying for the Personality Test/Interview will have an additional 15 days, starting from the written exam results, to declare their preferences.Alongside these procedural changes, the UPSC has also embraced technology to bolster security and combat potential fraud.Last June, the commission issued tenders to integrate cutting-edge solutions like Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition technology, and AI-powered CCTV surveillance into its examination system.
The UPSC conducts a significant 14 examinations annually, encompassing not only the coveted CSE but also various recruitment tests and interviews for Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ positions within the Government of India. These comprehensive reforms aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity in the selection process, upholding the high standards of the Indian Civil Service.
