Thu Jan 23 23:36:00 UTC 2025: **UPSC Overhauls Civil Services Exam After Fraud Case**
NEW DELHI, January 24, 2025 – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has implemented significant changes to its Civil Services Examination (CSE) following a major fraud case involving a disqualified IAS probationer. The changes, detailed in a January 22nd government notification, mandate the online submission of all supporting documents, including educational, caste, and disability certificates, at the preliminary examination stage. Previously, this was required only after qualifying for the Mains exam.
This overhaul comes in the wake of the case of Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer who allegedly forged documents to gain multiple attempts at the CSE and secure reservation under the Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category. Ms. Khedkar, who was dismissed from service and faces criminal charges, exploited loopholes in the system to take the exam 12 times, exceeding the allowed limit of nine. Her actions prompted an investigation into six other bureaucrats who obtained positions through PwBD reservations.
The 2025 CSE will see 979 vacancies, the lowest number in the last three years. While approximately 10.1 lakh candidates applied for the 2023 CSE, only 5.9 lakh appeared. The new rules aim to prevent future fraudulent activities by requiring upfront verification of all claims. The notification also specifies a 10-day window after preliminary results for cadre preference selection and a 15-day window after Mains results for interview scheduling.
The UPSC is also exploring technological upgrades to the examination process, including Aadhaar-based authentication, facial recognition, and AI-powered surveillance. These measures reflect a concerted effort to strengthen the integrity and security of the CSE, a crucial recruitment process for India’s premier civil services.
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