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UPSC released the 2025 Civil Services Prelims Exam notification, requiring online document submission after probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar was accused of forging documents.
IAS probationer Puja Khedkar is accused of forging documents and falsifying facts to gain extra attempts in CSE 2022. (File Photo)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Wednesday released the official notification for the UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2025. This year the Commission has made it mandatory for the applicants to submit documents such as educational, caste and physical disability certificates etc. online while applying for the UPSC Prelims 2025.
Earlier, the documents were scanned and uploaded by the candidates who were shortlisted for the UPSC Mains examination, however, this year the candidates are required to upload the documents and relevant certificates ahead of the Preliminary examination.
“A candidate who is willing to apply for Civil Services Examination shall be required to apply on-line and submit the requisite information and supporting documents towards various claims, such as date of birth, category [viz. SC/ST/OBC/ EWS/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen], educational qualification and Service preferences etc. as may be sought by the Commission alongwith the Online Application Form,” reads the official notification.
The changes in the application rules for the UPSC examination come following the case of probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar, who is accused of forging identity documents, misrepresenting information, and falsifying facts to gain extra attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. Khedkar allegedly submitted a fake Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) certificate to claim reservation, enabling her to bypass UPSC’s limitations and appear for the exams 12 times, instead of the permitted nine attempts.
The Commission has stated that the candidature of the applicants will be cancelled if they fail to provide the required information/documents along with the online application.
“The failure to provide the required information/documents alongwith the Registration and Online Application Form will entail cancellation of candidature for the examination,” UPSC stated in the official notification.
The alleged forgery was uncovered in June last year and Khedkar was dismissed from service in September following the UPSC’s cancellation of her provisional candidature.
On July 31, 2024 the UPSC through a press statement stated that it had decided to cancel the provisional candidature of Puja Khedkar, who was facing accusations of cheating and forgery. The UPSC found Puja Khedkar guilty of violating rules and debarred her from all future exams and selections. Puja Khedkar now faces criminal charges and is currently out on bail.
