The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has revoked Puja Khedkar’s provisional candidature for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 and imposed a permanent ban on her participation in all future UPSC examinations and selections. This decisive action follows allegations of fraudulent practices related to the number of attempts she availed in the CSE.
UPSC’s Investigation Reveals Anomaly in Khedkar’s Case
In response to the Khedkar case, the UPSC meticulously examined the data of over 15,000 recommended candidates from CSEs between 2009 and 2023. This comprehensive review revealed that Khedkar was the sole candidate who had exceeded the permissible number of attempts under the CSE rules. The UPSC clarified that its standard operating procedures (SOPs) failed to detect this discrepancy due to Khedkar’s alteration of both her and her parents’ names.
Strengthening SOPs to Prevent Future Occurrences
The UPSC acknowledged its limited capacity to verify the authenticity of the countless certificates submitted by candidates annually. However, the Commission emphasized its commitment to strengthening its SOPs to ensure that similar cases of fraudulent attempts are detected and prevented in the future.
Key Takeaways from the UPSC’s Decision
| Key Learning Points | Future Implications |
|---|---|
| The UPSC takes fraudulent practices seriously. | Deterrent for candidates attempting to manipulate the system. |
| Name changes can hinder the detection of irregularities. | Implementation of robust verification procedures for candidate information. |
| The UPSC is committed to continuous improvement of its processes. | Enhanced SOPs to prevent similar cases in the future. |
Export to Sheets
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and adherence to rules in competitive examinations. The UPSC’s resolute response reaffirms its dedication to upholding the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
Summary: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has cancelled Puja Khedkar’s candidature for the Civil Services Examination 2022 and imposed a lifetime ban on her participation in all future UPSC exams. This decision follows an investigation that revealed Khedkar had exceeded the permissible number of attempts in the CSE. The UPSC is taking steps to strengthen its standard operating procedures to prevent similar cases in the future.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
