UPSC Cancels Puja Khedkar's Candidature, Debars from Future Exams

UPSC Cancels Puja Khedkar's Candidature, Debars from Future Exams

In a significant development, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has annulled the candidature of Puja Khedkar for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 and has barred her from appearing in any future exams. The decision follows a detailed investigation into irregularities concerning the number of attempts availed by candidates over the past 15 years.

Background and Investigation

The case of Puja Khedkar came to light after discrepancies were found in the number of attempts she had made for the CSE. As per UPSC rules, candidates are allowed a maximum number of attempts depending on their category. However, Khedkar was found to have exceeded this limit by changing her name and even her parents' names, thus bypassing the standard verification processes.

The UPSC has now reviewed the data of more than 15,000 candidates recommended from the years 2009 to 2023. The Commission confirmed that Khedkar was the only case where a candidate exceeded the allowed number of attempts. The UPSC's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) failed to detect these irregularities due to the changes in identity.

UPSC's Response

In a statement, the UPSC acknowledged the limitations of its verification process, citing the sheer volume of certificates submitted annually. "The UPSC neither has the mandate nor the wherewithal to check the veracity of thousands of certificates submitted by the candidates every year. However, it is understood that scrutiny and verification of genuineness of certificates is carried out by the authorities mandated with the task," the Commission stated.

The UPSC has initiated steps to strengthen its SOP to prevent such incidents in the future. The Commission emphasized that no other candidate was found to have availed more attempts than permitted under the CSE Rules during the extensive review.

Khedkar's Response

Puja Khedkar, who had recently begun her training as an IAS officer, addressed the media regarding the police interrogation at her residence in Washim. She maintained her innocence and expressed confidence that the truth would prevail amidst what she termed a "media trial."

Future Implications

The UPSC's decision to cancel Khedkar's candidature and bar her from future exams serves as a stern warning to all candidates about the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations governing the examination process. The Commission's move to review and enhance its verification procedures also underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the selection process