UPSC Civil Services exam 2025: New set of guidelines introduced; check all details

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced significant changes to the civil services examination procedure for 2025 in an effort to enhance transparency and streamline the process. One of the main updates, effective from the upcoming exam cycle, mandates that candidates submit supporting documents for their age, reservation categories, and other claims at the time of submitting their preliminary exam applications. Previously, such documents were only required after candidates cleared the preliminary stage.

What Are The Documents That Need To Be Submitted?

Under the revised Civil Services Examination Rules-2025, which were announced on Jan 22, 2025, applicants are now required to provide proof of various claims, including their birth date, category (such as SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/ex-servicemen), educational credentials, and service preferences, during the online application process. Failure to provide these documents at the time of application will result in the candidate’s disqualification from the examination.

Purpose Of The New Guidelines

The revised rule aims to prevent any incidents of malpractice by verifying candidates' claims at the very beginning of the process, thereby improving transparency and reducing the likelihood of fraudulent practices.

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This change follows a controversy involving a former Maharashtra IAS Probationary Officer, Puja M.D. Khedkar, who was accused of fraudulently claiming OBC and disability benefits to secure her spot in the civil services. However, Khedkar has denied the allegations made against her.

What Were The Claims Made By Puja Khedkar?

Khedkar reportedly claimed to be suffering from a range of physical and mental health issues, which allegedly helped her secure benefits under specific quotas to enhance her chances of succeeding in the Civil Services Examinations-2022.

After clearing the CSE-2022, Khedkar was allocated to the Maharashtra cadre for 2023 and posted as an IAS probationary officer (IAS-PO) in Pune. However, her tenure there was marked to be tumultuous, leading to her being transferred to Washim.

What Is The Current Status of Puja Khedkar?

Currently, Khedkar is under investigation in multiple cases at both the state and central levels for various alleged acts of wrongdoing. She has largely remained out of the public eye in recent months, while her parents are also implicated in separate legal matters in Maharashtra.