In a significant overhaul of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) regulations, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced new rules aimed at curbing malpractices and the use of fake certificates, particularly under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category. The amendments, which will be implemented from the CSE 2025 cycle, come in response to the Puja Khedkar controversy, where a probationer IAS officer was accused of fabricating documents to gain reservation benefits.
Stricter Documentation Requirements
Under the new framework, PwBD candidates must provide comprehensive details regarding their parents’ credentials and service preferences at the time of registering for the CSE Prelims. Additionally, they are required to submit detailed information about their scribes for both Prelims and Mains. This change aims to introduce transparency and ensure that only eligible candidates receive the benefits of reservation.
One of the most notable modifications is the mandate for online submission of all relevant certificates and documents at the Preliminary stage itself. These documents include proof of date of birth, category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen), educational qualifications, and service preferences. Previously, certain details were collected at a later stage, but the revised approach seeks to prevent fraudulent claims by making document verification an integral part of the initial screening process. Failure to furnish the required documents will lead to automatic disqualification from the examination.
Comprehensive Candidate Profiling
While UPSC has always requested some of this information, the latest reforms demand a more extensive profile of each candidate. Aspirants must now disclose specific details such as their father’s and mother’s birthplace, annual family income, and a complete record of their attempts at the exam. Furthermore, they will need to provide details about their interests, hobbies, achievements, and participation in activities such as NCC and Scouts, which were earlier collected after the Mains examination.
Jobin S. Kottaram, director of Absolute IAS Academy, Thiruvananthapuram, which runs Project Chithrasalabam (Butterfly), a free coaching program for differently-abled civil service aspirants, has expressed concerns over these changes. “While the intention is to prevent fraudulent claims, these stringent requirements could create unnecessary challenges for genuine PwBD candidates who now have to pre-confirm several particulars months before the Mains,” he noted. Kottaram also emphasised that the UPSC should clearly specify all these changes in the official notification or create an educational video to guide aspirants through the revised process.
Impact of the Puja Khedkar Controversy
The impetus behind these reforms is the Puja Khedkar case, where the probationer IAS officer was alleged to have used forged documents to gain extra attempts and reservation benefits. In light of this incident, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) launched an inquiry into the disability claims of six other bureaucrats, including five IAS officers and one IRS officer.
The controversy has highlighted a significant loophole in the system, specifically in the verification of disability claims. Experts have pointed out that certain disabilities, such as mental illness, remain subjective in assessment, leaving room for manipulation. “It is essential for UPSC to implement robust verification mechanisms to ensure genuine candidates are not penalised due to the misconduct of a few,” Kottaram added.
Following the Khedkar case, candidates appearing for the Personality Test/Interview in 2025 have reported facing stringent medical tests at premier institutes such as AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital. These medical examinations, which span two to three days, are designed to ensure the authenticity of disability claims. The DoPT is actively coordinating with medical institutions to eliminate potential fraud and reassess existing disability certifications.
Ravi Kapoor, a former IRS officer and UPSC mentor, noted that obtaining disability certificates is already a cumbersome process. “Candidates must secure disability certificates from specific government hospitals, which often involve long waiting periods. Since the UPSC now mandates upfront submission of all category, disability, and qualification documents, last-minute corrections or modifications will be nearly impossible,” he explained.
Another major change pertains to the approval process for scribes. Previously, visually impaired and physically challenged candidates had greater flexibility in arranging scribes. Under the new system, they must now seek prior approval for their scribes well in advance, reducing the chances of last-minute changes. “This move is meant to prevent scribe manipulation, where candidates attempt to gain undue advantages through unregulated arrangements,” Kapoor added.
While these measures are expected to curb malpractices, they also pose challenges for genuine PwBD candidates. Many aspirants have pointed out that obtaining government-verified certificates can be time-consuming and bureaucratically complex. Moreover, the requirement for early identification of scribes may restrict candidates’ flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances.
While these measures are expected to curb malpractices, they also pose challenges for genuine PwBD candidates. Many aspirants have pointed out that obtaining government-verified certificates can be time-consuming and bureaucratically complex. Moreover, the requirement for early identification of scribes may restrict candidates’ flexibility in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Experts suggest several potential solutions. One approach is to allow provisional submissions, where UPSC permits candidates to submit provisional disability certificates with a later verification window. This would help reduce the risk of disqualification due to bureaucratic delays. Additionally, an appeal process could be introduced at the Prelims stage, giving candidates the opportunity to challenge document rejections and prevent unnecessary disqualifications.
Another effective measure would be digital verification, where UPSC collaborates with government databases to verify caste and disability certificates automatically. This would eliminate manual inefficiencies and streamline the verification process. Furthermore, the provision for emergency scribe arrangements could be implemented, allowing candidates to make last-minute changes to their scribe arrangements in emergencies, thereby preventing unnecessary disqualifications.
By adopting these solutions, UPSC can ensure that the system remains transparent and fair while also minimising inconvenience for genuine candidates.
The UPSC’s revised rules for PwBD candidates mark a significant step towards preventing fraudulent claims and ensuring transparency in the examination process. However, while these measures strengthen verification protocols, they also introduce additional hurdles for genuine aspirants. The Commission must strike a balance between stringent scrutiny and accessibility, ensuring that deserving candidates do not suffer due to systemic inefficiencies.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a fair and transparent examination system that upholds the integrity of India’s civil services while maintaining inclusivity for PwBD candidates.
