Special Correspondent
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced a new mandate for candidates applying for the Central Civil Services Examination: applicants must now submit essential documents and details, such as their date of birth and caste category, at the time of registration and online application. Failing to provide the necessary information and documents will lead to the cancellation of the candidate’s application, according to a recent order by the UPSC.
In the past, candidates could submit these documents after passing the preliminary examination. However, following the controversy surrounding former IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, who was accused of cheating by providing two dates of birth and improperly availing benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas, the UPSC has decided to make this a mandatory step.
In the new policy, all candidates applying for the Civil Services Examination must now apply online and submit relevant documents for various claims, including their date of birth and caste category, alongside the online application. The UPSC has emphasized that failing to do so will result in the cancellation of the candidate’s candidature for the examination.
The Union Public Service Commission, which is responsible for the selection of Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ employees of the All India Services and Union Services, operates under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions and the Department of Training.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages:
Preliminary Examination
Main Examination
Interview
Candidates are required to choose an optional subject for the main examination, and the entire process typically takes 10 to 12 months of preparation. This examination is widely considered one of the toughest in India, testing a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and aptitude in various areas.
The new rule reinforces the UPSC’s commitment to transparency and fairness in the examination process, and candidates must ensure that they provide all necessary details upfront to avoid disqualification.
