HYDERABAD: In a significant reform for the 2025 civil services examination, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has made it mandatory for the candidates to submit their proof of age, category, and other claims while applying for the preliminary exam.
This change will come to effect from the 2025 cycle of the UPSC Civil Services examinations, replacing the earlier process where these documents were required only after candidates cleared the prelims.
Announced under the Civil Services Examination Rules-2025, the new guidelines mandate candidates to upload supporting documents online for claims such as date of birth, reservation category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/ex-servicemen), educational qualifications, and service preferences, said a notification issued by the UPSC.
To see the notification, click here.
Failure to comply will result in automatic disqualification, it said
This policy shift comes in response to a controversy involving Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer, who was accused of fraudulently using OBC and disability quotas to secure her position. She denied the allegations, but the issue underscored the need for stricter verifications.
UPSC said that the move aims to enhance transparency and streamline the selection process. By verifying claims at the application stage, the commission hopes to check disputes and ensure more integrity.
Meanwhile, the UPSC civil services preliminary exam is scheduled to be held on May 25, 2025, with 979 vacancies available, including 38 reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities.
Reservations for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories will be implemented as per government guidelines.
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