New Delhi: In a major disciplinary action, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has debarred a candidate from appearing in its examinations for a period of three years after she was caught using unauthorized materials during the test. Her candidature for the current year’s examination has also been cancelled.
The Commission announced the action via its official LinkedIn page, invoking Rule 12(1)(h) of its guidelines, which deals with the use or possession of unfair means during examinations.
UPSC Sends Strong Message on Examination Integrity
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar issued a stern warning to all aspirants, stating:
“We do not compromise on maintaining the sanctity of the examination. If any candidate cheats or uses unfair means, their candidature will be cancelled, and they will be debarred from appearing in future exams.”
He emphasized that this action should serve as a deterrent to others, reinforcing the Commission’s zero-tolerance policy towards malpractice.
Why This Action Matters
Every year, lakhs of aspirants from across the country appear for UPSC examinations, considered among the most competitive in India. Any breach of exam rules not only undermines the credibility of the process but also disadvantages honest candidates.
The Commission reiterated that such acts are treated as serious offenses, as they affect the integrity of the selection process and the morale of deserving candidates. UPSC stated that it remains committed to ensuring fairness and transparency at all levels.
Repeated Warnings, Yet Cheating Persists
The UPSC has, on several occasions, reminded candidates to thoroughly read examination guidelines and avoid any conduct that could be construed as dishonest. Despite this, instances of malpractice continue to emerge, prompting strict enforcement of rules.
In previous years too, the Commission has taken strong disciplinary actions, including long-term bans, against candidates found guilty of cheating or misrepresentation.
What Rule 12(1)(h) States
Rule 12(1)(h) explicitly prohibits the use or possession of unfair means during an examination. Violation of this rule leads to-
- Cancellation of candidature for the current year
- Debarment from appearing in future UPSC exams for a specified period
Action Taken Against Pooja Khedkar
Last year, the UPSC registered a criminal case against former probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedkar on charges of cheating and misusing the reservation system by providing false information. She was accused of securing selection in the civil services by wrongly claiming benefits under the OBC and disability quotas.
Read Also: Ex-IAS Trainee Pooja Khedkar’s OBC Certificate Cancelled Over Fraud in UPSC Selection
How many times can you attempt the UPSC exam?
The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC exam depends on the candidate’s category. Candidates from the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category can attempt the exam up to 6 times. OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts, while there is no limit on the number of attempts for candidates belonging to the SC and ST categories. The minimum age required to appear for the UPSC exam is 21 years.
