UPSC IAS 2025: Major Changes in CSE Application Procedure Following Puja Khedkar Controversy

Following the Puja Khedkar controversy, the UPSC has introduced major changes in the IAS application procedure for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. Candidates can check new application guidelines here

UPSC IAS Exam 2025: Recently, the Union Public Service Commission released the official notification for the UPSC IAS prelims exam 2025. From this year onwards, the Commission has now made it mandatory for applicants to submit documents, including educational, caste, and physical disability certificates, online during the UPSC IAS 2025 application process for prelims exam.

The changes to the UPSC CSE application rules follow the case of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is accused of forging identity documents, misrepresenting information, and misrepresenting facts to secure additional attempts in the UPSC CSE 2022.

Major Changes in UPSC IAS 2025 Application Procedure

The online submission of the following documents has been made mandatory for aspirants at the IAS preliminary exam stage of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):

• Educational certificates
• Caste certificates
• Physical disability certificates

The Commission also stated that applicants' candidature will be cancelled if they fail to submit the required information or documents with their online UPSC IAS application. This is a change from the previous process, where documents were required to be scanned and uploaded only after qualifying for the UPSC IAS Mains exam 2025.

The official notice states, “A candidate who is willing to apply for Civil Services Examination shall be required to apply on-line and submit the requisite information and supporting documents towards various claims, such as date of birth, category [viz. SC/ST/OBC/ EWS/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen], educational qualification and Service preferences etc. as may be sought by the Commission alongwith the Online Application Form."

UPSC IAS 2025: 10-Day Window After Prelims Results for Cadre Preference

The notification states that candidates will be given a 10-day window after the preliminary examination results are announced to specify their cadre preferences. Additionally, a 15-day window will be provided from the date of the declaration of the Civil Services (Main) exam results for those who qualify for the Personality Test/Interview.

Reason For Changes in UPSC IAS Application 2025 Guidelines

These changes have been introduced following the case of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who allegedly forged identity documents, misrepresented facts, and falsified information to secure extra attempts in the UPSC CSE 2022. She is also accused of submitting a fake Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) certificate to claim reservation benefits.

As a result, she managed to bypass UPSC’s regulations, appearing for the exams 12 times instead of the permitted nine attempts. The alleged forgery came to light in June last year while she was undergoing field training in Pune. She was later removed from service, is facing criminal charges, and is currently out on bail.

UPSC IAS Vacancies 2025

The Ministry has announced 979 vacancies for this year’s UPSC exams, marking the lowest number in the past three years. The exams recruit candidates for 23 services, including the IAS, IFS, and IPS.

Read More

• UPSC IAS 2025 Application Details; Check Information Required To Fill Civil Services Registration Form
• UPSC IAS Notification 2025 Released; Civil Services Exam Application Link Available; Apply at upsc.gov.in